Top Things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region
10 Things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand including Abel Tasman Coast Track, Nelson Lakes National Park, Wainui Falls Track, Nelson Classic Car Museum, Kaiteriteri Beach, Ngarua Caves, Anatoki Salmon, Centre of New Zealand, Queen's Gardens, Tahunanui Beach.
Restaurants in Nelson-Tasman Region
1. Abel Tasman Coast Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 915 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By DelaineJ4
An Awesome Experience of the one of the best experiences to have in New Zealand. We trekked into the park for the 5 days, well worth the total trek to go to the end of the walk from the Nelson end start point. The huts are basic but its all in who travels the same days as you, to make it more fun.. You need to bring everything.. We used a spray bottle filled with filtered water to wash our private parts with or else had cold showers.. Saving the environment by not using toilet paper.. the wildlife was fun/funny.. watch out for the wekas who will steal anything if they can.. other beautiful birds to see too.. The coast is stunningly beautiful, and the water taxi ride out of the park is a total contrast of a blast.. I'd thoroughly recommend booking well in advance, 5 months.. to have this awesome experience of real New Zealand. Its a medium level fitness exercise too. The paths are well maintained and the beaches the same.
2. Nelson Lakes National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By Travelove58
No doubt this is a very stunningly beautiful lake. Amidst the backdrop of majestic mountains enveloped by foggy clouds, it's just crazily beautiful. And the small unrailed wooden jetty jutting out towards the mountains adds to the serene atmosphere. But what makes this lake very different from the other just as stunning lakes are the "natural add-ons." This lake has many nice Mandarin Ducks, Black Swans, even Black Fishes ( looks like Catfishes) - all happily swimming near the shore. And even few seagulls roaming around the shore area. However, we had an unexpected add-ons -SANDFLIES! Shortly after we got out of car, we were attacked by swarms of sandflies. We did not expect it as so far all the lakes we have been to don't have sandflies or just occasional ones. We had anti insect patches but did not put it on earlier - too late. Perhaps its the timing- we were here around dusk- which I believe is when sandflies are most active. We had to cut short the time here & ran off quickly. The sandflies even got into the car. And all of us got quite a number of bites! What a spoilsport- terrible sandflies!!
3. Wainui Falls Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 178 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By ChristchurchStewarts - Christchurch, New Zealand
A lovely walk in , with a lot of shade on a sunny day, through predominantly native bush to a beautiful waterful. Great for a family pursuit as not difficult.
4. Nelson Classic Car Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,517 reviews
150+ immaculate cars from more than 100 years of motoring Nelson Classic Car Museum is one of the finest private collections in New Zealand. From the little 1908 Renault AX, to classics of the 1950s including Vauxhalls, Triumphs and Cadillacs, through to the exquisite mastery of Jaguar and Ferrari, the Museum is the place to marvel and admire an incredible collection of iconic cars. The Museum also includes a Cafe renowned for its tasty healthy treats and the Museum store is full of NZ art and jewellery designs. Open every day 10am - 4pm (except Christmas Day). Due to a company restructure during the Covid19 lock down The World of Wearable Art exhibition is no longer on display at this Museum. Please use the website worldofwearableart.com for further information and contact.
Reviewed By FADance - Nelson, New Zealand
Highly recommended, great to see the detail of Wow outfits up close, classic cars are always great too Great Cafe which is always very popular
5. Kaiteriteri Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 490 reviews
Reviewed By 67arda - North Shore, New Zealand
such a lovely spot, especially Little Kaiteriteri - pristine water, golden sands - paradise and a jewel in paradise
6. Ngarua Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By LaraF579 - Upper Hutt, New Zealand
This is a great place to visit if you are staying around the area - Motueka, Marahau, Kaiteriteri, Takaka etc. We were staying in Marahau and it took us about an hour to drive here. Depending on the timing of the traffic lights on Takaka Hill (due to roadworks) it can add an extra 15 minutes to your journey so allow time for this if you are heading from that direction. Guided tours depart every hour on the hour and take about 45 minutes. It is recommended you have suitable (walking) footwear, and an extra layer or two of clothing as it’s cooler underground in the caves (it was about 11 degrees the day we did it) so if you generally feel the cold you’d want a couple of layers. The caves are interesting with the Moa bones and there are some amazing formations - definitely worth the visit. The ‘cabin’ or shop sells some lovely souvenirs. There are the standard items such as magnets and t shirts however there are some different items such as knitted (alpaca wool) hats and pebble art pictures. You can purchase hot or cold drinks, ice creams/blocks, and there is a small selection of food available too. This is a great activity to do in any weather. Note: There is a ladder at the end of the tour which you climb to get out of the caves however it’s nothing too strenuous. There are toilets located at the cabin where you start and finish the tour.
7. Anatoki Salmon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
Catch a beautiful salmon and eat it on the spot in the cafe. Experience in Takaka. Free use of fishing equipment.
Reviewed By Bevmac5 - Wellington, New Zealand
Great day spent at this place with family The boys all caught a Salmon each which we got smoked and cut into steaks 3 year old grand daughter loved the feeding the eels - playing at the playground and patting the animals
8. Centre of New Zealand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 864 reviews
Reviewed By themilkybarkid - Wellington, New Zealand
Great walk along the river and then up to the top of the hill for great 360 degree views and then carry on the walk to the Japanese Garden and the cafe in the Founder Heritage Park then catch the bus on the hour back to Nelson. Great walk! Great views!
9. Queen's Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 323 reviews
Reviewed By patterklan
Art Gallery - Beautiful bridge & Mature trees , lots of shade & ponds Easy flat paths for walking , would be pram & wheel chair friendly.
10. Tahunanui Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Reviewed By Moana033 - Auckland, New Zealand
Beautiful stretch of beach easily accessible from the main road. Kid friendly waters. There's a hive of activities happening such as kite surfing and paddle boarding. There's so much space that there could be hundreds of people yet you're not in each other's spaces.
