Things to do in Nelson Tasman
Beaches, walks, lakes and markets, and the areas to stay near each one.
© RuinDig/Yuki Uchida · CC BY 4.0Kaiteriteri Beach
Sheltered golden-sand bay and departure point for water taxis into Abel Tasman.
Stays in Kaiteriteri & Mārahau
© Pseudopanax · CC BY 3.0Abel Tasman Coast Track
New Zealand Great Walk along the coast. The southern start is at Mārahau.
Stays in Kaiteriteri & Mārahau
© Rosino · CC BY-SA 2.0Split Apple Rock
Granite boulder split in two, reached by a short walk down to Tower Bay.
Stays in Kaiteriteri & Mārahau
© Schwede66 · CC BY-SA 4.0Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park
Trails for all levels in the hills right behind Kaiteriteri.
Stays in Kaiteriteri & Mārahau
© HeadBlow77 · CC BY-SA 4.0Riwaka Resurgence
Short bush walk to where the Riwaka River emerges from under Tākaka Hill.
Stays in Motueka & Riwaka
Photo: Stay NelsonRabbit Island (Moturoa)
Long pine-backed beach near Māpua, popular for swimming and cycling.
Stays in Māpua & Ruby Coast
© Wildman NZ · CC BY-SA 4.0Māpua Wharf
Small wharf on the estuary with eateries and local art.
Stays in Māpua & Ruby Coast
© PC cyclist · CC BY-SA 4.0Great Taste Trail
Easy-grade cycle trail linking Nelson, Richmond, Māpua and Motueka.
Stays in Richmond & Waimea
© Kieron Norfield · CC BY 2.0Te Waikoropupū Springs
Sacred freshwater springs near Tākaka known for their exceptionally clear water.
Stays in Golden Bay
© Jenny Hudson · CC BY 2.0Pōhara Beach
Wide, calm beach east of Tākaka on the road to Tōtaranui.
Stays in Golden Bay
© life in still. · CC BY 2.0Wharariki Beach
Wild beach with dunes and rock arches near Cape Farewell, reached on foot.
Stays in Golden Bay
Photo: Stay NelsonTāhunanui Beach
Nelson's city beach, wide and sandy, a few minutes from the centre.
Stays in Nelson City
Photo: Stay NelsonThe Boulder Bank
A 13 km natural bank of boulders that shelters Nelson Haven. Walk out from Boulder Bank Drive for sunsets and views back to the city.
Stays in Nelson City
Photo: Stay NelsonCentre of New Zealand
Short climb up Botanical Hill to a marker and views over Nelson.
Stays in Nelson CityNelson Saturday Market
Weekly market at Montgomery Square with food, crafts and local produce.
Stays in Nelson City
© Kris Jacques · CC BY-SA 2.5Lake Rotoiti
Alpine lake at St Arnaud inside Nelson Lakes National Park.
Stays in Nelson Lakes & Murchison
© Swollib · CC BY-SA 3.0Buller Gorge Swingbridge
Long swingbridge over the Buller River, west of Murchison.
Stays in Nelson Lakes & Murchison