Top Things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand including Abel Tasman Coast Track, Nelson Lakes National Park, Heaphy Track, Wharariki Beach Walking Track, Wainui Falls Track, Rawhiti Cave Track, Mapua Ferry, Rare Creations Interactive Wooden Art Gallery, Kaiteriteri Beach, Nelson Saturday Market.
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. Heaphy Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By fionam507 - Wellington, New Zealand
When my friend asked me if I wanted to walk the Heaphy track, all I could think of was saying no. No showers? Carrying everything on your back for 4 days? Sleeping in huts? No proper meals? But I said yes. And I’m so grateful that I did. It was one of the best experiences. The Heaphy Great Walk is 82km of the most pristine, ever changing beautiful NZ landscape. The first walk to Perry Saddle is a very gradual incline, sometimes difficult but doable. I’d recommend going on some 20k walks with some elevation beforehand to get used to the walking. The other three days are mainly flat. 4 days, 3 nights, staying in wonderful huts: Perry Saddle, James McKay and Heaphy, the latter two had flush toilets. All were well maintained, with gas and some pots and pans. We had 2 river swims, one in the “mountain spa” near Perry Saddle Hut and one in the river near the Heaphy Hut, which made a difference to a wet wipe shower! DOC have good lists of what to bring, which my group all followed. We enjoyed sunshine, hail and some tropical downpours, as long as you have your wet weather gear you’ll be fine! It is truly magical.
4. Wharariki Beach Walking Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By spidernz - Gisborne, New Zealand
We got four seasons in 20 minutes, and sand-blasted to the max to go with it, and didn't regret a second of it - even if the weather at the beach was horrible. Looking at he photos a week later, all we could remember was the stunning views. An easy over-farm land walk and a bit of soft sand at the end, this is accessible to most, and the views of the arches in the rocks is one of NZ's best kept secrets (although there were about 20 cars in the carpark, so maybe the secret is getting out.) About 25 minutes scenic drive from Collingwood along the bay-side road, this place is definitely recommended, just expect it to be very windy!
5. 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.
6. Rawhiti Cave Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 99 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Dennis695 - Brisbane, Australia
we met some people on a previous walk and they told us about the cave so we had to do it .It started off easy enough then got very steep fortunately we met several people who were on their way down and all said it was well worth the effort which helped drive us on and we were so pleased we did it was sensational and the temperature drop in the cave was amazing
7. Mapua Ferry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By DaisyTurnip - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
Great fun. Tiny distance. Lovely guy running it. Not much else to say - does what it says on the tin!
8. Rare Creations Interactive Wooden Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Interactive Wooden Art Gallery, RARE CREATIONS offers Contemporary Furniture and a huge range of related wooden art and technical kit sets from 3 to 99 years old to bring back the lost creativity. It is the only gallery where it is almost compulsory to touch as we have many technical moving toys and sculptures.
Reviewed By Getabout72
Fantastic, awesome wooden wonderland! I wanted to buy everything there. Literally. Gorgeous wooden furniture and wonderful quirky toys and other practical creations. Fabulous designs. An aesthete's dreamland. We came here two days in a row. Absolutely worth the 20 minute drive out of Richmond. Easy to find. Plus the coffee hut on site, Lovina Cup, makes awesome coffee that satisfies. And delicious sticky lemon slice plus other goodies. GO HERE!
9. 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
10. Nelson Saturday Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
The Nelson Market is famous for its longevity and high quality of its stalls. For almost 40 years, market owner Nita Knight has worked hard to create a showcase of the best that the Nelson region has to offer in arts, crafts and produce. The market is enhanced these days with a wide variety of food carts, making it a wonderful place to meet friends and share brunch or lunch while checking out the array of goods on offer at this truly iconic market.
Reviewed By KiwiMilly - Christchurch, New Zealand
Really cool! Great diverse range of stalls. Lots of local food and crafts. Good way to spend a Saturday morning. Heads up to some great strawberries from Blenheim we bought there, delicious!!
