Nelson - Greymouth - Christchurch

Day 1: Nelson to Collingwood

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Nelson - Motueka 0.75 hr  49/31 Motueka - Marahau 0.25 hr  17/11 Marahau - Collingwood 0.75 hr  57/36   Totals for Day 1.75 hrs  123/77

Nelson - Motueka - Marahau - Collingwood

The city of Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. From here you can organise yourself an eco-adventure or become immersed in the local creative culture. Every year the city hosts the Montana New Zealand Wearable Art Awards, where art comes off the wall and onto the body.

The road to Motueka hugs the coast, which makes it easy to browse beaches as you go. The Waimea Inlet and the villages of Mapua and Ruby Bay are particularly irresistible. Art and pottery studios, vineyards and excellent cafes are other local distractions.

In the horticultural town of Motueka you can indulge your love of fresh fruit and vegetables, and feed your imagination with local arts and crafts. Because it’s so close to the Abel Tasman National Park and the Kahurangi National Park, Motueka is an ideal place to plan and prepare for hiking adventures.

Scenic Highlights

Kahurangi National Park
Huge and wild, Kahurangi National Park will surprise you with tropical palm forests, caves, alpine herbfields and rare creatures.

Abel Tasman Coast Track
The coast of Abel Tasman National Park is perfectly suited to a voyage of discovery - on foot or in a kayak.

Activities

Nelson
Boat Cruises (9)

Tour and Sightseeing

Nelson
Boat Cruises (6)

Nelson - Motueka - Marahau - Collingwood

In the horticultural town of Motueka you can indulge your love of fresh fruit and vegetables, and feed your imagination with local arts and crafts. Because it’s so close to the Abel Tasman National Park and the Kahurangi National Park, Motueka is an ideal place to prepare for hiking adventures.

The short trip to Marahau takes you past the road to Kaiteriteri Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

The picnic area in the Riwaka Valley is another scenic detour – you can walk to the source of the Riwaka River.

Marahau is often called ‘the Abel Tasman Village’, because it’s where many people begin their explorations of the Abel Tasman National Park. You can hire kayaks, swim with seals or catch a water taxi to one of the park’s amazing beaches.

The Coast Track in the Abel Tasman National Park is the most popular ‘great walk’ in New Zealand. The track takes you past pristine golden sand beaches and calm turquoise waters. Travel on foot or in a sea kayak.

Scenic Highlights

Kahurangi National Park
Huge and wild, Kahurangi National Park will surprise you with tropical palm forests, caves, alpine herbfields and rare creatures.

Abel Tasman Coast Track
The coast of Abel Tasman National Park is perfectly suited to a voyage of discovery - on foot or in a kayak.

Activities

Nelson
Paragliding and Hang gliding (4), Walking/Trekking (12)

Tour and Sightseeing

Nelson
Walking/Trekking (13)

Nelson - Motueka - Marahau - Collingwood

Marahau is often called ‘the Abel Tasman Village’, because it’s where many people begin their explorations of the Abel Tasman National Park. You can hire kayaks, swim with seals or catch a water taxi to one of the park’s amazing beaches.

State Highway 60 will take you up and over Takaka Hill. At the start of your journey, a sign on the left points to Riwaka Valley, a picturesque picnic area. Near the summit of Takaka Hill you can explore Ngarua Caves. Enjoy the views from the top, then wind down through the beautiful Takaka Hill Scenic Reserve. If you’re in the mood for adventure, follow the side road to Harwood’s Hole – New Zealand’s biggest cave.

Takaka is the main centre for the northwest corner of the south Isdland. It has an interesting local community of artisans, growers and alternative lifestylers. From here you can discover Pupu Springs, Wharariki Beach, old gold-mining works, the bird sanctuary on Farewell Spit and the walking tracks of the Kahurangi National Park.

Scenic Highlights

Farewell Spit
With open sea on one side and sheltered waters on the other, this massive sandspit has two entirely different faces.

Golden Bay
Drive over Takaka Hill and discover another world. Golden Bay is a vast paradise for nature lovers.

Westhaven (Te Ai Tapu) Inlet Marine Reserve and Wildlife Management Reserve
Westhaven, also known as Whanganui Inlet, is both a marine reserve and a wildlife sanctuary.

Activities

Nelson
Kayaking – Fresh Water (2), Kayaking – Salt Water (10), Paragliding and Hang gliding (4)

Tour and Sightseeing

Nelson
Kayaking – Salt Water (4)