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Kiwi Towns

What’s so great about Kaiteriteri

  • 3 minutes

Nelson, South Island

Kaiteriteri there are plenty of things to do. Kaiteriteri is one of the most popular beaches along the coastline. The large campground can be booked by families over several generations. The gold sand, the safe swimming, the perfect crescent shape framed by headlands covered in bush is a stamp for the classic summer beach holiday.

Te Puketea Beach on Pitt Head, Abel Tasman National Park, South Island, New Zealand
Te Puketea Beach, Abel Tasman National Park

WHAT TO DO, HIGHLIGHTS

  • Abel Tasman National Park is the jewel in the crown. Cobalt blue water, sandy beaches, range of adventures from slow walks to tramps, to numerous water sports.
  • Scenic cruises to where else but Abel Tasman National Park
  • Kimi Ora Eco Resort to pamper yourself and recover from the strenuous activity of doing not much at the beach
  • Cycle and explore Nelson’s Great Taste Trail
  • Waka Tours Abel Tasman operates from Kaiteriteri. Their beautifully painted waka (traditional double hulled canoes) are a great way to test your seafaring skills. All age groups will enjoy time on the water learning how to paddle in unison and gain insights into local Maori culture and history.

Easy Trail ride options — Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park is a premier mountain biking destination with a coterie of dedicated volunteers ensuring summer events deliver to the expected crowds

Walks

Kaiteriteri, in peak season, is similar to visiting your favourite shopping mall on Christmas Eve. It is undeniably bustling with seasonal joy.

Little Kaiteriteri

The southern end of the beach flows into Little Kaiteriteri with a walking track weaving around the headland, through the bush and down steps to the quieter beach.

Withell’s Track

Behind the Kaiteriteri Campground walk through native bush to a lookout point — 45 minutes (one way).

Kaiteriteri beaches, impossible gold sand, turquois water, Nelson, NZ
Kaiteriteri Beach

Kaka Pah Point

The northern end of the beach leads to Kaka Pah Point where information plaques tell the story of human occupation as you pass pohutukawa and manuka trees. There is seating overlooking the gold crescent of Kaiteriteri.

Walk to Dummy Bay and Stephens Bay

Less crowds, quiet beaches frequented by locals

  • Walking sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track is an excellent half-day walk option, for further exploration of Abel Tasman National Park

HIGHLIGHTS OF ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

  • Tonga Island Marine Reserve with shags, gannets, little blue penguins and seals.
  • Short walks that encompass both the coast and dip into the coastal forests
  • Kayaking the coast and viewing the scenery from the water
  • The sheer choice of activities available
  • The variety of scenery packed into a very small space
@Abel Tasman Kayaks
@Abel Tasman Kayaks
@kimiora.eco.resort.kaiteriteri
@kimiora.eco.resort.kaiteriteri

Indulge, relax

  • Award winning local wineries in the Motueka area to inland Moutere include Riwaka River Estate, Neudorf, Kahurangi Estate, Anchorage Wines, Blackenbrook and Dunbar Estates. Check with each vineyard for cellar door openings.
  • Kimi Ora Eco Resort for a massage or a leisurely meal overlooking the bay

FREE AND AWESOME

  • Abel Tasman’s best experiences are free, walk, kayak, cycle the park, take a water taxi and book with local guides for summer deals

FESTIVALS

  • Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Weekender Event (late summer)
  • Kiwi Spirit Summer Festival – Kaiteriteri Reserve

Family Activities

  • Kaiteriteri is a family-friendly location with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained while you relax. Kaiteriteri Beach is a safe, sheltered beach with lifeguard patrol. The water is warm and calm, making it an excellent place for swimming. Near the beach is the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve – a great spot for a BBQ and an ice cream. There is also a kids’ playground, flying fox and Mini Golf course.
  • Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park has trails for all levels of riders, and the Reserve Office also sells maps for orienteering at the Park. If you want to get out on the water, there are several companies offering water taxi, wildlife cruise, sailing and kayaking trips, with Kaiteriteri Kayaks specialising in family trips.
@kaiteriteri recreation reserve
@kaiteriteri recreation reserve
@Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park
@Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park

WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST SELFIE

  • At the beach early morning (sunrise) or sunset with the light bathed in a yellow/orange hue

WHAT TO DO WITH KIDS

  • Recreation reserve book a place and BBQ outdoors among the holiday makers
  • Playground with flying fox and mini golf
  • Kaiteriteri Mountain Biking Park with trails for all skill levels
  • Kayak as a family group

SOCIAL MEDIA

POPULATION

  • 354 (2018)

WEATHER

  • Glorious continuous hot sunny summers, autumn is a treat with the cooler weather and colour tinted foliage

JUDGMENT

  • When you are a rockstar of a beach you have to expect adoring crowds in the peak season

Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check Nelson & Nelson Region nearby attractions and events.

Kaiteriteri - one of the New Zealand's favourite summer holiday destinations on a beautiful morning. In the background are the towns of Mapua, Motueka and Nelson.
Kaiteriteri

Getting there

Adjoining Abel Tasman National Park, a stunning location, Kaiteriteri is ideally situated for a camping holiday. Although you might have to book at least a year in advance

BEST TIME TO GO

  • Year round – peak season December to mid February

 

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Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.

 

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