Things to Do in Nelson Tasman

Things to Do in Nelson Tasman: at the top of the South Island, New Zealand’s sunniest region blends golden beaches, three national parks and a thriving arts scene. Kayak or walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track, cross Tākaka Hill to wild Golden Bay and cycle Tasman’s Great Taste Trail past vineyards and cafés. Nelson, known in Māori as Whakatū, is a compact, colourful city of galleries, craft breweries and a famous Saturday market. The Nelson Tasman region is also the home of hops, so it’s a good place to sample local beer.

Experience Nelson Tasman

• Abel Tasman National Park and its Great Walk
• Golden Bay, Farewell Spit and Wharariki Beach
• Tasman’s Great Taste Trail and world-class mountain biking
• Craft beer, wine and local artisans
• A sunny climate and a vibrant arts scene

You´ll ❤️ these great things to see & do…

• Kayak, cruise or walk the coast of Abel Tasman National Park
• See Split Apple Rock (Toka Ngawhā) from the water
• Cross Tākaka Hill to Golden Bay and Wharariki Beach
• Tour Farewell Spit by off-road bus or scenic flight
• Cycle part of the 200 km Tasman’s Great Taste Trail
• Browse Nelson’s Saturday Market and the Moutere artisans

Where to Experience It in Nelson Tasman

The region is easy to explore because everything is close by, so the easiest way to plan your things to do in Nelson Tasman is by area and theme.

• Abel Tasman National Park: the Coastal Track Great Walk is spectacular year-round and especially tranquil outside summer. Kayak trips take in hidden coves and rock formations, with the chance to meet dolphins and seals. Day cruises, waka trips, canyoning and scenic flights are other ways in. See Boat Cruises & Water Activities and Māori Culture.
• Kaiteriteri and Mārahau: Kaiteriteri is one of New Zealand’s favourite beaches and the launch point for boat trips to Split Apple Rock. Mārahau is the Great Walk gateway to Abel Tasman. See Wildlife & Beaches.
• Golden Bay (Mohua): over Tākaka Hill, where art, alternative living and outdoor life meet. Don’t miss Ngārua Caves, Harwoods Hole, Te Waikoropupū Springs, Tōtaranui and Wharariki. Farewell Spit can be explored by off-road bus tour or scenic flight. See Scenic Flights.
• Nelson city (Whakatū): galleries, boutiques and Pikimai, the cathedral hill. Walk to the Centre of New Zealand lookout, swim at Tāhunanui Beach or visit Nelson Provincial Museum and Founders Heritage Park. See Museums and Heritage & Art.
• Home of Middle-earth: Jens Hansen, the jewellers who made The One Ring for The Lord of the Rings, welcome visitors to their workshop. See Home of Middle‑earth.
• Wildlife: The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, the South Island’s largest fenced sanctuary at 690 hectares, runs day and night tours just minutes from Nelson. See Nature.
• Cycling: Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is 200 km of coastal and cross-country riding with vineyards, cafés and galleries, including Moturoa Rabbit Island, Māpua, Motueka to Kaiteriteri and the Spooners Tunnel. See Cycling & Mountain Biking.
• Mountain biking: internationally gold-rated trails just minutes from the city, including the Coppermine Trail Great Ride, Cable Bay Adventure Park and Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. Nelson is also a gateway to the Old Ghost Road and Paparoa Trail.
• Walks and hikes: Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes national parks, the Heaphy Track Great Walk, the Travers–Sabine Circuit and the Lake Angelus loop. See Walking & Hiking.
• Adventure: the Skywire zipline and quad bikes at Cable Bay Adventure Park, skydiving, river canyoning and jet boating. See Active & Adventure.

Events in Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman has a busy year-round calendar, so there are always things to do in Nelson Tasman that fit your travel dates.

Spring (September–November)

• Nelson Arts Festival: 11 days of arts experiences.
• NZ Cider Festival: over 100 varieties of cider from New Zealand’s best cider makers.
• Abel Tasman Coastal Classic: a 33 km trail run from Awaroa to Mārahau, with a boat ride to the start line.
• The Nelson Half, Paddlefest Nelson, Nelson Clay Week and the Moutere Artisans Open Day.
• The Great Christmas Market and the Nelson A&P Show.

Summer (December–February)

• NZ Sotheby’s International Realty Nelson Opera in the Park: a night of music under the stars.
• The Spectacle: New Zealand’s newest running festival.
• Adam International Chamber Music Festival: held every two years in Nelson.
• Evolve Festival: New Zealand’s longest-running wellness festival.
• Golden Bay A&P Show.

Autumn (March–May)

• Marchfest: a craft beer and music festival, held in the craft brewing and hop-growing capital of New Zealand.
• Nelson Italian Festival, Tuku Whakatū (six weeks of events sharing Nelson’s stories), Nelson Jewellery Week and the Nelson Yoga Festival.
• NZ MTB Rally (a six-day enduro) and the Cable Bay Enduro.

Winter (June–August)

• Te Ramaroa Light Festival: held every two years.
• Burger Nelson Tasman, Nelson Jazz Winter Festival, Ceol Aneas Irish Music Festival and Matariki celebrations.
• Founders Annual Book Fair: a nine-day second-hand book fair starting on King’s Birthday weekend in June.

Nelson Tasman After Dark

Hours and programmes change, so confirm with each operator.

• Stargazing: see the official stargazing guide.
• Night tours: The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary runs day and night tours.
• Live music: the official Listen to the music guide lists venues. The Mussel Inn in Golden Bay brews on site and features live music regularly.
• Hot tubs: try bathing under the stars.

Eat & Drink in Nelson Tasman

This region makes good use of its land and sea, from fresh seasonal produce to craft beer. Nelson Tasman is known as the home of hops, so brew-pubs and tap rooms are part of the visit.

• Visit cellar doors and vineyard cafés, and the region’s distilleries and brew-pubs.
• Stop at Māpua Wharf for waterside dining and small shops.
• Don’t miss Nelson’s famous Saturday Market.
• Browse more at Food & Wine.

Nelson Tasman by Season

Here are the best things to do in Nelson Tasman in each season, based on the official events calendar.

• Summer (Dec–Feb): beaches, Opera in the Park and the busiest season. Book accommodation early, because bookings are highly recommended from December to March.
• Autumn (Mar–May): Marchfest, art trails and mountain-bike races.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): jazz, Matariki and cosy festivals. The Heaphy Track is open to mountain bikers from May to November.
• Spring (Sep–Nov): the Nelson Arts Festival, the Cider Festival and the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is tranquil outside summer.

For national dates such as Waitangi Day, Matariki and Great Walks season, see New Zealand Festivals.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Flying in: Nelson Airport is about 1 hour 30 minutes’ flight from Auckland and about 1 hour from Christchurch.
• By ferry: Interislander runs from Wellington to Picton in just over three hours, through the Marlborough Sounds. Picton is about 2 hours’ drive from Nelson.
• Getting to Abel Tasman: the Better Bus connects Nelson with Mārahau and Kaiteriteri from October to May. Tour operators and water taxis make getting around the park easy.
• Golden Bay: Golden Bay Air runs scenic flights and scheduled flights between Wellington, Tākaka and Nelson.
• Book ahead: book in advance for all Abel Tasman services, whatever the season.
• Great Walks: overnight stays in Abel Tasman include lodges, DOC huts and campsites. Hut and campsite tickets are bought from the Department of Conservation.

Driving times from Nelson

• Richmond: 20 minutes · Māpua: 35 minutes · Motueka: 45 minutes
• Kaiteriteri and Mārahau: about 1 hour · Lake Rotoiti: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Blenheim (Marlborough): 1 hour 45 minutes · Picton: about 2 hours
• Tākaka (Golden Bay): about 2 hours · Collingwood: 2 hours 30 minutes · Pūponga: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Murchison: 1 hour 45 minutes · Westport (West Coast): 3 hours

Combine Nelson Tasman With

Nelson Tasman sits at the top of the South Island, so it pairs well with these regions:

• Marlborough – Picton and the Marlborough Sounds, about two hours away, and the gateway for the Interislander ferry
• West Coast – through Murchison to Westport, about three hours
• Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs – wildlife and hot pools, reached via Blenheim
• Christchurch & Canterbury – about an hour by air
• Wellington & Wairarapa – across Cook Strait by ferry or by air

Popular themes in Nelson Tasman

Boat Cruises & Water Activities · Walking & Hiking · Cycling & Mountain Biking · Food & Wine · Wildlife & Beaches

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