Waka Abel Tasman as it appears in the new downloadable destination within Minecraft.
Step out of the screen and into the wild—this is Minecraft come to life. Come play for real on an epic 10-day journey through Nelson Tasman.
Highlights
Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Golden Bay and Farewell Spit
The wildest national park, Kahurangi
Nelson City must-dos
Vineyards along Tasman's Great Taste Trail
All year round mountain biking trails
You’ve touched down by plane (smooth glide, 10/10 landing) or ferried in via Picton (bonus points for scenic mode). Either way, Nelson’s got you surrounded—in the best way—by mountains, beaches, and that warm, sunny vibe that feels like it’s always set to daytime.
Kick things off with a paddleboard session at Tāhunanui Beach—Nelson’s sunny shoreline, where chill vibes are pretty much guaranteed. Think smooth boat physics, but with way better graphics and no need to craft your own gear.
The water here is calm and clear, perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants to float around and take it all in. You’ll glide past golden sand, maybe spot a stingray cruising underneath, and soak up panoramic views of Tasman Bay, framed by mountains in the distance. It’s peaceful, playful, and way more relaxing than dodging drowned mobs.
Plus, if you fall in? It’s a refreshing splash, not a swim for survival. 10/10 spawn point.
Grab a bite at a nearby café (crafted fresh, with extra heart regen), then head to the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. This predator-free native forest is basically adventure mode without the stress—just birds, bush, and big tree energy. This place feels like you’ve wandered into the untouched part of the map.
The sanctuary is one of the largest fenced ecosystems in New Zealand, home to some seriously special species like tīeke, kākā, and giant wētā. There are no predators, no noise—just the sounds of nature doing its thing.
Hot tip: if you’re there on a Sunday, jump on a guided tour.
Mount your trusty steed (a.k.a. hire a bike) and follow the Maitai River trail. It's an easy ride with river views, shady picnic spots, and secret swimming holes that beat any cauldron bath.
Take your time, stop for snacks, and jump in for a dip—it's all about crafting a laid-back day in the sun. When hunger hits, park up at one of Nelson’s local eateries nearby. Whether you’re after fresh seafood, a wood-fired pizza, or something sweet and seasonal, there’s no shortage of local flavour to fuel your adventure. Think paddock-to-plate goodness, friendly vibes, and maybe even a sneaky craft brew or two.
If your idea of a good ride includes vineyard views, coastal breezes, and plenty of snack stops—this one’s for you. Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is a gentle pedal through some of the region’s tastiest terrain. Think local wineries, craft breweries, fresh produce stands, and art galleries, all dotted along the way. No rush, no lycra pressure—just you, your bike, and the best kind of slow travel. Come play for real, one scenic sip at a time.
This is the kind of mountain biking that earns bragging rights. Wairoa Gorge isn’t just epic—it’s next level. Over 60km of hand-built trails wind through native forest, dropping fast and technical with big berms, rooty descents, and serious flow. You’ll need a solid set of legs (and maybe a mate with a shuttle), but the payoff? Absolutely unreal. If you’re chasing gravity, grit, and good times—come play for real where the locals ride hard.
Step into a traditional waka and glide across the same waters Māori navigated centuries ago with Waka Abel Tasman. This isn’t just a scenic paddle—it’s a cultural journey through story, song, and connection. As you move in sync with your crew, you’ll hear kōrero about the land, the people, and the deep spiritual ties to this coastline. It’s peaceful, powerful, and a genuine way to experience Abel Tasman.
Jump on a cruise and let the ocean do the work while you scout the coastline for Abel Tasman’s most entertaining NPCs—curious seals, cheeky dolphins, and maybe even a penguin or two. The golden bays and turquoise water are pure eye candy, but it’s the wildlife encounters that level this up. Pack your camera (or your best “ooh look!” voice) and come play for real out on the big blue.
This Great Walk is basically the ultimate overworld trek—coastal forest, golden beaches, swing bridges, and secret coves you’ll swear were procedurally generated. Hike it over a few days or pick a day section and take your time. Water taxis and accommodation along the track make it easy to customise your route. Whether you’re here for the views, the vibe, or the virtual bragging rights, this track delivers high-level terrain with low-stress energy.
This one’s for the thrill-seekers. Climb, leap, slide, and abseil your way through a wild, watery canyon in the hills near Abel Tasman. It’s part puzzle, part obstacle course, all natural. You’ll scramble down waterfalls, plunge into pools, and laugh your way through terrain that feels straight out of an adventure mod. Full send or nothing, right? Bonus: no skeletons shooting from the ledge.
You won’t need a potion of night vision to see the magic here—Te Waikoropupū Springs are some of the clearest waters on the planet. Bubbling up like a natural aqua beacon, this spring feels like stumbling across a hidden, enchanted pool. But this isn’t just a pretty backdrop—it’s a sacred site, deeply respected by Māori, with powerful spiritual energy flowing just beneath the surface. No swimming, no farming, just stillness and awe. Play for real, quietly.
If the world had a loading screen, it’d probably look like this. Farewell Spit is a narrow, golden finger stretching way out into the sea, where sand dunes, tidal flats, and migratory birds rule the biome. It’s remote, windswept, and wildly beautiful—like the far edge of your map just got unlocked. Jump in with Farewell Spit Tours and access the far reaches, lighthouses, and otherworldly views. This place is peaceful, primal, and totally worth the XP.
Welcome to one of the rarest and most rewarding biomes in Aotearoa. Kahurangi National Park is massive, mysterious, and made for adventurers. With rugged peaks, mossy forests, hidden caves, and ancient geology underfoot, it’s the kind of place where every trail feels like a new quest. Hike the Heaphy Track for multi-day glory, or head off-grid on lesser-known routes for serious explorer cred. Kahurangi means "treasured possession"—and after a day out here, it’ll feel like yours too.
