Founders Heritage Park

Founders Heritage Park Celebrating years of history, charm, and family fun in Nelson. Explore our rich heritage with us! Enjoy the charms of days gone by. in 1977.
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Stroll through the character streets, tranquil established gardens and charming village greens. During the summer months take a ride on the train, meet resident artists working in ceramics, wrought iron, stone jewellery and the ancient art of cooperage. Relax and dine alfresco at the Founders Café Brewery – beer tastings are available. The Park also stages large public events including, March Fest

, Evolve, Nelson Growables Garden Fair, and our Queen's Birthday Book Fair. This historic village is the result of community spirit, the brain-child of a number of Nelson citizens who set up Founders (Inc.) It was made possible with initial support from Nelson's business community. A number of major firms assisted in the construction of historic replica buildings and the donation of original buildings. An extensive historic collection of up to 20,000 items was also donated by Nelson residents, leading to the opening of Founders Heritage Park to the public in 1986. Nelson City Council took over ownership and management of the park on 1 April 1995.

📚🎂 THE BOOK VAULT IS ONE! 🎉They grow up so fast. One minute you’re opening the doors to a second-hand bookshop… the next...
08/09/2026

📚🎂 THE BOOK VAULT IS ONE! 🎉

They grow up so fast. One minute you’re opening the doors to a second-hand bookshop… the next you’re one year old and eating a book-shaped chocolate cake. 📖🍰

On Saturday 5 September, The Book Vault at Founders Heritage Park celebrated its first birthday! 🥳

A huge thank you to the Friends of Founders and the wonderful team of volunteers who give their time to keep the shelves stocked, the books organised and the doors open week after week. ❤️

And, of course, thank you to everyone who has visited, browsed, donated and bought books over the past year. Every book that heads off to a new home helps support the work of the Friends of Founders.

If you haven't discovered The Book Vault yet, there are thousands of second-hand books waiting for you.

⚠️ Warning: popping in for "just a quick look" may result in leaving with six books you didn't know you needed. 📚😂

The Book Vault is open every:
📖 Thursday
📖 Friday
📖 Saturday
📖 Sunday
⏰ 11am–3pm
📍 Find it inside Founders Heritage Park.

Happy 1st Birthday, Book Vault! Here's to many more years of giving good books another chapter. 🎂📚❤️

07/09/2026

✨ BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE IT WAS BROKEN ✨

There’s something rather special about Kintsugi. 💛

Instead of hiding the cracks in broken pottery, this centuries-old Japanese art celebrates them, repairing the piece with gold and turning its imperfections into part of its story.

And this September, you can learn how to do it yourself right here at Founders Heritage Park.

🎨 Kiwi artist Ema Frost returns to Nelson for her third Kintsugi workshop, sharing the techniques, history and philosophy behind this beautiful art form.

Bring along a piece of pottery that deserves a second life (or choose from one of Ema’s back-up pieces) and leave with your own finished artwork. cracks, gold and all. ✨

📅 Sunday 20 September 2026
📍 St Peter’s Church, Founders Heritage Park
🕥 10.30am–12.30pm OR 2pm–4pm
🎟️ $175 per person
🙌 All levels welcome

Because sometimes fixing something doesn’t mean making it look like it was never broken. 💛

Spaces are limited, book your workshop place with Ema Frost.

A heartfelt tribute to Martin White.Founders Heritage Park was fortunate to serve as the backdrop for so many of Martin’...
28/08/2026

A heartfelt tribute to Martin White.

Founders Heritage Park was fortunate to serve as the backdrop for so many of Martin’s memorable characters and performances with Histrionics. His dedication to sharing Nelson and ANZAC history brought smiles and rich stories to so many in our community.

We send our warmest thoughts to Monique, his family, and the Histrionics team during this sad time.

Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual, but this is pretty close! 👶✨Mark your calendars: the annual Nelson Pa...
27/08/2026

Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual, but this is pretty close! 👶✨

Mark your calendars: the annual Nelson Parent and Child Expo is coming to Founders Heritage Park! Brought to you by Create Events Limited, it’s a brilliant day dedicated to supporting, connecting, and celebrating local families and community organisations.

Whether you are expecting your first, navigating the toddler tornado stage, or wrangling school-aged kids, you'll find fantastic local stalls, expert advice, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

📅 Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
📍 Location: Founders Heritage Park, Nelson
🎟️ Tickets: On sale NOW via TryBooking

Round up the crew, tag your parent-friends in the comments, and grab your tickets before they’re gone! 👇

Swipe to see the definition of "The Plan vs. Reality" — and spoiler alert: We actually pulled it off! 🤯We’re throwing it...
27/08/2026

Swipe to see the definition of "The Plan vs. Reality" — and spoiler alert: We actually pulled it off! 🤯

We’re throwing it way back this week to look at how Founders Heritage Park went from a science-fair-winning model to the vibrant village you know and love.

👇 Here’s the story in 3 steps:

The Blueprint (1970s)
Look at this absolute masterpiece! Sixth-former Matthew Bennetts constructed this incredibly detailed model for his University Entrance design course. We don't want to brag, but we think he deserves an A+ in "Visionary Excellence" and maybe "Time Travel," because it looks very similar to the real thing.

The Original "Grand Reveal" (1970s)
If this isn't a power-pose moment, we don't know what is. Matthew Bennetts, G. Couchman (the designer), J. Auton (the management committee chair), and G. Bilkey (the architect), all pointing at the future with immense satisfaction. They knew it would be great, but we bet they didn't know just how cool it would become!

The Reality (Today)
And boom! The vision comes to life. Fast forward through a lot of hard work and moving actual historic buildings, and here we are. The complex of shops, the old St Peter's Church, the energy centre, the engine collection... it's all here. The interior designer, Mr. Couchman, said he wanted a place "where people can learn about things they never even realised they were interested in." Mission accomplished!

Who’s here for a trip down memory lane? 👇

Tag a mate who still owes you for that time you visited Founders together, and drop your favorite memory of the park in the comments! Did you love the trains, the gardens, or just finally finding the vintage record store? Let’s hear it!

Nelson College Nelson College Old Boys

Calling all zinesters, doodlers, poets, and self-published heroes! ✂️📖✨ZineFest Nelson is happening on Saturday, 10 Octo...
26/08/2026

Calling all zinesters, doodlers, poets, and self-published heroes! ✂️📖✨

ZineFest Nelson is happening on Saturday, 10 October 2026, and the official open call for creators is live!

Whether you make folded paper masterpieces, punk pamphlets, comic strips, micro-fiction, or weird and wonderful art prints, we want you to share your voice and your vision.

📅 Event Date: 10 October 2026
⏰ Stallholder Applications Close: 20 September 2026
🔗 Apply Online: zinefestnelson.com

Dust off the photocopier, find your stapler, and get your application in before 20 September! Tag a creative mate below who needs a table. 👇

Your weekend plans just got a major plot twist. 📚🎶Science has yet to prove that you can have too many books or too much ...
26/08/2026

Your weekend plans just got a major plot twist. 📚🎶

Science has yet to prove that you can have too many books or too much vinyl, so why risk it? The doors to The Book Vault are officially unlocked and ready for your weekend treasure hunt.

Come browse our shelves, dig through the crates, and find something wonderfully pre-loved to take home. We won’t judge if your "to-read" pile is already taller than you are.

📍 Find us: The Book Vault, Founders Park
⏰ Open: Thursday to Sunday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

See you on the porch!

🎉 SAVE THE DATE! 🎉Mark your calendars for a very special celebration coming to Founders Heritage Park!On Thursday, 1st O...
17/08/2026

🎉 SAVE THE DATE! 🎉

Mark your calendars for a very special celebration coming to Founders Heritage Park!

On Thursday, 1st October 2026, Age Concern Nelson Tasman is turning 50! To celebrate 5 decades supporting older adults in our region, and to mark the International Day of Older Persons, a huge milestone Expo & Community Day is being held right here in the park.

Whether you want to check out local community services, enjoy live entertainment, connect with local groups, or just pop in for a cuppa in the sunshine, it’s going to be a fantastic day out for all generations.

The Details
📅 Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
📍 Location: Founders Heritage Park
🎟️ Admission: Free entry

Spread the word, tag your friends and whānau, and lock it into your calendar!

For more information, head over to Age Concern Nelson Tasman's Jubilee Page - https://www.ageconcernnt.org.nz/50th

🌱 Mark Your Calendars: A Little Event with Big Personality is Coming! 🌸Something small is making a huge statement next m...
16/08/2026

🌱 Mark Your Calendars: A Little Event with Big Personality is Coming! 🌸

Something small is making a huge statement next month! Save the date for the Nelson Bonsai Club Exhibition, held in conjunction with the Nelson Miyazu Cherry Blossom Festival.

Whether you are a seasoned living-art enthusiast or simply curious to see these meticulously crafted miniature trees up close, come along and marvel at the incredible skill on display.

Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, 26th September
⏰ Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
📍 Location: Jaycee Rooms, Founders Heritage Park
🎟️ Entry: Koha entry

Pop it in your diary, tag a friend who loves plants, and come celebrate spring in full bloom!

Tomorrow at Founders Heritage Park! 🤩🌿Need weekend plans? Join us tomorrow for My Time, My Life—the ultimate showcase of...
14/08/2026

Tomorrow at Founders Heritage Park! 🤩🌿

Need weekend plans? Join us tomorrow for My Time, My Life—the ultimate showcase of local hobbies, crafts, and sports!

Pop in, chat with local group members, try out new activities hands-on, and spend a great day in the park.

📍 Founders Heritage Park
🗓 Saturday, 15 August
⏰ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
🎟 FREE entry for everyone!

See you tomorrow morning! ☕✨

Address

87 Atawhai Drive
Nelson
7010

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10am - 4:30pm
Friday 10am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4:30pm
Sunday 10am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+6435482649

Website

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