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Nelson Self-guided activities

Our most recommended Nelson Self-guided activities

Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

1. 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.

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

2. 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.

Cable Bay Adventure Park: Half-Day E-Bike Hire

3. Cable Bay Adventure Park: Half-Day E-Bike Hire

Rent a full suspension e-bike for half a day and make your own self-guided trip around the Cable Bay Adventure Park. Ride the 4x4 road network up to our Skywire or for a longer option, head out to the stunning Bayview lookout and picnic area, 14km return from our Base You can also ride your e-bike on the dedicated mountain bike trails. Use your half-day rental to venture out with your group to the Bay view lookout and check out the Skywire.  Feel safe and secure with a briefing on how to operate the bike, take time for some practice in the carpark before heading out. Helmet's are included in the rental.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Nelson

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What people are saying about Nelson

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 5 reviews

Great day out! The route was really easy to follow once out of Nelson and the guides at the shop gave some good advice on how to navigate out of town. We decided to do the wine route once in Mapua, which was great fun, although relatively challenging on a hilly route on a heavy bike. Would perhaps recommend an e-bike unless you have good cycling fitness for the wine route.

I had an incredible day with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures. I initially missed the pick up but the staff were amazingly helpful and were able to get me to the boat and meet up with everyone else. Thank you very and would highly recommend.

Great day trip. We took our four teens and everyone enjoyed themselves. Enough time to ride at a leisurely pace and still have time for lots of stops.

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

A wonderful experience with helpful and knowledgeable staff/guides, highly recommended for anyone visiting the area.