Must do's in Nelson Tasman
Toka Ngāwha (Split Apple Rock)
From marble mountains to golden beaches, epic all-year-round mountain biking to wine tasting, Nelson Tasman has so much to offer. Not sure where to begin? Get started with these Nelson Tasman ultimate must-do's.
Renowned for its stunning golden sands, sweeping granite coastline, lush native bush and crystal-clear waters, a visit to the Abel Tasman National Park is a must-do on any traveller's itinerary. What's more, this pristine paradise can be explored in your own way, and at your own pace. So, whether you fancy a multi-day hike along the spectacular Abel Tasman Coastal Track, if a short scenic cruise or kayak is more your style, or if you'd rather just relax on one of many beautiful beaches, you'll find something to suit your interests here. If you just can't get enough, you can even spend the night in the midst of the park at one of the luxury lodges, DOC huts or glamping by the beach.
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Immerse yourself in the natural abundance of Nelson Tasman at the weekly markets, which are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Nelson City, or on Sundays in Motueka. A drawcard for locals and visitors alike, the markets showcase the extraordinary artists, artisans and ceramicists that call the region home and offer ample opportunity to get a taste of Nelson Tasman's unique culture. A selection of boutique stalls and food carts adorn the car parks and laneways, offering everything from goat milk soap to handcrafted jewellery, manuka honey, chutneys and even the world-famous Pic's Peanut Butter.
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The region is abuzz as a dining and entertainment destination all year round, with alfresco dining, waterfront restaurants, quirky cocktail bars, farmers markets and vineyard restaurants characterising the Nelson Tasman culinary scene. Artisanal local flavours are showcased on menus from the city through to the bay, whilst you can sample them at the source when you visit the weekend markets or explore the artisan, craft beer, or wine trails on a guided or self-guided tour. Popular dining destinations include the Mapua Wharf, Wakefield Quay and the Upper Trafalgar Dining Precinct, whilst food carts, microbreweries and quirky cafes are discoverable down hidden laneways or by venturing further afield.
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Whether you're visiting one of our 11 craft breweries, tasting your way around the 28 cellar doors, visiting a distillery or simply kicking back at one of the spectacular waterfront restaurants, one cannot visit Nelson Tasman without sampling a selection of local artisan beverages. Our consistently sunny climate and fertile soils allow us to produce the high quality ingredients that our passionate artisan producers then craft into something truly extraordinary for the tastebuds. What's more, from the picturesque Waimea Plains through to the rolling Moutere Hills, an array of stunning natural landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a spontaneous vineyard lunch or a cycle tour through the orchards.
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Wellness comes easily in Nelson Tasman, where it's possible to escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life as you immerse in stunning natural landscapes, a creative arts scene and delectable cuisine. Combine nature and wellness in the depths of the Abel Tasman National Park, staying in beachfront lodges, relaxing on gorgeous golden beaches and recharging amongst lush native bush. Discover the true meaning of paradise on your own private island, be pampered at a day spa or try forest bathing and stargazing at a wellness retreat by the Maruia River.
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There are plenty of opportunities to get the adrenalin pumping in Nelson Tasman, whether that's on the water, in the sky or on land. If you're heading to Murchison, New Zealand's whitewater capital, you won't want to miss out on rafting or jetboating down the mighty Buller Gorge, whilst those heading to Cable Bay can tear up the tracks on a quadbike or whizz through the treetops on one of the world's longest flying fox experiences. In Motueka, you can throw yourself out of a plane from 18,000ft, the highest in the country, or catch some air at one of the world-class mountain bike trails dotted around the region. For something a little different, venture into one of our three national parks for a unique canyoning adventure, sliding, abseiling, jumping and ziplining down pristine waterfalls in the Abel Tasman or Nelson Lakes National Parks, or exploring the deep dry canyons in the Kahurangi.
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A depth of passion for the arts shines through in this historic city, where stunning street art murals loom above cobblestone streets, leading you to modern art galleries. Go back in time with a visit to South Street, New Zealand's oldest fully preserved street, or spend the afternoon at Founder's Heritage Park, where character buildings house artisan businesses, and windmills, freighter planes and red railway trains are part of the scenery. Make your way around the art galleries and studios that stretch from the city through to the bay, including the ceramicists, sculptors and artists in Upper Moutere and the Coolstore Gallery in Māpua.
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Golden Bay is home to some of the Nelson Tasman region's most stunning natural landscapes, and we guarantee that what lies on the other side of the Tākaka Hill is well worth the short drive to get there. From a short trek over farmland to reach the wild and wonderful Wharariki Beach to a guided nature tour along the majestic length of Farewell Spit to viewing some of the clearest water ever measured at Te Waikoropupū Springs, the adventures to be had here are endless. There are plenty of accommodation and dining options stretching from Wainui Bay all the way around to Collingwood. If you have time, it's well worth checking out some of the galleries, shops, markets and studios set in the creative village of Takaka.
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Nelson Tasman is home to a network of leisurely cycle and mountain bike trails and many spectacular walking and hiking tracks. Some of the most popular are the Great Walks and Great Rides, most of which can be broken down into smaller sections suitable for half-day or single-day journeys. Leisurely cyclists will love exploring the scenic, foodie and artistic tastes along Tasman's Great Taste Trail, whilst those looking for some rough terrain may prefer mountain biking the alpine trail of The Coppermine. A multi-day hiking adventure along The Heaphy Track promises diverse and rugged scenery as you trek through alpine meadows and rolling valleys, whilst the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is suitable for walkers at all levels, with the option to break the journey up with kayaking, scenic cruises, beachfront accommodation or R&R time on the beach.
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The Nelson Lakes are truly picture-perfect all year round, whether they are basking under the warm Autumn sun or flaunting a fresh coating of snowfall in Winter. The National Park can be accessed from the alpine village of St Arnaud, where, nestled amongst undulating mountains, lay 16 glacial lakes just waiting to be discovered. The most popular (and most accessible) lake is Lake Rotoiti, offering a range of leisurely lakeside walks through the forest alive with birdsong. As the enchanting calls of tuis and bellbirds echo through the treetops, day walkers will be treated to the spectacular scenery and beautiful waterfalls this little paradise pocket is renowned for.
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