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Nelson
Nature & adventure

Nature & adventure

Our most recommended Nelson Nature & adventure

Abel Tasman National Park Cruise and Walking Tour Combo

1. Abel Tasman National Park Cruise and Walking Tour Combo

Experience the best of Abel Tasman National Park on this full-day boat cruise and walk combo tour. There are 3 different walk options available on this day of discovery. Enjoy a scenic cruise, visits to Split Apple Rock and a fur seal colony, golden beaches, forest walking, and wildlife encounters all on a single day out. There are 3 tour options: Option A: Astrolabe Beaches and Bays Walking distance: 7 km Walking time: 2.5 hours Details: After a scenic cruise, you’ll be dropped off at Apple Tree Bay at 12 PM, for a walk to Anchorage Beach. There is also the option of adding the 1-hour Pitt Head loop track to Te Pukatea Beach. Pick-up in Anchorage at 3:45 or 5:00 PM** Arrival in Kaiteriteri at 4:20 or 5:30 PM** Option B: Forest and Swing Bridge Walking distance: 10.5 km Walking time: 4 hours Details: Following a scenic cruise, you'll be dropped off at Medlands Beach at 11:30 AM for an interesting walk to Anchorage Beach that includes the scenic highlights of the South Head lookout, the famous Falls River swing bridge and Cleopatra’s Pool. Pick-up in Anchorage at 3:45 or 5:00 PM** Arrival in Kaiteriteri at 4:20 or 5:30 PM** Option C: 5 Beaches Walking distance: 8.8 km Walking time: 3.5 hours Details: After a scenic cruise, you'll be dropped off at Awaroa at 11:00 AM and enjoy a walk that takes in 5 beaches between Awaroa and your pick-up point at Medlands Beach. This option also features the option of stopping at the Awaroa Lodge Café, where you can enjoy the excellent views and native forests as well as a waterfall and lagoon at Bark Bay. Note that a steep climb from Tonga Quarry requires a reasonable level of fitness. Pick-up at Medlands Beach at 3:30 or 4:45 PM** Arrival in Kaiteriteri at 4:20 or 5:30 PM** * Summer season only: 15 October-30 April ** Peak summer only: 1 December-31 March

Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise

2. Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise

Head out from beautiful Kaiteriteri Beach on this 4-hour scenic cruise through Abel Tasman National Park. See the world-famous Split Apple Rock, New Zealand fur seals, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, and golden sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters along the way. Explore the coastline and discover secluded beaches and bays from the comfort of the boat. Learn about the history of the park and what makes it such a special place to visit. Hear commentary about the region and its inhabitants. The cruise is the best ways to experience Abel Tasman National Park, while encountering some of the local wildlife.

Nelson: Cable Bay Adventure Park Skywire Ticket

3. Nelson: Cable Bay Adventure Park Skywire Ticket

Enjoy convenient round-trip transfers through the Cable Bay Adventure Park in Nelson to the launch base. Experience the high-octane rush of soaring over the forest at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per an hour with this Skywire ticket.  Set 300 meters above the base café, your adventure starts with a 4 kilometer mini-bus journey up through the park to the launch platform of the Skywire. Be engaged as your guide shares facts and stories about the park and surrounding areas.  Get buckled in for the ride with up to 4 people that are seated side-by-side in individual racing-car style seats with 5 point protective harnesses. Move forward and backwards on the Skywire, with 800 meters of gravity-assisted freewheeling in each direction.  Take in 700 meters of scenic terrain in each direction, finish back at your starting point after nearly 10 minutes of this exciting experience. 

Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

4. Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

Delight in an amazing day out in Abel Tasman National Park that combines sailing along the stunning coastline before embarking on one of New Zealand's great walks. Start your day sailing from Kaiteriteri Beach, soaking up the scenery along the picturesque coastline. Take in the golden beaches, bays, islands, and birdsong, and pass by the iconic Split Apple Rock and the playful New Zealand fur seal colony. As you sail, learn about the history, marine life, flora, and fauna of Abel Tasman from your knowledgeable skipper. Arrive at Anchorage Bay around midday, and enjoy your own packed lunch on the beach or take a swim before starting your self-guided nature walk back to Marahau. During your hike, stroll along sandy beaches via picture-perfect lookouts and through native bush. Admire the beautiful scenery the National Park coastal track has to offer on a self-guided walk that generally takes between 3-4 hours.

New Zealand: eSIM Mobile Data Plan

5. New Zealand: eSIM Mobile Data Plan

Make your trip to New Zealand hassle-free with a convenient eSIM data package. Stay connected on your travels with high-speed coverage in New Zealand. Purchase and install your eSIM anytime and anywhere. Choose from a variety of data packages, validity options, and coverage in additional countries. Simply scan the eSIM QR code to access all your essential apps on your trip. Avoid the trouble of managing multiple SIMs with this zero-waste solution. Get one eSIM per device and, if needed, top-up by simply buying and activating additional eSIM plans as you go. Once activated, your coverage will begin immediately according to your selected duration. All iPhone model launched beyond iPhone XS can support eSIM. For Android, if you are unsure, please check with the guideline photo for eligibility. If you can not connect to the internet after install this eSIM, please follow the Self Help Troubleshooting Guide in your GYG voucher. APN (Access Point Name): 3gnet Local operator info: New Zealand: 2Degrees Australia: Optus

Nelson: Guided Quad Biking Tour Through Forest and Farmland

6. Nelson: Guided Quad Biking Tour Through Forest and Farmland

Combine excitement and adventure on a guided quad bike tour through native forest settings, around areas of a New Zealand farm, and up to lookout points with breathtaking coastal views of the Cable Bay area. Delight in the beautiful scenery and have lots of fun on your self-driven vehicle, whatever the weather. Start your experience with an instructional session and safety briefing from your experienced guide. Then, practice and hone your driving skills before departing on your tour. Choose between a 1.5-hour Farm Forest Ride or a 2.5-hour Bayview Circuit Tour. On the Farm Forest Ride, drive around the farmland and to the top of the Skywire Hill, before heading back down around the flats and along the banks of the river on a tour designed for all abilities. Alternatively, explore 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) of beautiful forest trails on the Bayview Circuit Tour. Ride past the Skywire then out to the stunning Bayview lookout over Delaware Bay, before descending back through the farm. Light refreshments are included.

Abel Tasman National Park: Day Sailing Adventure with Lunch

7. Abel Tasman National Park: Day Sailing Adventure with Lunch

Start your day sailing from Kaiteriteri beach and enjoy a full day of sailing through New Zealand's stunning 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. Throughout this full-day tour, you will have an opportunity to visit the Fur Seal Colony, Split Apple Rock, and a range of beautiful destinations before returning to Kaiteriteri Beach. This incredible tour will have you seeing all the Abel Tasman National Park highlights in one day.

Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Cycling Self-Guided Adventure

8. Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Cycling Self-Guided Adventure

Begin your adventure in Nelson where you’ll be fitted for your bikes and briefed on your tour. From there, cycle to Mapua on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. Explore Nelson City before following the blue Great Taste Trail markers which lead south to the seaside village of Mapua. Stop along the way at Nelson's Classic Car Museum. Visit the Honest Lawyer and enjoy the atmosphere of a country-style pub. Take a break from cycling and check out some of the many craft breweries and wineries along the way. Enjoy the trail’s coastal route. Take in phenomenal views from the Waimea Estuary and Farmland’s coastal boardwalks. Cross the spectacular Waimea Swing Bridge and then continue on to Rabbit Island. Take a swim in a freshwater swimming hole, or take a dip in the warm sea waters of Rabbit Island. Journey across the channel on the iconic Mapua Ferry. Land at Mapua Wharf and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, shops and the Golden Bear Boutique Brewery. After a day of exploring, sit down for dinner on the Mapua Wharf. Afterward, jump on the kiwi Journeys shuttle and return to Nelson.

Nelson: Self-Guided Tunnel to Town Cycling Tour via Mapua

9. Nelson: Self-Guided Tunnel to Town Cycling Tour via Mapua

Begin your journey in Nelson City at 8:35 AM where you will be fitted for your bikes and briefed on the tour. Get ready to board your trail transport by road, and escape to the countryside by 9 AM. With an approximate shuttle time of 45 minutes to Spooner’s Tunnel, your driver will give you some useful tips about the trail including food and beverage stops. Enjoy the longest (1352 meters) tunnel route open to cyclists in the southern hemisphere. Cycle along the old unique rail corridor into Richmond and admire the amazing scenery of the countryside. Ride through farmland, pristine native forests, following rivers, swing-bridges, past vineyards, and berry farms. Then, stop for lunch at the Grape Escape Café followed by a tasting at the Richmond Plains/Te-Mania winery and finally, by a real fruit ice cream made from local berries. From Richmond, Mapua is an approximately 15- kilometers ride. Enjoy the views from the coastal boardwalks of the Waimea Estuary and fertile farmland. Spot native bird species including the kotuku or white heron along the way. Cross the spectacular Waimea Swing Bridge before heading on to Rabbit Island. On the way, you may stop at the oldest and largest winery in Nelson at the Seifried Estate. Once in Rabbit Island, explore the white sandy beaches and take a dip in the warm sea waters. Next, journey across the channel on the iconic Mapua Ferry. Land at Mapua Wharf and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, shops and the Golden Bear Boutique Brewery. Afterward, jump on the Trail Hopper transport and return to Nelson.

New Zealand: eSIM Data Plan

10. New Zealand: eSIM Data Plan

Keep in touch with family and friends during your trip to New Zealand with ConnectPhone's eSIM data plan. Use high-speed data to connect to the internet and share travel photos on social media. Stream videos with a high-speed and reliable internet connection with 24/7 customer support. Avoid the hassle of using physical SIM cards with this eSIM. Activate the eSIM immediately upon arrival and choose a package that suits your needs. Decide between 10 GB or 20 GB of data, valid for 30 days, with nationwide coverage.

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What people are saying about Nelson

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 42 reviews

This is a great way to experience Abel Tasman when you only have a day. I recommend the walk from Apple Tree Bay to Anchorage - 2h is more than enough walking, especially if it's hot, and gives you enough time to enjoy the beach. Plus, being able to cruise all the way up to the top and then back was nice. Saw lots of seals along the way!

We booked online but needed to adjust our plans. The Sea Shuttle staff at the Kaiteriteri office were incredibly helpful and friendly assisting us to do this. We were very impressed. The trip itself was spectacular!!

Friendly and professional staff. Magnificent landscapes. Unfortunately, there were no seals that day. The 3h walk back it's a must do!

Very nice crew. Good on board information about region and history.

Great experience, loved the added bonus of seeing dolphins