Home to 3 national parks, 2 marine reserves and golden coastlines, visit the Tasman region to enjoy stunning natural landscapes, outdoor adventures, local arts, hiking, cycle trails and vibrant communities.
The Nelson Tasman region in spring offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and experience the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.
Things to do in the Nelson Tasman Region
- Abel Tasman National Park – Explore the pristine beaches, clear waters, and lush forests of this renowned national park. You can hike along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, take a guided kayak tour, or simply relax on the golden sands.
- Golden Bay – Visit this beautiful bay known for its laid-back atmosphere, charming towns like Takaka, and unique attractions such as Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs), which boast some of the clearest waters in the world.
- Wharariki Beach – Take a short walk to this breathtaking beach, famous for its massive sand dunes, rocky formations, and the opportunity to see fur seal pups playing in the rock pools.
- Nelson Lakes National Park – Enjoy scenic hikes around Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa. The national park offers a range of trails suitable for various fitness levels, and you can relish the stunning alpine scenery.
- Wine Tasting – The Tasman Region is known for its vineyards and wineries. Take a wine tour in areas like the Moutere Hills or visit the renowned Waimea Plains wineries to savour the local wines.
- Nelson Craft Beer Trail – The Nelson region is one of the prime hop-growing areas in the country and is renowned for its vibrant craft beer scene, with numerous breweries offering a diverse range of locally crafted beers. Exploring the craft beer trail in Nelson is a fantastic way to sample unique brews and experience the local culture.
- Arts and Crafts – The region has a vibrant arts community. Visit studios and galleries to discover unique pieces of art, pottery, jewellery, and other crafts created by local artists.
- Cycling – Explore the Great Taste Trail, a network of cycling trails that takes you through picturesque landscapes, past orchards, vineyards, and coastal areas.
- Festivals and Events – Check the local event calendar for festivals, markets, and community events that might be happening during your visit. Spring is often a time for various cultural celebrations and outdoor gatherings.
- Kahurangi National Park – This park is the second largest in New Zealand and offers a variety of tramping (hiking) options. The Heaphy Track is a multi-day hike that takes you through diverse landscapes.
- Gardens and Nature Reserves – Explore the beautiful gardens like Queens Gardens in Nelson or Miyazu Japanese Garden in Richmond. You can also visit nature reserves like Pukatea Estate with its ancient podocarp forest.
- Adventures – Engage in adventure activities like skydiving, paragliding, or horseback riding, which allow you to take in the stunning scenery from unique perspectives.
- Local Cuisine – Indulge in fresh seafood and local produce at restaurants and cafes in the region. Many places offer seasonal menus that showcase the best of spring flavours.
- Accommodation in the Nelson Tasman Region – Nelson Tasman offers a diverse range of accommodation, from exclusive luxury lodges, international award-winning hotels, high-quality motels and serviced apartments through to camping grounds, holiday homes, farm-stays and backpacker lodges.
Plan your trip to the Nelson Tasman region.
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