Arts, adventure and artisan offerings in the centre of NZ
Nelson Tasman paradise in the South
One might say that the Nelson Tasman region is the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand, occupying as it does the geographical centre of the country.
It does have a certain magnetism, with its jaw-dropping natural beauty, golden beaches, epic outdoor adventures, artisan creativity and foodie sensations, drawing visitors from around the country to enjoy a slice of paradise in the “top of the south”.
The warm, balmy summers and crisp, clear autumn and winter days make Nelson Tasman a destination you can enjoy all year round. Here’s a taster of what your next holiday here could look like.
Outdoor Adventures
Within 90 minutes of Nelson lie three National Parks, meaning outdoor adventures are certainly not in short supply.
Abel Tasman is the country’s smallest National Park, but it punches well above its weight. Meander in and out of bays along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, and break up the walk by kayaking a section or two or taking the scenery in from the sky on a heart-thumping skydive.
Kahurangi National Park’s untamed wilderness offers diverse landscapes for outdoor adventurers, from wild beaches dotted with nīkau palms to tussocked plains and enchanting caves.
Heading south, discover the hidden world of Nelson Lakes National Park on a canyoning adventure. To the west lie the rapids of the Buller Gorge, which you can navigate on a white water rafting trip or on a Buller Canyon Jet ride.
If all that’s not enough, you’ll find quad biking, a flying fox, paintball and archery at the Cable Bay Adventure Park, as well as extensive mountain biking and walking trails for those of all fitness levels.
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Nelson Tasman region from the air by skydiving with Skydive Abel Tasman.
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Nelson Tasman region from the air by skydiving with Skydive Abel Tasman.
Discover Abel Tasman National Park on a kayaking tour.
Discover Abel Tasman National Park on a kayaking tour.
Places to stay
Rest your weary head after all your adventuring at one of these unique accommodation options catering to all budgets and travel styles.
Comfort is never far away in Nelson Tasman, with plenty of boutique and luxury accommodation. Rejuvenate at Split Apple Retreat, an internationally award-winning wellness retreat in Motueka or unwind with a massage or yoga class at Maruia River Retreat in Murchison.
Leave any preconceived notions of hardcore camping at home; the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is one Great Walk that can be done in luxury. From the architecturally designed seclusion of Awaroa Lodge to the sumptuous beachfront Torrent Bay Lodge, the accommodation along the Abel Tasman Coast Track is truly something else. There are also plenty of DoC huts and campsites of various sizes if you prefer to keep it simple, and you won’t be disappointed by the stunning locations they’re set in.
In between luxury lodges and DoC camping of course is glamping - camping with all your creature comforts included. Stay at one of three glamping sites at The Barn and soak up the impeccable views, settle in by the fire pit in the evenings and enjoy a quality night’s sleep thanks to luxury linen.
In the heart of the Tasman region the Boot offers the ideal setting for unwinding from the hurley burley of life.
In the heart of the Tasman region the Boot offers the ideal setting for unwinding from the hurley burley of life.
Discover the hidden world of Nelson Lakes National Park on a canyoning adventure with Abel Tasman Canyons.
Discover the hidden world of Nelson Lakes National Park on a canyoning adventure with Abel Tasman Canyons.
Abel Tasman is the country’s smallest National Park, but it punches well above its weight.
Taste the region
Nelson Tasman is a treat for the body in more ways than one. Dotted with vineyards, craft breweries, gin distilleries and artisan food producers, this region is filled with some delicious flavours. Make sure you allow enough time to try them all.
Nelson Tasman has a long history of cultivating hops, with many craft breweries dotted around the region. Sip your way along the Nelson Craft Beer Trail and grab a pint with the locals at one of the family-run breweries.
From the country’s oldest pub, The Moutere Inn, to family-owned boutique vineyards and all the delicious cheeses, chutneys, olive oils and jams produced by the Moutere Artisan community, Moutere should also be on every foodie’s itinerary.
If you’re keen to sample a bit of everything, set off on Tasman's Great Taste Trail, a 175km network of cycle trails through picture-perfect countryside and along the sparkling coastline. You can do the whole thing over a few days or spend a day on one small section; either way, it’s a leisurely ride with lots of opportunities to stop and enjoy some real-fruit ice cream, award-winning wine, craft beer and great food along the way.
Arts & culture to explore
Nelson Tasman is renowned for its world-class arts, cultural heritage and is home to a large number of local creatives. From galleries and markets to museums to boutique shops, Nelson is set to inspire.
Discover all the best artsy places to visit when in Nelson here:
-Visit Mapua Wharf’s range of galleries, shops and restaurants.
-Mapua also connects with the Great Taste Trail, so you can get active all whilst enjoying wonderful sea views, boutique shops and galleries.
-If you find yourself in town on a Saturday, experience local innovation at the Nelson Saturday Market or head to the Motueka Sunday Market. A short 30-minute trip from Nelson.
-Have lunch in Upper Moutere and be inspired by the Moutere Artisans.
-Follow your nose and take yourself on a tour of Nelson’s street art.
Unique experiences
Nelson Tasman is home to a vast number of those unique experiences that are difficult to categorise; adventures that are slightly quirky, but will leave you with lifelong memories. There are so many ways to experience Nelson Tasman, according to your interests and travel style, and if you’re interested in seeing them all, the 100 Ways guide offers inspiration for a range of holiday experiences. Here are a few to try:
- Cook pancakes on the floor of a fairytale forest
- Search for gold in Buller Gorge
- Embark on a self-guided city murals tour of Nelson
- Te Waikoropupū Spring is the largest freshwater spring in New Zealand and has some of the clearest water ever measured
- Tour around in a vintage classic car
- Visit the centre of New Zealand
- Paddle a waka out to Toka Ngawhā (Split Apple Rock)
- Bike through Spooners Tunnel, the longest decommissioned rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere
- Visit the world-famous Pic’s Peanut Butter World
- Jump off the iconic Lake Rotoiti jetty
Tread lightly
There are also plenty of sustainable tourism options for those conscious about limiting their carbon footprint. Plan a Light Footprint holiday by booking a Zero Carbon Itinerary, featuring only Zero Carbon and Climate Positive certified tourism operators.
This way, you can experience the very best of Nelson Tasman while knowing you are supporting operators who are working towards offsetting their carbon emissions.
For more inspiration on booking your Nelson Tasman holiday, visit nelsontasman.nz or follow Nelson Tasman on Facebook and Instagram.
Please travel safely and check guidance at https://covid19.govt.nz/ for any requirements related to the Covid protection framework (the traffic light system) in the region you're travelling to.
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