Nelson Tasman, on the north-west of New Zealand’s South Island, is the sunniest region in New Zealand. The region centres on Nelson City, the main hub, with Abel Tasman National Park renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coast track. The pair makes an excellent base for walking, kayaking, arts and wine.
Getting to Nelson
Nelson is well connected to the rest of New Zealand by road along State Highway 6. Nelson also has a well-connected domestic airport, Nelson Airport, with frequent flights between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Nelson Airport is only a 15-minute drive or taxi ride from Nelson City Centre. From Wellington, the Interislander ferry arrives at Picton which is approximately 1.5 hours by shuttle or rental car. Daily bus services connect Nelson and Motueka to Kaiteriteri and Mārahau, the two main gateways for Abel Tasman day trips and multi-day walks. Check the Transport & Hire listings for rental companies and shuttle services.
Getting around
Nelson is a small town, home to just 54,000 people, so it’s easy to walk everywhere. For travel to Abel Tasman, arrange your own hire car or book through transport providers. Daily bus services connect Nelson and Motueka to Kaiteriteri and Mārahau. Nelson to Kaiteriteri or Mārahau costs about NZ$70 return and takes about 1 hour each way. To explore the region more widely, a rental car is practical. Check before you go to confirm current bus timetables and fares.
Abel Tasman National Park
At 22,530 hectares, Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest national park. The world-renowned Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, spans 60 km (37 miles) of granite headlands and subtropical rainforest interlaced with deserted beaches. Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days on the track. To stay overnight in the National Park, visitors must use officially designated accommodation. Independent travellers use DOC campsites and huts that must be reserved in advance during the most popular months. The park’s sheltered coves and acres of coastline make sea-kayaking a popular pastime. Visit the Tours & Activities section for kayak operators and guided walks. Take the Pitt Head Loop Track to an ancient Māori pā (fort) site, where you can see the remains of terracing and food pits. For full trail information and bookings, visit DOC at doc.govt.nz.
Nelson City
A twenty-minute uphill trek under poplar and kauri trees brings you to the Centre of New Zealand viewing platform, marked by a large white pin from the 1870s. Enjoy stunning views of the city, Tasman Bay, and the mountains. Stroll down South Street, New Zealand’s oldest fully preserved street, and see the 1860s cottages built for early Nelson settlers. The city has a strong Attractions scene. Nelson Tasman has a quirky, arty culture, and has one of the largest numbers of working artists and galleries in the country. Gander at the talent of the region’s artists and artisans at the Nelson Saturday Market or Motueka Sunday Market. The Founders Heritage Park lets you step back in time. The village of gorgeous character buildings are set in lush gardens. While you’re there, walk through the Bristol Freighter Plane, visit the Hop and Beer Museum, ride the railway train or browse the goodies in the windmill shop. Check Accommodation for places to stay in the city.
Food, wine and craft beer
Due to its perfect growing conditions, Nelson Tasman is the home of all of New Zealand’s hops, and to the South Island’s first commercial winery. Nelson Tasman boasts New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours per year making it an ideal hop and wine growing region, and an even better place to enjoy a craft beer or a glass of aromatic wine. Taste your way around the region by bicycle on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail or visit wineries and breweries on foot. Food & Wine listings show local producers and cellar doors in the region.
When to visit
The long days and warm nights from December through to February make it easy to get out and about and experience everything the region offers. Temperatures range from 20 – 25°C (68 – 77°F). December to February, during long New Zealand holiday season, is the busiest time in Nelson. From September through November, temperatures are warming up, and the days are getting longer. There are fewer queues, and beaches are still relatively quiet before all the summer holidaymakers descend. Temperatures range from 16 – 19°C (61 – 66°F). From March through May, the temperatures are pleasant, the sea is warm, and the days are calm, with golden blazing hues at sunrise and sunset—the perfect season to visit Nelson Tasman. From June through to August, crisp, cloudless winter days and mountains blanketed in snow make Nelson Tasman a dreamy location for a romantic getaway. As the perfect time to explore many walking tracks, the cooler Nelson weather allows visitors to appreciate the region’s spectacular beauty in all its glory.
Other activities
Nelson Lakes National Park is only an hour and a half from Nelson and features deep blue lakes set against golden alpine hills and dense beech forest. Nelson Tasman encompasses three national parks, stunning beaches and a vibrant art scene. The Nelson Classic Car Museum displays 150 iconic cars from more than 100 years of motoring. This is one of the best things to do inside in Nelson, so it’s great to visit with kids or on a rainy day. Tahunanui Beach is Nelson’s playground, a 20-minute bike ride or 5-minute drive from the centre. See Tours & Activities for mountain biking, fishing guides, and adventure activities in the region.
Information and services
Nelson Tasman Tourism operates i-SITE Visitor Information Centres in Nelson City, Takaka in Golden Bay and in Murchison. Mārahau is generally considered the starting point of the Abel Tasman Coast Track and is the only settlement along the track. Mārahau provides a DOC information centre, small shops, and holiday accommodation. Check Travel Services for visitor information and booking services. For events, accommodation and dining, browse Nelson and Events & Venues.