Scenic Highlights

Top Nelson scenic highlights

With mountains, valleys, river plains and all flavours of coastline, the Nelson region promises to keep you captivated. Point yourself in a different direction each day and discover a new view.

Selected highlights at a glance

At ease in the Abel Tasman National Park

There are three main gateways into the Abel Tasman National Park - Marahau and Kaiteriteri in the south; Totaranui in the north.

The Abel Tasman is known for its glittering gold sand beaches, turquoise water and fascinating rock formations. A range of wildlife inhabits the area - there's a seal colony in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, shags (cormorants) perch in the trees and little blue penguins can be seen floating on the water. Launches and water taxis provide easy access to the park for day trippers.

The Abel Tasman Coastal Track takes three to five days and can be walked with or without a guide. Along the way you can camp, stay at basic Department of Conservation huts or book into independently owned lodges. Sea kayaking allows you to explore the coast from the water. Kayak rental operators are based at Marahau, Kaiteriteri and Awaroa.

The natural magic of Golden Bay

The road trip to Golden Bay is an extraordinary experience in itself - the highlight is a scenic drive over Takaka Hill, known as the marble mountain. There are well signposted lookouts along the way and the subterranean splendours of Harwoods Hole (176 metres deep) and the Ngarua Caves shouldn't be missed.

Near Takaka is Te Waikoropupu Springs, New Zealand's largest freshwater springs and a 'wahi tapu' (scared place) to the local Maori tribe. The easy walkways have interpretive panels.

Farewell Spit is as far as you can go. It's a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance on a sand spit jutting into the Tasman Sea. You can walk on the base of the spit, and there are excellent 4WD safaris (based in Collingwood) along to the lighthouse and bird habitats.

Nearby Wharariki Beach is wild and beautiful - wind and waves have created massive rock and sand dune formations.

Hiking, kayaking and caving in the Kahurangi National Park

Kahurangi National Park is in the north-west corner of the Nelson region. Motueka, Takaka, Karamea and Murchison are the gateway towns.

With rugged mountain ranges, vast glacier-carved valleys, tracts of untouched native forest and long stretches of pristine coastline, the park is a natural work of art. There are more than 570 kilometres of tracks to explore. The best-known hiking trail is the Heaphy Track, a walk that takes four to five days from the Aorere Valley across to the northern West Coast and Karamea.

Remote, wild rivers are a feature of Kahurangi. Most are suitable for experienced kayakers only. If you're not a proficient paddler, join a guided rafting tour. The Karamea River is acclaimed internationally for its trout fishing.

Some of the deepest cave systems in the world have been found in Kahurangi, but they're only for experienced cavers.

The alpine charms of Nelson Lakes National Park

The Nelson Lakes National Park protects the northern end of the Southern Alps. It offers tranquil beech forest, craggy mountains, clear streams and lakes both big and small. The gateway to the park is St Arnaud, a picturesque village just one and half hours drive from Nelson or Blenheim. Attractions and activities include walking around Lake Rotoiti, hiking the alpine trail to Lake Angelus and fly-fishing for brown and rainbow trout on lakes Rotoroa and Rotoiti. There are a number of good climbing routes suitable for experienced hikers and mountaineers. Back country huts in the park provide basic accommodation along the trails.