Nelson Tasman Guide: Things to do, attractions and places to go

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Year round

WEATHER

Nelson Weather Forecast and Observations

Nelson’s weather is one of the sunniest in New Zealand.  Sun drenched summers attract visitors to the beaches and the Great Taste Trail.  Winter offers relaxation and indulgence in spas, opportunities to explore the extensive art and craft trail.  As icing on the cake the area boasts one of New Zealand’s premier ski fields.

3. SAMPLE CRAFT BEER

Sip craft brews and discover  where New Zealand first grew hops and the craft breweries today tapping into traditions over 150 years old. Hear stories about the oldest pub continuously trading in Onekaka, nearby Collingwood. Learn about Nelson’s fame as craft brewery capital of NZ with festivals showcasing McCashins craft beer and Cideries Peckhams on a Craft Brewery Trail.

4. SAVOUR THE GREAT TASTE TRAIL

Cycle or walk the Great Taste Trail. Enjoy foodie treats in the Upper Moutere Valley or time spent in Mapua lounging on the wharf watching the action on Rabbit Island. Brunch in a vineyard courtyard sipping local award winning wines. Sample locally sourced sheep cheeses accompanied by freshly harvested fruit pates. Stock up on Pics Peanut Butter snacks for the road in Stoke. Wind your way along the coast and find the hidden treasures of Ruby Bay.

7. LISTEN TO THE PAST, HERITAGE TRAILS

7. Delve into the past at the city of Nelson’s Founders Heritage Park, a great place for families with a train ride and Bristol Freighter Plane to climb in. Spend time walking Nelson’s heritage trail discovering 19th century Isel homestead in its glorious public garden. Museums and galleries showcase emerging and established local artists. Check out the local galleries and museums in the Nelson city travel guide  for ideas where to go.

8. GO WALKING

Go walking and find Nelson National Park, nestled among the Southern Alps with deep alpine lakes and walks among native bush. Go walking to the Centre of New Zealand in the city of Nelson or amble along an extraordinary natural boulder. Walk into a fantasy world with the kids at Grove Scenic Reserve, Golden Bay or marvel at the sheer volume of water welling at the natural springs, Te Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs. Spend time browsing TOP-10 Nelson short walks, trip guide, things to see & do or linger over Nelson Tasman walks for ideas.

1. DISCOVER WILDLIFE

• NatureLand sanctuary with cheeky meerkats, llamas and native parrots vie for attention. Hand feed the goats and heritage domesticated animals in a keeper kids school holiday programme (bookings are required). Enjoy keeper talks (check beforehand whether the talks are scheduled due to health and safety requirements) where small visitors get to meet wildlife up close and personally.
• Explore Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, largest fenced sanctuary in the South Island. Navigate streams and ford creeks on walks through native forest and listen for bird song. Peer into weta hotels where insects flourish and meet Gordon, the green geeko who meets and greets visitors at the Visitor Centre.
• Hop on board a scenic cruise out to one of the sheltered Abel Tasman bays observing the Tonga Island Marine Reserve for some wildlife-spotting, Consider the option of snorkelling for older kids.

• Enjoy the historic MOTUEKA SALTWATER BATHS. The ideal scenic spot nestled in Tasman Bay with D’urville Island and sand spits in the distance. The wooden decks enjoy swimmers to relax while kids have a playground, picnic area and BBQ facilities to keep everyone happy. For more ideas check What’s so great about Motueka with tips where to grab a bite to eat and places to visit.
• Richmond Aquatic Centre and Fitness Centre is a modern water park with a 25m lane swimming pool, a wave pool, lazy river, spa pools, hydrotherapy, sauna, tots pool and a learn to swim pool. The water park has an onsite cafe.
• WATER BOMBING AT MAPUA WHARF is a rite of passage for local kids. Families can check out the attractions of Mapua with its cafes, galleries, repurposed apple coolstores and a well known seafood smokehouse.

TOP WILDLIFE SIGHTS

• Glowworms at Brook Waimarama sanctuary
• Find eels in Lake Rotoiti and hand feed eels at Anatoki Salmon, Takaka
• Gannets, ocean going birds at Farewell Spit
• Tonga Marine Reserve and offshore islands, home to NZ fur seals
• Nature Land sanctuary exotic and native animals with Llamas and meerkats favorites
• Shorebirds in estuary reserves, Rabbit Island and Motueka

Read more Wildlife encounters in Nelson.

• JESTER HOUSE is a whimsical world of giant chess boards, eel feeding, mazes and mosaic animals will keep the kids amused while family members enjoy lunch outdoors. There are 9 reasons to visit the Tasman Village, Nelson, activities: Best Bits with a great selfie location for older kids, check out the stainless steel sculpture that has been installed near the Tasman Village turnoff on Aporo Road. It is 9 metre high, constructed of recycled stainless steel with silhouette cutouts of birds found in the Moutere Inlet.
• Visit Pics Peanut World. A factory tour is a must with peanuts tumbling out of the roaster and into the massive grinding machines. Watch the conveyor belts and sample peanut butter hot off the press. Kids are invited to make their own spreads and the best bit, the tours are free. There is a shop packed with peanut goodies.

• Old School Cafe, Bar and Restaurant – Collingwood is fun. Kids and family members get to eat brunch / lunch in a former school. The location is on route to Collingwood and Farewell Spit.
• The KIOSK in Isel Homestead & Gardens. Located in the rear section of Isel House, Stoke, Nelson is a cafe with a sandpit, slide and blackboard area for children. The area is semi-enclosed adding a sense of safety in the extensive public gardens of Isel Homestead. Check out the Gardens section, in Nelson City Guide things to do.

TOP SIGHTS IN THE 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 that suit all fitness levels
• Glorious beaches within and on the fringes of the park’s boundary
• The variety of scenery packed into a very small space
• Proximity to towns and villages with a wealth of attractions from wineries, Great Taste trails and artisan galleries

GETTING AROUND ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

Tour operators generally offer free pick up and drop off in either Motueka or Kaiteriteri. Pick up and drop off from Nelson city is generally an additional cost. The well regarded Wilsons Abel Tasman is a local family owned company with a wealth of guided and self-guided options getting you around from self-guided kayaking, kayaking + walking, water taxis or a combination of cruises and walks and kayaking.

TIP

Decide on your must-do list and contact Wilson’s to organize transport. Evaluate package deals as the budget is usually better than tailored deals.

Check out TOP-10 Nelson short walks, trip guide, things to see & do for ideas. There are easy walks exploring a natural boulder spit or the memorizing freshwater springs of Te Waikoropupu Pupu. Murchison is a great place for walking fans. Unearth one of New Zealand’s oldest hydroelectricity plants on a short walk. The generator looks as though a throw of the switch starts the ball rolling. Murchison walks showcase the devastation of the early 20th century earthquake. Walk over one of New Zealand’s longest suspension bridges crossing the surging white water Buller River.

For waterfall buffs Nelson Tasman delivers two spectacular cascading waterfalls, Wainui falls and Whisky falls. Both falls are best visited in spring. For more details about short walks in the area check out Nelson walks and waterfalls.

• Boulder walks is a fascinating stark rocky landscape with the ocean on one side and the inner sea on the other.
• Maitai River paths and walks (8 km) have swimming holes named Black Hole, Dennes Hole and Sunday Hole for a swim in freshwater. The leafy walks pass the city of Nelson suburban backyards, paddocks with sheep and horses grazing, dogs walking on a leash and plenty of cafes to linger in.
• Rabbit Island is a great day trip from Nelson or bike ride (via ferry) from Mapua Wharf. The beach has safe swimming in the estuary, bird life galore and public facilities for picnics and lazing on the beautiful sandy foreshore.
• In Motueka, find a shipwreck named Jamie Seddon and discover the story of a boat that was part of World War I and World War II and how it ended up on a beach rusting as the sun sets. Explore Motuka art trail, delve into the local shops where art and craft offers opportunities for kids to tap into their creative side.

Start your art exploration in the city of Nelson art trail with its street murals. Sculptures by the sea and river are a glorious homage to Nelson’s art scene. Enjoy the free walk.

TIP: You will have plenty of tempting cafes to check out. For ideas where to grab a reviving coffee while exploring check out Where To Eat in Nelson – Best Bits. Key highlights in the city’s art scene include:

• The Suter Art Gallery is the largest art gallery in Nelson. Entry is free
• Theatre Royal
• Refinery Gallery

From Mapua with its repurposed wharf to Tasman Village and beyond follow the thread of galleries. Check out Ruby Bay is a great spot to pop into with its galleries and nearby beach. Mapua Wharf is an arty / crafty destination combined with an outdoors experience. Enjoy the interesting museum, the local galleries and grab an ice cream to eat watching kids of all ages water bomb from the wharf. For more ideas check Day trip to Mapua Wharf. Small towns such as Collingwood, Motueka and Takaka are home to small quirky museums from historic shops that are continuing to trade to collections of photographs, documents and memorabilia documenting the area’s history.

TIP

For art lovers the city of Nelson is the natural place to base yourself with several well regarded galleries to start your exploration of all Nelson Tasman has to offer. Check out the section ART & CULTURE, in the Nelson city guide for details.

MARKETS (NELSON & beyond)

• Ferret among jewelry stalls, clothing outlets, art displays next door to freshly baked pastries. There is plenty of variety for family members to find the bargain, the special object or a holiday memento. The market is focused on the visitor showcasing artisan goods and Nelson creative talent. Kids will love the puzzles, the hand crafted confectionery, the stuffed animals and cushion covers with their favourite cartoon character. Perhaps the parents do not so much.

Savour and sample various offerings at the Free House. Hit the road and discover the secrets of the perfect brew at McCashins and onwards to Riwaka boutique cideries. Pass roadside stalls as you meander Upper Moutere towards Golden Bay and Mussel Inn. Discover one of New Zealand’s oldest pubs. Savour the taste of craft beer brewed locally, by locals. Finish your journey checking out the MUSSEL INN. There is a boutique brewery attached to the pub crafting beer, ale and cider.

TIP

Nelson city is your arrival point then make time to check out the various cafes and delis in the city. There are 14 cafes, counter food & quick bites to eat in Nelson for you to top up your backpack supplies with snacks and treats for the road. And that is before you’ve started on the Great Taste Trail.

For a touch of romance Nelson does not disappoint with plenty of activities and attractions to create special memories. FIND A SLICE OF PARADISE and visit the people’s beach in Abel Tasman National Park. The maze of waterways recedes at low tide exposing ribbons of gold sandy bars. Dip into the romance funds and helicopter to Awaroa. The scenic flight is amazing. For an additional treat stay overnight Awaroa Lodge with its pizzeria and restaurant creating a truly memorable experience.

NOTE

The beach was purchased for all of us in a crowdfunding campaign.

Read more about romantic places for couples.

• Art scene, from world class Suter Gallery to artisan pop up stalls in weekend markets. Nelson city has an absorbing art trail from riverside walks to the coast.
• Foodie joy in restaurants and cafes capturing a contemporary Pacifica fusion cuisine
• City beaches with sweeps of gold dusted sandy foreshores with cafes and facilities at your fingertips
• Vibrant festival season nestled in heritage Founders Park, Isel Park and public spaces
• Well established theatre and arts culture with live entertainment, nightlife and attractions
• A gateway city to the iconic Abel Tasman National Park with its attractions from beaches, walks, waterfalls and water sports

RUBY BAY

Close to the outer Nelson city district of Richmond is Ruby Bay. The sheltered red pebbled is located between Mapua and the Kina Peninsula. While a popular beach with locals it is not as well known. Ruby Bay is situated on the mouth of the Waimea Inlet and originally supported workers in the horticultural industry (in particular apples). The wharf of Mapu is repurposed as a bustling tourist centre.

MOTUEKA

The town is a hub for one of New Zealand largest seafood producers yet the town retains its charm with a stretched out main street where galleries sit next to the local supermarket.

TIP

The supermarket in Motueka is a great place for campers to stop with its extensive range of ready to eat meals, snacks for camping and bits and pieces you’ve realised didn’t make it into the suitcase. Motueka is an ideal location for a family holiday with ready access to the Abel Tasman National Park, a main street with galleries, shops and cafes and a salt water pool for families and friends to enjoy.

COLLINGWOOD

Collingwood is a gem. Historical fans delight with two museums and plenty to do and see. It is a two hour drive over the Takaka limestone hills from Nelson with many visitors using Collingwood as a way station on their way to Heaphy Track, Kahurangi National Park and day tours to Farewell Spit. Don’t just drive through, stop and wander a town where locals know everyone by their first name. For heritage fans a rich legacy of buildings, from government post offices, police stations and courthouses await further exploration.

TIP: Discover the Aorere Valley (leads to the iconic Heaphy Track) and the heritage grocery store Longford. The remains of nineteenth century gold mining make for an interesting day trip from Collingwood. For details about where to go check Historic Golden Bay, Collingwood and surrounding district.

KAITERITERI

The town is the beach and the beach is the reason for the settlement. It is a hub for Abel Tasman National Park attractions and has one of the best beaches in New Zealand. Kaiteriteri’s natural charms are phenomenal and the scenery will not disappoint.

TOP SIGHTS

• Birdlife and wildlife watching, Mangarakau Swamp is a great place to see wetland birds.
• Some of the deepest caves in the world have been found in Kahurangi but they are not for the inexperienced.
• Fishing the Karamea River is prized internationally for its trout fishing.
• Kayaking and canoeing / Rafting remote, wild rivers are a feature of Kahurangi. Most are suitable for experienced kayakers only. Commercial rafting tours are available. At Mangarakau Swamp you can kayak up Muddy Creek or the Wairoa River at high tide for an enchanting experience.

Murchison and state highway six, the route from Nelson to Murchison and onwards to Westport is perhaps the best driving route in New Zealand for wild, imaginative scenery. It is an extraordinary drive and Murchison is a great stop to absorb the difference between Nelson and the West Coast as it emerges into the light in Murchison. For details about State Highway six route, check out Great West Coast road trip, route 6 – Best Bits and the iconic American route 66, eat your heart out with New Zealand’s version of a wild untamed country road trip. For details about the route between Nelson to Murchison check State Highway 6: Nelson, through mountain passes to Westport – Best Bits.

SPLIT APPLE ROCK LODGE

Luxury Lodge and Wellness Spa in an immersive environment. The Lodge is fusion Asian / Pacific with original art and antiques flowing from indoor, outdoor spaces into the native forest setting. There are private paths to beaches with a private easement to the 120 million year old Split Apple Rock on Wharariki beach. For once in the lifetime pampering of the soul check into Split Apple Retreat. Bespoke picnics, helicopter rides to quiet remote beaches, horse riding and guided walks through the Abel Tasman park are part of the Lodge’s offerings. Cuisine is a blend of cultures and catered with your tastes in mind. There are massages, spas and therapies that promote wellness and longevity while maintaining the highest standards.

FARMSTAY WITH A TOUCH OF COMFORT

Kaihoka Farmstay, Kaihoka Lakes, Golden Bay, New Zealand

Kaihoka Farm is a 3000-acre, working beef and sheep farm in the beautiful Westhaven (Wanganui) Inlet region of New Zealand’s West Coast. It is owned and farmed by Jock and Joyce and their family John and Mary. Gently rolling hills, wetlands and karst outcrops all make up the landscape that we work in here in the beautiful South Island. The cottages range from 2 bedrooms (for 4 people) to 6 bedrooms (sleeping up to 16 people), ideal for school groups, tramping clubs, and family get-togethers.

STAY – CAMPING

COMING SOON

Golden Bay Air— Flights, Shuttles and Rental Cars

Shuttle buses between Nelson, Takaka, Brown Hut, Wainui Bay and Marahau to connect to the Heaphy Track and Abel Tasman Track ends. Charters available to other destinations.

Nelson Coachlines, Charters & Bus Services. The region’s primary town and country bus network.

Abel Tasman National Park Is Where You Want To Be – ScenicNZ Abel Tasman – ScenicNZ Abel Tasman

A private operator traveling between Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park via Motueka, Kaiteriteri & Marahau

Intercity Bus Service.

Travel from Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park via Motueka, Kaiteriteri & Marahau

National bus company operating in Nelson

Kaiteriteri boat charter

Kaiteriteri Boat Charter is owned and operated by Abel Tasman Kayaks. We offer a range of half, full day and overnight charters in the Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough Sounds and D’urville Island.

Mapua Ferry – Nelson.

Mapua to Rabbit Island Ferry.

Ferry Crossing in NZ’s Cycle Trail. Built to accommodate cyclists and foot passengers, the ferry is only a ten minute trip from Rabbit Island to Mapua wharf and back again.  There are also plenty of cruising options available and the ferry can be hired for private functions.

HOW LONG SHOULD I PLAN TO SPEND IN NELSON TASMAN REGION, NEW ZEALAND?

• Three to five days is the average length of time visitors spend in the area. Key attractions such as Abel Tasman National Park and the Great Taste Trail can be completed in two day. Visitors are wowed by the incredible scenery, exciting arts and artisan activities and galleries and the extraordinary events and festival calendar focused in the city of Nelson. It is frequently overheard that we did not plan enough time to fully appreciate all the area has to offer.

HOW DO I GET TO FAREWELL SPIT?

• From Takaka, follow State Highway 60 north to Farewell Spit. Public transport. There is no public transport to Puponga. Two DOC-approved operators run nature tours to Farewell Spit Lighthouse. You can freely enjoy Puponga Farm Park and can walk a short distance along the base of Farewell Spit. Independent travel to Farewell Spit is limited to a small area at its base, around the Puponga Farm Park and Cape Farewell. To venture further along the spit, travelers must join a guided tour.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WALK TO FAREWELL SPIT?

• You can freely enjoy Puponga Farm Park and can walk a short distance along the base of Farewell Spit. There is no public access elsewhere on the Spit except by DOC permit or with a licensed tour operator… Farewell Spit and Puponga Farm Park