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Activity planner - Nelson

Situated in the north-west corner of the South Island, the Nelson region is surrounded by sheltering mountain ranges, giving it a mediterranean-type climate.

The Nelson region is known for its year-round sunshine, golden beaches, national parks, boutique wineries, micro breweries and a large creative community of working artists. Add to this locally grown produce, freshly caught seafood, historical streetscapes and waterfront restaurants and you’ll see that it offers a thoroughly pleasurable way of life.

The city of Nelson was named after Admiral Lord Nelson of Battle of Trafalgar fame. It’s home to a community that combines a relaxed approach to life with a get-up-and-go attitude. This is where you can organise yourself an adventure, or begin an arty shopping spree. Every year the city hosts the Montana New Zealand Wearable Art Awards, where art comes off the wall and onto the body in many weird and wonderful ways.

From Nelson it’s easy to access any of three National Parks. Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal wonderland of sea, sky, rocky headlands and bright golden beaches. The Nelson Lakes National Park is set amidst the mountains and glaciated valleys south of Nelson city and features beech forests and the beautiful jewel-like lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa. Kahurangi, New Zealand’s second-largest national park, comprises 450,000ha of mostly upland wilderness, with magnificent three to four-day hiking trails. Adventure operators make it easy to find the most magical places in the region. Kayak, river rafting, mountain bike, horse, 4WD (four-wheel drive) motorbike - you name it, you can do it!

Activity options:

     
Bay of Islands
Auckland
Coromandel
Rotorua
Hawke's Bay
Nelson
Christchurch
Akaroa
Queenstown
Dunedin


 
   

 

Nelson map
 

Golden Bay and Abel Tasman ParkGolden Bay and Abel Tasman Park

Board your water taxi for a cruise along the beautiful coastline of the Abel Tasman Park. Stop at Awaroa Bay with time to swim, relax, bush walk & have lunch (optional). Cruise to Totaranui & board our coach for the return journey. Visit Pupu Springs, source of the world’s clearest water. Over Marble Mountain, before stopping off at the spectacular limestone Ngarua Caves. A day of stunning scenery!
Departs: 7.30am
Returns: 5.00pm
Price: $NZ110.00

Pelorous SoundsPelorous Sounds Mail Boat Cruise

Cruise the world famous Marlborough Sounds on a rural delivery mail boat, a vital link to the outside world for the folk of Pelorous Sound. Visit isolated homesteads in peaceful bays, view mussel farms, meet the locals and see the mail and other crucial supplies delivered in the same way it’s been done for decades. A truly memorable experience.
Departs: 8.00am
Returns: 7.00pm (approx)
Price: $NZ120.00
Available Tuesday, Thursday & Friday only.

Sea Kayaking Abel TasmanGuided Sea Kayaking

Explore tidal estuaries, paddle into sea caves and visit islands. Experience the timeless untouched beauty of the Abel Tasman National Park from the water. Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch on a superb beach. Take a short walk with your guide for awesome coastal views or simply swim and sunbathe. In the afternoon "raft up" the kayaks & harness the warm sea breeze and set sail for your return journey.
Departs: 7.30am
Returns: 6.00pm
Price: $NZ95.00

Marlborough Vineyard TourMarlborough Vineyard Tour

Visit the makers of some of New Zealand’s most outstanding wines. Discover why the flavours of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc have made it arguably the finest in the world.
Outstanding Methode Champenoise, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot can all be enjoyed on our leisurely tour. Premium quality wines and warm hospitality awaits you.
Departs: 8.00am
Returns: 7.00pm
Price: $NZ95.00

Abel Tasman Launch CruiseAbel Tasman Launch Cruise

Sit back, relax and soak up the natural beauty as this 5.5 hour cruise explores the Abel Tasman National Park, hugging the coastline and travelling close to idyllic beaches and picturesque bays. View the seal colony on Tonga Island as the scenery changes to large sweeps of golden sands separated by bush headlands. Your skipper provides full commentary during the trip.
Departs: 7.30am and 10.00am
Duration: 5.5 hours
Price: $NZ85.00

Rental CarTake to the Road

Take to the road and explore the surrounds of the Nelson region. There’s arts & crafts trails, adventure activities, wineries, bush walks, markets, galleries, historic places and sandy beaches. Time out to discover the area at your own pace. Maps and guides will be provided. Insurance to be paid locally.
Small car (manual) $NZ63.00
Midsize car (auto) $NZ97.00

4 Wheel Bikes4 Wheel Fun Adventures

Buckle on your helmet, fill your lungs with country air, its time to explore 14 kilometres of beautiful native forest trails. Drive your own four-wheel motorbike or be a passenger. Visit the world’s largest Matai trees, ride high to the hilltops, view spectacular coastal scenery, then track down through the farmlands. Great fun for all ages!
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $NZ75.00

Nelson artsArts & Crafts Trail

Wander through the innovative ceramic sculptures at Craft Habitat, take time at the Bead Gallery to string up a bracelet of oriental glass, luxuriate in the soft knits of Wool Naturally, see glass being hand blown, smell the pot-pourri at Eyebright and wonder at the latest in ceramic design at Nelson’s top studio potters.
Price: $NZ50.00

Horse ridingStonehurst Farm Horse Treks

Experience the freedom of 1,000 acres of wide open spaces and ever changing scenery. The horses are chosen for their kind temperament and dependability on the trail. Suitable for all levels of ability & for the more experienced, the opportunity to trot and canter. Enjoy the New Zealand back country on a fully guided horse trek.
Price: 1 hour Scenic Farm Trail $NZ30.00
Price: 3 hour River Ride $NZ69.00

Bush walkingSeals, Bush 'n' Beach Walk

Drive to Kaiteriteri & join your launch cruise to Onetahuti (Tonga Bay) via the Seal Colony. It’s then a leisurely 3.5 hour walk to Torrent Bay. On route, walk through native bush, explore estuaries and waterfalls, cross the swing bridge at Falls River and take time to swim & relax in the beautiful waters oft Bark Bay. A launch collects you from Torrent Bay & returns you to Kaiteriteri. A stunning day in the Park!
Departs: 7.30am
Returns: 6.30pm
Price: $NZ85.00

   
     
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