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!
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Activities on offer:
- Golden Bay and Abel Tasman Park
PRICE FROM PP
The best of the Nelson region, including the world-famous Abel Tasman National Park. We drive you to the golden sands of Kaiteriteri, where you board the ferry and cruise the ruggedly beautiful Abel Tasman coastline. Take a short walk option, spend time in a quiet bay or just cruise - the choice is yours. Then enjoy a leisurely return through vineyards and art and craft studios.
Duration: 7:30am - 5pm - 9 1/2 hours
- Pelorous Sounds Mail Boat Cruise
PRICE FROM PP
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: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday only
Duration: 9:30am - 6pm
- Abel Tasman Guided Sea Kayaking - Tonga Island
PRICE FROM PP
Aqua Taxi north to the golden expanse of Onetahuti beach to discover New Zealand fur seals kekeno at Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Kekeno are extremely good swimmers - watch them in their natural environment. Paddle south with the breeze, exploring sculptured granite headlands. Finish kayaking at Medlands beach for a picnic kai lunch before embarking on your bush walk.
Duration: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Other Abel Tasman Kayaking options:
Abel Tasman day kayak tours
Abel Tasman overnight and multi-day kayaking tours
- Marlborough Vineyard Tour
PRICE FROM PP
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.
Duration: 10:30am - 5:00pm
- Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle
PRICE FROM PP
Sit back, relax and soak up the natural beauty as this 3-4 hour cruise exploring the Abel Tasman National Park, hugging the coastline and travelling close to idyllic beaches and picturesque bays. world-famous Split Apple Rock, fur seals, golden sands, crystal clear waters of Torrent, Bark, Tonga, Awaroa and Totaranui beaches. Then returning to Kaiteriteri.
Departs: from 9:00am
Duration: 3-4 hours
- Take to the Road - Nelson Car Hire
Midsize car (auto) from day
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.
- 4 Wheel Fun Adventures
PRICE FROM PP
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: 2.5 hours
- Half Day Nelson Wine & Art Tour
PRICE FROM PP
Taste wine from four vineyards on the Waimea Plains, you'll be tasting chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling and pinot gris, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, shiraz, gewurztraminer and rose.There is a superb lunch stop on every tour. If beer is your passion, we will visit a brewery on request when booking. We will give you an informative but fun afternoon, price includes wine tasting.
Departs: 12:30pm-5:30pm
Duration: 5 hours
- Cape Farewell Abel Tasman Horse Treks
3 hour Triangle Valley/Old Man Ride PP
Take in the beautiful views from all directions, the terrain on this ride is always changing. It’s up, down, over and around and is our favourite trek. If you want scenery that will leave you speechless.. this is just the best trek in New Zealand. There is no worry about the low tide as this trek is all overland and can be ridden at any time of the day.
- Swing Bridge, Bush 'n' Beach Walk
PRICE FROM PP
From Kaiteriteri, cruise into the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park with full commentary to introduce you to this fascinating coastline. Disembark at idyllic Medlands Beach – Bark Bay. Walk to the long golden-sand beach of Anchorage, via Torrent Bay. The track weaves through sunny groves of Manuka and fern between breathtaking views of the granite coast and lush gullies of mature forest. Cross the spectacular swing bridge at Falls River. Allow extra time to take a short side track beside a crystal forest stream to visit tranquil Cleopatra’s Pool.
Duration: 9:30am - 5:45pm
For more information on Nelson visit the official Nelson Tasman Tourism website.
