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Nelson & Districts

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Take your time and explore a natural paradise of golden-sand beaches lapped by turquoise water and alpine lakes nestled between forest-clad hills.

The Nelson region is a place where nature knows no restraint. Known for its superb beaches – from popular local hang-outs to unforgettable private coves, accessible only on foot or by boat, where the forest grows right down to the water – this region also offers rugged inland landscapes, much of it protected in the Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks. The combination of beautiful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere has clearly proved inspirational for many; you’ll find an abundance of talented artists and craftspeople, art studios and galleries.

DO IT. Go sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, hike in one of three uniquely different national parks, browse one of the many art and craft studios, take a 4WD tour of Farewell Spit, dine on fresh seafood in a Nelson café or restaurant, check out the Nelson Arts Festival in October.

Destinations

Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand’s smallest national park features golden beaches and forest tracks.
Golden Bay Beautiful, remote coastal region, home to the world’s longest sandbar.
Nelson City Regional centre renowned for art, craft and fine food.
Nelson Lakes Stunning outdoor adventure area offering lakes, hiking and winter skiing.
Motueka Close to Abel Tasman National Park.
Murchison Centre of a rugged alpine region.

Getting there and around

Air Nelson Airport, 15 minutes from the city, services the region with domestic flights from Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland and smaller centres. The nearest international airports are in Wellington and Christchurch.
Road Nelson is 5 hours, 30 minutes from Christchurch and 2 hours from Picton via Queen Charlotte Drive. Regular coach services run to and from the region, and to Abel Tasman National Park.
Water Water taxis are a convenient and enjoyable mode of transport into Abel Tasman National Park.

Insider's tip

Don’t be tempted to swim at Te Waikoropupu Springs – the pristine water could easily become contaminated.

Heaven on Earth

New Zealand’s smallest National Park, Abel Tasman, is a sunny paradise of forest-clad coves and golden-sand beaches lapped by turquoise water. It can be explored by foot on the hiking trails (three- to five-days’ walk), or you can join a guided sea kayaking expedition, or cruise along the coast by boat.

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Abel Tasman National Park

Famed for its sea kayaking expeditions and hiking trail, Abel Tasman National Park offers an appealing blend of sunshine, blue water, golden sand and wildlife including seals and dolphins.

Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes

The other two National Parks in the Nelson region offer very different wilderness experiences: Kahurangi is very big and very wild, while Nelson Lakes is tranquil and picturesque.

Farewell Spit

Farewell Spit is the longest natural sandbar in the world, stretching 35 kilometres into the ocean. It's a protected sanctuary for more than 90 different bird species.

Art and crafts

The Nelson region is a hotbed of creativity – home to more than 350 local artisans producing art and crafts that can be purchased at studios, markets and galleries.

Golden-sand beaches

The beaches in the Nelson region have to be seen to be believed – rich golden sand is lapped by sparkling turquoise waters, often in bays sheltered by native forest.

Te Waikoropupu Springs

New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs and source of some of the world’s purest water, Te Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs – just north of Takaka – are a beautiful sight holding great spiritual significance for Maori.

 

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