Nelson Tasman is an incredible region in the north of New Zealand’s South Island. Here, sea, forest and mountains blend together to create a natural setting worthy of contemplation. This region has much to offer, with its three national parks and golden beaches.
Enjoying nature will be the order of the day, but you can also relax in the city of Nelson and discover everything it has to offer.
The Nelson Tasman region is considered the geological centre of New Zealand, being in the north of the South Island. The city of Nelson, with the neighbouring towns of Richmond, Takaka, Motueka and Murchison, serve as the heart of the region. The total population of Nelson is almost 53,000, and the population of the whole of Nelson Tasman is over 100,000.
Speaking a little about the region, it contains three national parks: Abel Tasman National Park is famous for its coastline and golden beaches, Kahurangi National Park with its mountain peaks, and Nelson Lake with lakes formed by glaciers.
We cannot finish without talking about Golden Bay, an area in Nelson Tasman that is known for being one of the sunniest in the country. In addition, the place has the largest amount of fresh water produced by springs in the country. These are known as Te Waikoropupu Springs and I will tell you about them later.
The Nelson Tasman region follows the same rule that can be applied to almost all regions in New Zealand: the best time to visit is during the summer (December to February). Why? Because during these months you can enjoy water activities, camp outdoors, and walk on hiking trails without fear of rain or snow.
That said, these are also the busiest months for tourists, so you can often find yourself without a place to camp or tours to take. Perhaps that’s why you may think about going in spring, where, although it will be cold, the sun will be warm enough and the rain will not be as bothersome as in autumn. However, swimming will only be for those who can bear the cold well.
It’s essential to travel to New Zealand with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well.
You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
Internet is mandatory for getting around and using metservice, the country’s weather service. Keeping up to date with the weather is necessary if you don’t want to have any problems. It can also be very useful when translating if you don’t understand English very well.
To do this, we will tell you how to get a New Zealand SIM card with the internet and take advantage of its affordable prices. And now we also have information about the New Zealand eSIM with unlimited data.
If you are planning to visit Nelson Tasman, your goal will be to go to the city of Nelson and from there organize your trip around the area. For this reason, let’s look at the different ways to get to Nelson.
Nelson City has a small airport 10 minutes drive from Nelson. Therefore, you can access it from any airport in New Zealand. Also, as I mentioned before, the Nelson Tasman region is located in the centre of the country so the flight will be rather short.
To give you a couple of examples, from Wellington and Christchurch it takes just 45 minutes. In the case of Auckland and Invercargill, it will be just over 1 hour and a half, these being the longest.
Driving is the most convenient way to get to Nelson, especially if you are on the South Island. The drive from Christchurch is just 5.5 hours.
If you wish to travel by car from the North Island, you will need to go through Wellington and from there take the 4-hour ferry to Picton. Once in Picton, you will need to drive for just under 2 hours.
If you choose to travel by bus, getting to Nelson is fairly easy from some of the main towns on the South Island. For example, from Picton the journey takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, while from Christchurch it is 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Other towns with direct buses to Nelson are: Blenheim, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. This means that if you are leaving from Queenstown or Invercargill you will either have to go through Christchurch or a town on the West Coast.
There are three very interesting museums in Nelson. The most important, or at least the one that interested me the most, was Founders Heritage Park. Why? Well, imagine, a museum compressed into the space of a small town. Here everything is history.
Stop by Founders café, browse the many artisan shops or hop on the short train that takes you on an iconic ride. Yes, this is an ideal way to discover Nelson’s heritage.
The other two museums, although not as exciting, also have their own appeal. On the one hand, at the Nelson Provincial Museum you will discover the compressed history of the region. On the other, the Nelson Classic Car Museum will be a must-see for classic car lovers.
Ok, this place is a bit different. To go down it, you will need to bring your bike or rent one from one of the rental shops that you will surely find around the Nelson Tasman region. That said, grab your bike and… let’s get to it!
The Tasman Great Taste Trail is a fairly easy-going circuit with a few minor climbs and just 175 kilometres that you can walk at your own pace. The route takes you through farmland, vineyards, wineries, art galleries, winding coastline, hills, rivers and valleys, a perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the nature of Nelson Tasman.
But that’s not all: the circuit is not called Tasman Great Taste Trail for nothing. No, it’s not because of the incredible food to taste, but because the circuit allows you to “taste” all kinds of landscapes. Countryside, city, coast, mountains and rivers. Quite an experience!
A 3.5 kilometres one-way walk starting in the coastal village of Glenduan, this route offers the ultimate combination of coastal views and lush native rainforests, while the hilltops offer postcard-perfect views of Coastal Boulder Bank, Nelson City and Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.
This route is considered one of the most iconic in the entire Nelson Tasman region. While you are in Cable Bay, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit. In this calm bay you can safely swim, snorkel or even kayak. One last thing, though: unfortunately you cannot bring animals due to conservation issues with native flora and fauna.
The closest beach to the city of Nelson and therefore one of the most visited (in summer it will be packed). This is not only a tourist destination because it is close to Nelson, but its almost two kilometres of beach will invite you to swim. At the same time, here you can go kayaking or swim to the pointed Fifeshire Rock, Haulashore Island and the historic Boulder Bank. Are you going to miss it?
This sanctuary is considered an “ecological island” in the middle of the continent. This is due to a very important reason: the sanctuary is home to endangered plants and animals native to New Zealand. The most famous of them all is the Kiwi Bird, although you can also see kākā and Tuatara among others. A sanctuary dedicated entirely to preserving the native flora and fauna of Nelson Tasman.
Talking a little about the details of the place, this sanctuary is the largest in the South Island and the second in New Zealand. You can access it by paying 18 Nz$ or 10 Nz$ for children between 5 and 15 years old. The staff of the place along with volunteers will introduce you to the local nature. Finally, you can simply take a map and take a walk around the sanctuary or join a tour and discover in depth what this place can offer you.
The smallest national park in all of New Zealand, yet one of the most beautiful. Abel Tasman National Park covers the land compressed between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay, a place that is very easily accessible from Nelson, just 1 hour by car. It can also be explored on foot by taking the “Great Walk” Abel Tasman Coast Track (book at the link above) or by kayak along the sunny coast.
If you decide to go on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, I can assure you that you won’t regret it. To give you some background, this hiking route is world-famous and the busiest in Nelson Tasman. Imagine, wild jungle combined with golden beaches and under sculpted granite cliffs… a true work of art by Mother Nature!
Finally, the trail is 64 kilometers long and can be completed in 3 to 5 days.
Since you are in this Abel Tasman National Park, you cannot leave without visiting the famous Apple Rock, a mysterious rock which is divided in two sides in such a perfect way that anyone would think that a Maori god with his axe split it in a fit of anger or as a show of power. In fact, that is the popular belief ;). But if those rocks do not impress you, do not worry, the beach that houses it will surely delight you.
Located in the northern reaches of the Southern Alps, Nelson Lakes National Park is a must-see stop on your trip through Nelson Tasman just 1.5 hours drive from Nelson, and it offers incredible views of narrow peaks, forest and glacial lakes.
Glacial lakes? That’s right, when glaciers disappear they do so in such a big way, leaving vast and deep lakes. A clear example of this are the lakes Rotoiti and Rotorua in this national park in Nelson Tasman. The truth is that they are incredible; my favorite is Lake Rotoiti, although Lake Rotorua is the most famous, but both are beautiful lakes, with intense blue waters surrounded by native forest and the imposing alpine mountains in the distance.
There are several hiking trails in the area of varying levels. Some of them will take you along the lakes through the forest. The one I did with my friends took us along the shore of Lake Rotoiti, where we took a detour to the spectacular Whisky Falls waterfall. Sitting under its powerful waters was quite an experience!
Remember, though, that these lakes in the Nelson Tasman region are glacial, and, even in summer, their waters are freezing cold. Finally, you can also go kayaking on the calm waters here.
If Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest in New Zealand, Kahurangi National Park is the second largest. This national park is located northwest of Nelson Tasman and its area extends from Golden Bay to Murchison. It’s a vast territory reserved entirely for local fauna and flora where fast-flowing rivers cut through plateaus and dense mountain forests mix with coastal jungle.
Stunning nature is accessible via hiking trails, the most famous of which are Heaphy Track and Wangapeka Track. You can also go rafting or caving in this Nelson Tasman National Park. A real adventure awaits you if you decide to visit Kahurangi National Park!
If you’ve been reading the general information in this guide, you’ll know that Te Waikoropupu Springs has the largest amount of freshwater in all of New Zealand. The area is almost a two-hour drive from Nelson, through the town of Takaka.
I must confess that I’ve never seen clearer water than the ones at its source in my life. The eight springs that make up the Te Waikoropupu Springs area are truly unique in the world, and you can only see them here in Nelson Tasman. It is almost as if the water were not there, as you can see the entire bottom as if it were in the open air. I can tell you that, if you were to dive into it (which unfortunately you will not be able to do), the visibility would allow you to see up to 63 metres. Crazy!
Ok, Marcos, stop getting all excited and tell me how to get there. Ok, sorry, it’s easy. A short circuit of just 20 minutes will take you to the springs via a platform suspended just a few centimetres above the water, a tour in which you will be able to appreciate the crystal-clear waters and the colourful bottom as you enter the native forest of Nelson Tasman.
Finally, the place is sacred to the Maori culture. Therefore, you cannot touch the water, fish or even drink or eat. All to protect the water from impurities and not commit sacrilege.
If you want to reach Golden Bay, you will have to take a tour of the Takaka Hills. In addition to the incredible landscape of Nelson Tasman, you can see several limestone mountain formations and, within them, several incredible caves.
The most famous of them all is Rawhiti Cave. And it is not for nothing: this cave has the largest entrance in all of New Zealand. 40 metres wide by 20 metres high!
You can visit the cave on your own and climb to the top of the entrance, a climb that should not take you more than 45 minutes and offers a different view of the cave and the surroundings. The cave itself is located just 10 minutes from Takaka and 1 hour and a half from Nelson. Tell me, have you been curious about this Nelson Tasman cave?
A full-day kayaking tour along the Nelson Tasman coastline, specifically in Abel Tasman National Park. This is one of the best kayaking adventures in the world due to the incredible views it offers and the ease of its waters. Get ready to discover the whimsical formations of the coastline: secret caves, paradisiacal beaches, rocky cliffs… You will also have the opportunity to spot marine animals such as seals and dolphins, or unique native birds of New Zealand.
This is a guided tour that guarantees the safety of its participants with a professional guide who is knowledgeable about the area. Just keep in mind that you will have to prepare your own lunch and book in advance, as this tour often sells out, since it is one of the most popular tours in the Nelson Tasman region.
Ok, go for it: you can’t miss this experience if you love adrenaline and want to explore its effects in its purest form. I’m telling you, what better way to feel the rush than skydiving from 18,000 feet (about 6 kilometers) while taking in the stunning landscape of Abel Tasman? The views of the Nelson Tasman region alone will make the jump worth it. But if I also tell you that it’s a total of one minute of free fall, I don’t know what you’re waiting for hahaha.
If you haven’t dared to go skydiving yet, don’t worry, you can also explore the Abel Tasman National Park on a sea cruise with the added bonus of hiking on land. Yes, this excursion has everything included. Transport from the hotel in Nelson, a cruise along the coast discovering seal colonies and walks along the coastline and native forest. At the same time as you immerse yourself more and more in nature, the expert will give you all the information about the Maori heritage and the German settlements in the Nelson Tasman region.
Golden Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the Nelson Tasman region, so a great way to explore it is on a day tour. This tour takes you by bus through the Takaka Hills, overlooking vineyards and the coastline.
You will also explore the mountainous areas with panoramic views of the Kahurangi National Park. Finally, you can stroll through the hippie town of Takaka and, of course, be dazzled by Te Waikoropupu Springs. A quick and direct way to discover Golden Bay and everything that this area of Nelson Tasman has to offer.
A simple and fun tour of Nelson Tasman’s capital, with which you will discover the most emblematic places in the city. This type of tour is a complete immersion experience with a guide, walking around and learning in detail the architecture of the city, the secrets hidden in the museums or the best places to dine. I tell you, at the end of the tour you will be able to consider yourself almost a citizen of Nelson 🙂
We’re back on the bikes again, but this time on a guided day tour that will take us along the railway tracks. This tour shows a quieter side of Nelson Tasman, riding through plains filled with vineyards and fields of crops, with the Alpine mountains always in sight.
The best part? This tour goes through the longest tunnel in the entire Southern Hemisphere. Plus, on this excursion you’ll get to try some of the region’s wines on one of its banks. Finally, there’s the chance to sample the local cuisine, but you’ll have to pay a little extra.
Okay, Farewell Spit is a curious place located at the northern end of Nelson Tasman that you can visit on your own or on a tour. That said, it is a protected Nature Reserve for having an immense variety of seabirds and wild animals. Likewise, this place is the largest sandpit in all of New Zealand (26 km), with the added bonus of being super narrow and interesting. Just take a look at it on Google Maps and you’ll know what I’m talking about 😉
If you are up for a tour, I recommend this one, which follows an ecological route along the sandy moat, where you will discover native birds, dunes, sandy cliffs and the immense beach of Farewell Spit. Finally, a guide will give you all the details of the place and explain the history of the distant lighthouse.
Nelson Tasman is a vast region so where you stay will depend on how you travel. On the one hand, if you are not travelling by car or caravan, then you should stay in Nelson and from there take one of the tours that leave from the city.
On the other hand, if you have a caravan or car, you can look for more remote campsites or hotel complexes in the middle of Nelson Tasman, right next to some of the attractions. That said, let’s look at the best accommodations in Nelson Tasman.
Tasman Bay Backpackers is your choice if you want to stay in a hostel with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Located 700 metres from Nelson city center, this hostel offers dormitories with shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen and a living room with a fireplace.
But without a doubt what won me over about it was the ice cream and chocolates served every evening…for free!
Other very cozy options in Nelson Tasman with a more than affordable price are:
A very, very good place is Arrow Motel Apartments. with its perfect location, just 5 minutes walk from Tahunanui Beach, 5 minutes by bike from the Great Coastal Cycle Trail and 7 minutes by car from Nelson.
This Nelson Tasman motel offers modern, fully-equipped apartments, and an outdoor pool, ideal for an overnight stay and planning your trip to Nelson Tasman.
Two hotels I would like to mention in case you don’t fancy staying in Nelson are:
If you want to stay in a quiet hotel, away from the city but with good access to the main attractions of Nelson Tasman, your choice will be Big Sky Nelson Luxury B & B, 15 minutes from Nelson and 1 hour from the Abel Tasman National Park. It offers complete, luxurious and private rooms with views of the coast.
All with tea and coffee service available at all hours, and you can enjoy a delicious breakfast included in the price, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Finally, if you fancy enjoying the Nelson Tasman region without giving up luxury, here are two hotels that are not in the city of Nelson:
The best way to get around New Zealand and, by extension, this place, is by car or campervan. In fact, I highly recommend renting a campervan and travelling anywhere with it.
New Zealand is a country that is completely adapted to motorhomes: there are plenty of campsites, public toilets, showers and everything you can imagine that you might need. Therefore, going in a motorhome will be very simple and comfortable. Lastly, this is also the cheapest way to do it, since, despite the initial expense, you will save a lot on accommodation and meals in restaurants.
As you can see, the Nelson Tasman region has an incredible range of things to do and places to explore. Visiting the whole area could take up to a month, but if you’re limited on time in New Zealand, it shouldn’t take you more than 5 days.
Nelson Tasman, like all the best in New Zealand, can be easily explored by campervan or car and camping at the many campsites spread throughout the region. Even if you don’t have a vehicle, you can always join the tours that leave from Nelson and enjoy Nelson Tasman without any problems.
Finally, this place has stunning flora and fauna combined with postcard-worthy landscapes. Therefore, you will fully immerse yourself in New Zealand’s nature.
Now, let’s look at some common sense tips and recommendations to get the most out of your visit to Nelson Tasman:
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Nelson Tasman.
