Three national parks, golden-sand beaches and turquoise waters make this region an unparalleled natural paradise perfect for outdoor adventure of every description.

Situated in the northwest corner of the South Island, the Nelson region is a place where nature shows no restraint. Golden-sand beaches meet sparkling turquoise water in bays sheltered by lush native forest. Nelson’s abundant sunshine and beautiful landscapes draw those seeking a laidback lifestyle and authentic cultural experiences. Explore art and craft galleries showcasing the creations of those inspired by the beautiful surroundings. Visitors should bring an appetite for exquisite fresh cuisine – fresh produce from land and sea, sublime Nelson wines and boutique beers – and be ready to work off the indulgence with outdoor adventure against a spectacular scenic backdrop of forest and beaches. Kayaking along the stunning coastline or walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track are particularly popular pastimes.

Nelson, the main centre of the region, offers inner city art or history trails as well as craft and art galleries such as the renowned Suter Art Gallery. West of Nelson are Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay, coastal playgrounds of forest, sand and sea offering superb opportunities for tramping, kayaking, sailing and swimming. Tucked beneath Golden Bay, Kahurangi National Park is a rugged wilderness of forests, river gorges and cave systems, perfect for tramping, bird watching and caving, while Nelson Lakes National Park is popular for fishing, skiing and boating. However your clients define the good life, they’ll find it in Nelson.

Regional Highlights

Unforgettable Sights

Abel Tasman National Park Featuring an exquisite combination of rainforest, golden-sand beaches and turquoise bays, Abel Tasman National Park is popular with walkers, kayakers and boaters. Waikoropupu Springs in Golden Bay Source of the world’s clearest fresh water. Farewell Spit The longest natural sand spit in the world is home to over 90 bird species. Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa Nestled amongst forested mountains in Nelson Lakes National Park.

Adrenaline Rush

Skydiving For an unforgettable thrill, tandem skydive over Abel Tasman. White-water Rafting The gorges of the Buller River offer exhilarating white water. Hang-gliding The Barnicoat Range is the ideal place to experience the thrill of tandem hang-gliding. Rock Climbing Climbers can scale the internationally famous rock face at Paynes Ford in Golden Bay. Happy Valley Adventures (Nelson) Quad biking through forest. www.happyvalleyadventures.co.nz

Relax & Indulge

Pujjis Wellness Retreat (Nelson) Soothing retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Sailing in Tasman Bay Relax on the deck of a sailboat under a blue sky. Beachside relaxation Settle into a deckchair and read a book on one of the many local beaches. Wine sampling Enjoy a glass of delicious local wine at a Nelson vineyard. Luxury Simply Wild (Nelson) Exclusive customised multi-day outdoor adventure tours with highly experienced guides. www.simplywild.co.nz Consulate Apartments (Nelson) Exclusive apartments combining European elegance with Pacific ambience. www.consulateapartments.co.nz

Culture

World of WearableArt™ & Classic Cars Museum (Nelson) The WOW Gallery celebrates the creativity of the World of WearableArt™ Awards Show held annually in Wellington. The Classic Car Gallery displays classic and rare cars. www.wowcars.co.nz South Street, Nelson This is thought to be New Zealand’s oldest preserved street.

Natural New Zealand

Farewell Spit Tours (Collingwood) Join a guided tour to visit a nature reserve of international significance on this amazing sand spit. www.farewellspit.com, www.farewellspittours.com Kahurangi Guided Walks (Takaka) Guided walks in the Nelson region’s precious National Parks. www.kahurangi.co.nz Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park The perfect way to explore this unique coastal landscape and get up-close to its marine wildlife.

On a Budget

Nelson Market (Nelson) Browse local art and cuisine every weekend morning at Montgomery Car Park. www.nelsonmarket.com Walking and hiking Discover lush forest on either a short scenic walk or a multi-day hike in one of the region’s National Parks.

The Iconic Experience

Visit the scenic wonder that is the Abel Tasman National Park, either by a multi-day walking and/or kayaking trip, or catch a water taxi or launch to visit for the day.

Dining & Shopping

Exclusive Dining

Boutereys Restaurant (Nelson) Fine dining with fresh produce, locally sourced. www.boutereys.co.nz

Casual Dining

Saltwater Café on the Quay (Nelson) A quayside restaurant specialising in quality seafood. www.saltwatercafe.co.nz

Café

Morrison Street Café (Nelson) Home to great cuisine and coffee. www.morrisonstreetcafe.co.nz

Stylish Bar

Bar Delicious (Nelson) Exceptional espresso and streetside bar. www.bardelicious.co.nz

Cosy Pub

The Honest Lawyer (Monaco, Nelson) Very popular English-style country pub. www.honestlawyer.co.nz

Culinary Experience

Anatoki Salmon Farm (Golden Bay) Catch your own salmon and they will prepare it for you for free. www.anatokisalmon.co.nz

Shop or Gallery

Hoglund Art Glass Studio and Gallery (Richmond) Purchase glass art at this renowned working studio. www.nelson.hoglund.co.nz

Suggested Itineraries

2 days in Nelson & Golden Bay

Start Nelson  I  Finish Nelson
Day 1 Nelson – Golden Bay
Day 2 Golden Bay – Farewell Spit – Nelson
Have lunch at a waterfront café in Nelson before driving to Golden Bay. Explore Te Waikoropupu Springs and Wharariki Beach, and stay overnight in Golden Bay. On Day 2, take a full-day Farewell Spit tour.

5 days in Nelson & Abel Tasman

Start Nelson  I  Finish Nelson Lakes
Day 1 Nelson
Day 2 Nelson – Collingwood
Day 3 Collingwood – Marahau
Day 4 Marahau
Day 5 Marahau – Nelson Lakes
Arrive in Nelson in time to attend the Nelson Saturday morning market, and explore the local boutiques and galleries before enjoying a seafood dinner. On Day 2, explore wineries and galleries in Moutere and along the Coastal Highway to Collingwood. On Day 3, enjoy a tour of Farewell Spit before driving to Marahau and relaxing on the coast. On Day 4, experience a famous Abel Tasman activity such as sea kayaking, hiking or sailing. On Day 5, depart for the Nelson Lakes and enjoy a walk in an alpine forest.

Road Trip

Drive the Treasured Pathway from Marlborough to Golden Bay.

Transport

Airports

Nelson Airport, 15 minutes from the city, services the region with a frequent schedule of domestic flights including direct flights from Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. There are no international flights directly into the region – nearest international airports are in Wellington and Christchurch.

Roads

Nelson is five hours, 30 minutes from Christchurch and two hours from Picton via Queen Charlotte Drive. Several coach companies provide regular services to and from the region. There are also regular coach services from Nelson to the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park, or visitors may rent a car and explore the region independently.

Water Taxis

These are a convenient mode of transport into Abel Tasman National Park and an inexpensive way to enjoy a boat trip.

Further Information

Nelson Tasman Tourism

Trade Contact Astrid Fisher
International Marketing Manager
Phone +64 3 546 6228  Fax +64 3 545 6850
Email info@NelsonNZ.com
www.NelsonNZ.com

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