Things to Do in Nelson

Embark on an Abel Tasman National Park combination tour and experience the versatility it has offer. Take a cruise, enjoy the beaches, spot wildlife, and go for a walk through stunning bush.

Our fully catered boat charter ensures you are able to experience the most of the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park in one day and in comfort. Hike, Swim, Kayak or just relax onboard. You can choose how active or relaxed you want to be in New Zealand's most loved National Park. Talk to our experienced guides to ensure they cater to your special interests or trust in their wealth of knowledge. The park is truly remarkable and is renowned for its clear emerald/blue water, golden sand beaches, wildlife including the NZ fur seal and subtropical forests and is accessible only by boat or on foot. Our day charter allows you to make the most of your day whether with a group of friends and family or that special someone. Whether you want an activity full day or to just relax and take in the stunning scenery with a glass of wine. We cater to groups with varying levels of fitness and cater to the young and old alike.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a 3- to 4-hour cruise that takes you through the Abel Tasman National Park, from Kaiteriteri Beach to Totaranui. This is a cruise only.

Embark on Wine Exposed Nelson, a journey where every sip tells a story! Discover Nelson's vibrant wine culture across its three distinct sub-regions. Guided by an expert, explore lush vineyards and boutique cellar doors of family-owned wineries. Savour the crisp chardonnays of Moutere, aromatic pinot gris of Waimea, and bold reds of Coastal Tasman. After a morning of tastings, enjoy a gourmet vineyard lunch, where local flavours pair perfectly with the region's finest wines. Immerse yourself in Nelson's natural beauty, history, and craftsmanship for an unforgettable wine adventure!

Visit Cable Bay Adventure Park in Nelson for a thrilling ride above the native forest canopy on their Skywire Experience, one of the world's longest ziplines.

Included in this adventure • Approximately 90 minutes flight time exploring the Kahurangi National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 2 x Mountain landings SIGHTS: • 2 x Lord of the Rings film locations! • Unique land forms, habitats, plant communities and wildlife • Native bush • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Drive a quad bike through natural forest settings, around farmland, and up to the magnificent coast of Cable Bay on a guided tour.

Included in this adventure • Approximately 60 minutes flight time exploring the Kahurangi National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: • Lord of the Rings film location! • Unique land forms, habitats, plant communities and wildlife • Native bush • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Enjoy a fantastic full-day combination tour that involves sailing through the blue waters of the Abel Tasman National Park's coastline before setting off on one of New Zealand's best hikes.

Approximately 60 minutes flight time over the Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park. Two-way communication between you and your pilot 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: Breathtaking mountain landscapes Stunning golden sand beaches Picturesque lake Short walk to a nearby waterfall

Enjoy a full-day, self-guided cycling adventure and experience some the stunning scenery along Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. Stop by award-winning wineries, craft breweries and superb eateries!

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 120 minutes flight time over the Kahurangi National Park, The Wild West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Golden Bay and Farewell Spit • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Enjoy a full-say sailing tour in New Zealand's coastal paradise, the Abel Tasman National Park. Savor a tasty lunch and view a fur seal colony, stunning beaches, and islands.

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 25 minutes flight time • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x mountain landing SIGHTS: • Tasman Bay • The surrounding National Parks • Snow (in Winter)

Discover Nelson’s wine culture on a guided tour. Visit boutique wineries, enjoy tastings, and savour a delicious vineyard lunch.

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for a scenic journey across the Waimea Plains and Moutere Hills to Kaiteriteri. From there, enjoy a cruise along the stunning coastline of Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its clear waters, golden beaches, and fur seal colonies. Disembark at Tōtaranui for an adventure through Golden Bay, a region of breathtaking landscapes. Explore sub-tropical rainforests, intriguing rock formations, and pristine beaches. Visit Te Waikoropupū Springs, home to some of the world’s clearest water, and enjoy a gourmet picnic or a meal at a local café. Your return journey takes you over Takaka Hill, past unique granite and marble formations, with panoramic views of Golden Bay, Abel Tasman National Park, and Tasman Bay.

Discover the forest after dark at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. The chance to hear ruru and kiwi calls, spot glowworms, and explore New Zealand’s largest fenced eco-sanctuary on a guided night walk.

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 40 minutes flight time exploring the Kahurangi National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: • Official Lord of the Rings film location! • Unique land forms, habitats, plant communities and wildlife • Native bush • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Golden Bay on a day trip. Visit Te Waikoropupu Springs, the Abel Tasman Memorial, Tata Beach, and The Grove Reserve. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe.

Visit New Zealand’s only Tequila Farm – Kiwi Spirit Distillery specialise in unique spirits handcrafted from the purest homegrown ingredients including the only 100% Blue Agave Tequilana spirit made in New Zealand. Their family owned and operated distillery redefines what quality means. With a family history of decades of distilling they’re staunchly dedicated to quality over quantity. Golden Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the world! This small town has long been a haunt for creative free thinkers, artists and aging hippies. Nestled between two spectacular National Parks with miles of stunning golden sand beach surroundings, it’s a very special corner of New Zealand.

Choose from a range of E-biking options to suit most riders at Cable Bay Adventure Park. 11 single track options ranging from G3 - G5 or a wider graded trail out to our Bayview lookout, 14km return

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 120 minutes flight time over Tasman Bay coastline, and D’Urville Island • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing • Dining of the fish caught by the clients and local wine and beer SIGHTS: • The beautiful D’Urville Island • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Explore Abel Tasman National Park by waka, boat, and on foot on this tour from Nelson. Learn about Māori culture, visit beautiful beaches, and enjoy lunch, snacks, and refreshments.

Included in this adventure • Approximately 50 minutes flight time cruising over the Abel Tasman National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot SIGHTS: • Golden coastlines and beautiful beaches • Native bush and bird life

Abel Tasman Water & Walk with half-day Kayak is a fantastic adventure where you get to explore the best of the park from both land & sea.

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our Beachfront Eco-Lodges, Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, with ensuite rooms, hot showers and delicious meals cooked for you. We take care of the details, so you get to escape from stress, revive your senses and reconnect with what’s important to you. Discover how life just seems better here.

Explore the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary with an entry ticket. Discover walking tracks, spot native wildlife, and learn about conservation efforts.

Our small group personalized day-trip is the best way to experience all the Abel Tasman National Park has to offer in comfort in one day. You get to meet other travelers and receive the personal attention of the skipper as we limit numbers to 5 couples or 11 passengers. Choose how energetic you want to be with plenty of activities on offer. Our cruise itinerary is flexible and our friendly, knowledgeable skippers are excellent at locating local wildlife such as New Zealand fur seals, Little Blue penguins and on occasion dolphins.We ensure you are able to learn about the history and ecology of the Abel Tasman while take in the stunning scenery. We cruise past Split Apple Rock as far as the Tonga Island Marine Reserve in the heart of the park where New Zealand fur seals bask in the sun. Then we find a sheltered bay with opportunities to kayak, go ashore for a bush walk, or just relax on board while we prepare a delicious platter style lunch with fresh local ingredients.

Enjoy a fantastic New Zealand experience that gets you off the beaten track. Explore Golden Bay and Abel Tasman by land, sea and air, and see the famed clear waters of Te Waikoropupū Springs.

Golden Bay is truly a hiden gem providing lots of incredible surprises. Departing  your accommodation and the city we drive over the Waimea Plains in Tasman Bay through the vineyards, market gardens and orchards then forest on Marble mountain. This is a full day tour that never fails to impress and becomes a photographers playground with almost scenic overload proportions. Your every comfort is included from water, fresh fruit, tea, coffee and of course a gourmet picnic lunch as well as entrance fees into middle earth caves and the National Parks where your guide is privileged with special unique access. This day is renowned for the diversity of views and landscape formations from mountains, managed and unique native forest types. limestone and granite rock formations, incredibly clear water, estuaries, a waterfall and beautiful golden sand beaches. If time permits a stroll through the Takaka village will top of a fascinating day.

Embark on a cycling adventure on the Great Taste Trail from Spooners Tunnel to Nelson. Enjoy a scenic ride through vineyards, hop country, and past free range chicken farms.

Abel Tasman Water and Walk is a small group tour for visitors who prefer faster access into the heart of this popular National Park so that they can spend more time exploring the many features with an expert interpretive guide who will highlight the less obvious features of Maori history, early settler activity and the endless stories that abound here, especially from the rich variety of vegetation, birds and aquatic life.

Discover the beauty of Nelson Lakes National Park on a day trip from Nelson. Enjoy a scenic drive, a walk through a beech forest, and a delicious lunch on the edge of Lake Rotoiti.

If you love wine and enjoy getting some exercise at the same time, this is the activity for you! We cater for groups, both large and small. This activity is unguided, but you will be briefed and have a map to show you the way. You can take your time and enjoy the tastes of Nelson at your leisure.

This unforgettable single-day self-guided adventure combines two iconic experiences kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park then eBiking part of Nelson's Great Taste Trail.

Nelson is a stunning, unique city in New Zealand, so whether it’s your first time in Nelson or you’re a seasoned visitor (or local!), our 2-3 hour city walking tour - ‘Nelson in a Nutshell’ will bring this beautiful and diverse city to life. Your tour guides are all resident Nelsonians who know the hidden gems, and with a unique insight give you a true flavour of the real Nelson. Discover Trafalgar Street, Christ Church Cathedral, The Lord of the Rings Jeweller, South Street heritage cottages, Queen’s Gardens, Suter Art Gallery, the Centre of New Zealand and so much more along the way. Prepare to be impressed!

Explore Abel Tasman National Park on a guided hiking tour with a cruise, with departure from Nelson. Discover the park’s stunning landscapes, learn about its history, and relax on golden beaches.

Have an epic time! Enjoy a scenic flight climbing to altitude-then the door opens and the adrenaline rushes as you free fall for over 80 seconds, depending on jump height chosen. When your parachute opens you gently fly over one of the most beautiful areas in the world. You are in great hands with the friendly staff and stellar safety record. Experience the best scenery, the friendliest team and an amazing photography package. Opt for the photography package and star in your own video and receive over 60 still photos (own expense). Capture some priceless moments to relive again and again.

Embark on a cycling adventure on the Great Taste Trail from Spooners Tunnel to Nelson. Enjoy a scenic ride through vineyards, hop country, and past free range chicken farms.

Treat yourself to the only scheduled Full Day sailing tour in New Zealand's coastal paradise - the Abel Tasman National Park.  Either chill out and relax, get involved in the sailing or learn as you go, you decide! Experience some great sailing, enjoy some stunning beaches and islands, with a full hour to enjoy your lunch and relax on Anchorage Beach.  A great opportunity to go swimming or take a short walk and explore the caves. Visit the Fur Seal Colony, Split Apple Rock, and much more on your return to Kaiteriteri Beach - see all the highlights on this tour.

Take in panoramic views of The Sounds and Tasman Bay by riding a helicopter from Nelson. Feel the thrill of flying on this guided tour and enjoy a picnic from a mountain peak in Mount Richmond Park.

Our most popular quad bike tour - Explore over 14 km of beautiful native forest trails. Ride high to the hilltops, to spectacular coastal scenery, then down through the farmlands. Light refreshments included.

Take to the sky in a private helicopter flight from Nelson Airport and experience a slice of the Abel Tasman paradise. Land at Awaroa Bay and have time for a walk, a swim, or lunch at the lodge.

If you love beer and fancy getting some exercise at the same time, this is the tour for you! We cater for groups, big and small. This tour is unguided, but you will be briefed and have a map to show you the way. You can take your time and enjoy the tastes of Nelson at your leisure.

Discover the art and wine scene of Nelson Tasman on a guided tour. Explore galleries, sip award-winning wines, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Explore the National Park with a morning water taxi, a short walk and an afternoon sail. Board your water taxi for 10.30 am departure from Kaiteriteri Beach and cruise into the Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise by the iconic Split Apple Rock, and Fisherman and Adele Islands where you may see the NZ Fur Seals. After 35 minutes you arrive at Anchorage Bay where you have time to walk the Pitt Head loop track (walk time approximately 1 -1.5 hours). This walk takes you to Te Pukatea Bay - a quiet bay and one of the crews favourite beaches in the National Park. Walk back to Anchorage to meet the skipper and join the sailing catamaran departing at 1.15pm. Catch the sea breeze for a 3 hour sail further into the Park and back to Kaiteriteri. Along the way expect to see secluded coves, islands, golden sand beaches, Bush clad coastline, pristine clear waters and native wildlife. Complimentary tea/coffee and juice is provided on board the sailing catamaran.

Experience the best views of Nelson, Tasman Bay, and surrounding National Parks on this helicopter flight. Land at a high altitude in the remote mountain range for excellent photo opportunities.

The Skywire is one of the Worlds longest Flying Fox experiences! - your trip starts from our Base area, onboarding a mini-bus journey up through the Native Forest to the launch platform of the Skywire. Your guides will entertain you on the trip up with facts and stories of the forest, points of interest and surrounding areas. The Skywire ride takes up to 4 people at a time and can reach a speeds of up to 100km/hr. The ride takes you both on a forward facing and backwards journey, with 800 metres of gravity assisted freewheeling in each direction - combined with 700 metres of a scenic journey in each direction, finishing back at the start after nearly 12 minutes of thrilling adventure!

Experience a private, curated journey through the heart of the Nelson Tasman region, blending natural beauty, artisanal craftsmanship, and exquisite cuisine. Enjoy tastings and a gourmet lunch.

This full day self-guided cycle adventure takes in some of the most stunning scenery on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail taking approximately 3 -4 hours of cycling. There are many fun stops along the way with award winning wineries, craft breweries, and the Pics Peanut Butter Factory to name a few. Cycle along the old rail route from Nelson City to Richmond then turn onto the picturesque Coastal Route to Rabbit Island and Mapua. It is all grade one riding (easy) where a moderate fitness level is required. A short ride on the Mapua Ferry has you landing on the Mapua Wharf where the vibe and atmosphere is very relaxing while you enjoy some great food and beverages. This is also a great day out for the whole family.