Discover Nelson And The Surrounding Region
Discover the creative paradise that is Nelson – an irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscape at the top northwest corner of the South Island. From the northern edge of the Southern Alps across the fertile plains and out to a great sweep of beaches, our place is beautifully laid out under a generous sun that delivers New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours. Discover the diverse landscapes in each of these areas.
Destinations
Nelson
Urban centre, airport, shops, art galleries, theatres, cafés and restaurants, nightclubs, historic buildings, Cathedral, Queens Gardens, Nelson waterfront, port and marina, Maitai River, Tahunanui Beach, regional museum, World of WearableArt and Collectable Cars Museum.
Richmond
Retail and residential: large shopping mall, cafés and restaurants, Aquatic Centre, Saxton Field sports facilities, galleries and interactive art experiences, roadside produce and berry farms, gateway to Aniseed Valley and Lee Valley for swimming and family fun, Rabbit Island beach for BBQs and relaxing.
Coastal Highway
Picturesque rolling farmland: grapevines, olives and orchards. A stunning drive sprinkled with cafés, art studios and galleries, wineries, gourmet foods and scenic waterfront picnic spots.
Mapua
Small coastal township: historic wharf, waterfront cafés, aquarium, galleries, gourmet foods, country pubs, eco-tourism estuary tours and large family holiday park.
Ruby Bay & Tasman
Pebble beach ‘alive’ with sea-life at Ruby Bay, picnic spot with sea views and camping ground. Tasman has farmlands and tame eels. Drive to Kina peninsula for golf and coastal beachcombing.
Motueka
Unhurried rural township with quirky cafés, shops, galleries, wharf and fishing port, horticulture and hops. Motueka is the last major shopping outpost before the Abel Tasman National Park.
Motueka Valley & River
One of the main entry points to Kahurangi National Park. It’s also the picturesque and scenic location of the Motueka River, which has a growing international reputation for brown trout fishing. Tracks, guided walks, crystal clear water, fishing, sightseeing.
Moutere
The alternative route between Nelson and Motueka is the inland highway, which cuts across the Waimea Plains and the Moutere Hills. Vineclad hills, alfresco cafés, wineries, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, historic church in Upper Moutere, farmlands.
Kaiteriteri
Popular resort area and family holiday spot with three golden sand, swimming beaches. Boating, sailing, water skiing, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, cafés, health resort, camping grounds and playgrounds, plus water transport to the Abel Tasman National Park.
Marahau
Located at the beginning of the beautiful Abel Tasman track, Marahau is a base for sea kayak companies and water transport, cafés, swimming and relaxed walks on the low tide estuary and sand flats.
Abel Tasman National Park
New Zealand’s smallest national park has gentle terrain, golden sands, coastal bays, and lagoons. The interior has beautiful beech forests, bizarre marble ‘karst’ landscapes and a spectacular system of caves. Tramping, sea kayaking, seals, scenic charters, camping, swimming. Regular water transport into bays throughout the park.
Website: Able Tasman National Park – DOC website
Golden Bay
Over the Takaka Hill lie Golden Bay’s farmlands, bush, wild, west-coast beaches, natural wonders, Farewell Spit (Onetahua), Puponga Farm Park, small towns, art and craft studios, history, nature tours, limestone crag climbing, biking, horse riding, swimming and alternative lifestyles.
Kahurangi National Park
Covers much of the northwestern corner of the South Island in rolling tussock downs, wild river gorges, karst outcrops and spectacular cave systems. Kahurangi is home to the Great Spotted Kiwi, endangered Blue Duck and over half of New Zealand’s 2,400 native plant species, including unique alpine flowers. Tramping, birdwatching, caving, sightseeing.
Website: Kahurangi National Park – DOC website
Nelson Lakes National Park
The northernmost Southern Alps, tranquil beech forests, craggy mountains, clear streams, fields of tussock and alpine flora. Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa areas are popular for tramping, fishing, skiing, boating and birdwatching. The Department of Conservation is actively involved in a nature recovery project and more details are illustrated on signs in the area.
Website: Nelson Lakes National Park – DOC website
The Buller
A rugged and scenic river providing some of the best kayaking and rafting in the country. It flows from Lake Rotoiti through rugged mountainous country to the Tasman Sea on the West Coast. The forest on the valley sides is mainly beech with some rimu and rata.
Activities
Skywire, SkyDive
Feel like taking the plunge and gaining maximum velocity? For some white- knuckle fun, take a plunge on the skywire over scenic bush (near Nelson city), or skydive from a plane over the magnificent vista of Tasman Bay. Breath-taking!
Websites:
Happy Valley Adventures
Skydive Abel Tasman
White water rafting
The Buller River near Murchison has an international reputation for world-class whitewater rafting conditions. Feel the thrill as you conquer the river by raft or kayak with experienced guides. Beginners to experienced adventurers are welcome.
Sailing
From Nelson Marina to the Abel Tasman National Park, you can sail safely from sunrise to sunset, year round with mild weather and spectacular views. Try a popular guided sea kayak tour and explore bays along the national park coastline, or charter a boat any time of year.
Skiing
Near the picturesque alpine township of St Arnaud (Nelson Lakes National Park), is Rainbow Ski Area. The field has terrain suitable for skiers of all levels. Take your lunch to the top of the mountain for panoramic views over Lake Rotoiti and Nelson Lakes National Park.
Websites:Rainbow Ski Area
Horseback
If you enjoy an equestrian adventure, horse treks operate throughout the region. Explore rolling farmland, wide open spaces and rivers up close from a unique vantage point. And of course the best way to see the remote beaches of western Golden Bay is by horseback.
Walks and trails
Exploring a city by foot promises a lot of fascinating detail. Around Nelson city there are more than 22 walks. Pick up maps from an i-SITE Visitor Centre and stroll the gardens and riverbanks, view heritage buildings, and historic South Street near the city centre.
For more information on Walks & Trails in the region click here.
Golf
The region has a host of beautiful golf courses with equipment for hire and coaching professionals available. Most hold regular social competitions and welcome visitors. The views from the Tasman Golf Club, situated on the Ruby Bay bluffs, (near Motueka) are spectacular.
Bikes & Cycling
Hire a bike and feel a sea breeze in your face as you cycle the waterfront. Follow cycle tracks along Whakatu Drive all the way to Richmond or go off-road! Check with local bike shops for trails to suit your ability, or grab a copy of Bike Tasman from an i-SITE Visitor Centre or Tasman District Council.
Rock Climbing
Experienced climbers – challenge yourself to scale the internationally famous rock face at Paynes Ford in Golden Bay! Starting out? Get a taste of this exciting sport at an indoor rock climbing centre for climbing and abseiling.
Resources
NelsonNZ.com
The official tourism website for the Nelson region.
