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What it’s all About
Make It Nelson is an initiative from Hiwa (Arts Council Nelson), long-time champions of artists and innovators across the Top of the South.
The month-long programme puts experienced artists, craftspeople, innovators, and makers at the centre, leading practical, hands-on sessions in studios and creative spaces throughout the city.
Most workshops are stand-alone sessions – you’ll make something from go-to-whoa within three hours!
From crafting your own coffee mug, leather pouch or silver ring, to making your own zines or carving a spoon, Make It Nelson invites you to nurture your creative spark.
It’s about slowing down, working with your hands, and heading home with something truly unique.
we made it in 2026
The first Make It Nelson was in June 2026, when we held more than 90 workshops over 4 weekends, with more than 75 workshops selling out. It was awesome!
To be honest, we knew we were onto a good thing, but we certainly weren’t expecting that kind of response!
One of our favourite things was Make It at the Cathedral, where we gave out free drawing boards and pastels, and had local band Nile Street Project perform live. It was an evening of sublime vibes, in a shared creative moment on a mass-scale.
We can’t wait to Make It all again in 2027.
The Making of a Great Weekend (how it works)
Plan your weekend: Workshops run mainly across the four weekends in June to make your visit easy to schedule.
Choose your pace: A mix of half-day, full-day, and multi-day options
Mix and match: We use consistent session times so you can easily book multiple workshops over a weekend.
Dive right in: Most sessions are designed for complete beginners, requiring no prior knowledge or specialized skills.
All-inclusive making: All tools, materials, and consumables are included in your ticket price unless stated otherwise.
Take it home: Most workshops are designed so you leave with something you’ve made yourself.
You don’t need any prior experience, just an interest in learning and making.
Is Make It Nelson for you?
Make It Nelson is the right time to take a break from everything else. It’s a chance to take a breath, and make something for yourself.
Make It Nelson is for people who are curious about making and keen to learn new skills, especially beginners looking for a welcoming first experience at getting hands-on at making something.
It’s ideal for couples or friends planning a creative weekend away, visitors seeking activity-based travel, and locals wanting to try something a little different over winter.
You’re welcome to come on your own or bring others along — either way, you’ll fit right in.
Whakatū Nelson - Your Creative Winter Getaway
June in Nelson is famously bright, crisp, and perfect for getting hands-on in a creative studio.
Our compact city is easy to explore on foot, meaning you can wander from a morning pottery session to a local café for lunch, and then on to a gallery or a seaside stroll.
Make It Nelson works perfectly as a long weekend escape, with workshops scheduled to give you time to create, explore, and recharge.
Outside of the city centre there are plenty of great options for both adventure and relaxation – there’s our famous mountain biking trails, the breathtaking beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, and the excellent Great Taste Trail leading you through wineries and stunning landscapes.
For more information about visiting Nelson see www.nelsontasman.nz
