1. Explore the range of art galleries
2. Savour the wines at the local vineyards
3. Hit a ball at the Tasman Golf Club
4. Head out on your bike to explore the Moutere
5. Have a beer in New Zealand's oldest pub
When you travel inland to the Moutere you will find a landscape that’s filled with award-winning wineries and artisans.
The Moutere Hills are a huge draw card for artists and artisans. You can easily spend days visiting the workshops and galleries of the many ceramic artists, woodworkers, sculptors and artisan food producers who have made their home in this beautiful part of the region,
1. Visit the local national parks
2. Go fresh water fishing in the Motueka River
3. Visit the weekly Sunday Market
4. Take a scenic skydive
5. Take a walk to the Riwaka Resurgence
Motueka is a great place to stop on your way to and from the Abel Tasman National Park. It’s a vibrant small town, with roadside fruit stalls to taste during the warmer months and heaps of local craft breweries and artisan products to enjoy throughout all seasons.
The town centre and the Motueka Sunday Market is a showcase of the talented artists and artisans in the region. Motueka is a truly abundant place and perfect for growing a wide variety of crops. Not far from town is the trout-filled Motueka River. This river is known to hold large brown trout, sea-run trout and kahawai swim up the mouth in late spring.
ADVENTURE
Nelson Tasman has heaps of options to enjoy for the thrill-seeker in us all. Snow, sea, river, mountain or sky, we have adventures that will take you to all new heights.
If free-falling from the sky is your idea of exhilaration, skydiving in Nelson Tasman is a truly spectacular experience. It’s the only place in New Zealand where you can take in inspiring views of both the North and South Islands. While you soar over three national parks: Kahurangi, Nelson Lakes and Abel Tasman, revel in the breath-taking scenery of the clear oceans, golden beaches, mountain peaks, vineyards and orchards.
On the outskirts of Nelson City you’ll find a range of other exciting activities at Cable Bay Adventure Park. Home of the longest Skywire in the world, go mountain-biking, take a four-wheel drive adventure on quad bikes. If you’re feeling daring, you can also try out paintballing, or try the archery course to practise your aim.
In winter, a visit to Rainbow Ski Area will satisfy your snow cravings. Well-maintained trails provide perfect terrain for beginners and intermediates, while advanced skiers and snowboarders can challenge themselves on the powder runs and chutes. Rainbow Ski Field also features a terrain park, offering more thrills, spills, jumps, bumps and drops for adventurous boarders and skiers.
CYCLING & MOUNTAINBIKING
Whether you’re an avid road cyclist or a mountain-bike enthusiast, or just a visitor looking to get some adventure on some of our renowned leisurely cycle trails, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here in Nelson Tasman.
Cycling is an important part of Nelson Tasman’s culture, and it’s not uncommon to see groups of bikers at Mapua Wharf in the afternoon sun, exploring our boutique vineyards, riding up the mountain-bike parks or taking in the great sights along our coastal roads. As one of six regions in the world graded Gold Ride status by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, key highlights in our extraordinary region include The Great Taste Trail and The Coppermine Trail.
The Great Taste Trail is a scenic coastal and urban cycle route that showcases to riders the very best that the region has to offer. Stretching a huge 174km, the ride can easily be broken up into small pieces for leisurely rides or epic adventures. Weaving through country lanes and along the spectacular coastline, riders are treated to stunning views of Tasman Bay, the Waimea plains, rolling Moutere hills and the mountainous ranges.
No shortage of options to explore Nelson Tasman’s extraordinary cuisine, the trail is lined with vineyards, cellar doors, craft breweries, artisan stalls and a selection of restaurants and eateries to indulge in the regions Great Tastes. With a range of art galleries and attractions accessible just a few minutes from the trail, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore other parts of Nelson Tasman along the way.
SIGHTSEEING
There is so much to see in Nelson Tasman that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Our region showcases a remarkable combination of coastal and alpine landscapes, with stunning bays, clear lakes and picturesque plains nestled amongst mountain ranges.
Nelson Tasman is home to three extraordinary national parks – Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park and Abel Tasman National Park – each offering a diverse range of sightseeing opportunities - from the golden sandy beaches, clear blue waters and native forest of the Abel Tasman, to the alpine vistas and glacial waters of Nelson Lakes, to the wilderness and wonderful wildlife of the Kahurangi Park. You'll see an abundance of nature and wildlife either on your own trip or as part of a guided walk.
On the coastline off Nelson City you’ll find Te Pokohiwi (the Boulder Bank). At 13km in length, it’s the largest natural reef and boulder formation in the Southern Hemisphere and is a resting place for several species of migratory coastal birds. The Boulder Bank houses a historic 19th century lighthouse, and visitors can climb the internal staircase to enjoy the stunning view from the balcony at the top.
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Our region is the perfect place to escape the big city life and treat your mind and body to some much needed relaxation and rejuvenation.
Nestled amongst stunning landscapes, there are plenty of indulgent experiences dotted around the region that will leave you feeling relaxed, peaceful and pampered.
It might be a day spa experience you’re after, or a an afternoon in a hair and beauty salon to have you looking your best, this is the place to reconnect and uplift your mind, body and spirit. Massage therapy, yoga centres, float tanks, sauna and spa facilities complement the retail therapy on offer in the ample shopping areas ofNelson City and Richmond.
If you are craving a more substantial break away from it all why not indulge yourself to a stay in one of our region’s many resorts, retreats and hideaways, or to a visit to the extraordinary Abel Tasman National Park? The true definition of paradise and tranquility, you may be lucky enough to find a beach or cove all to yourself. Here you’ll be in an oasis of calm and luxury, waking to the sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore, your stress melting away in the breeze amongst the beautiful tones of native birdsong.
