Top Nelson How to Get Around in 2026

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for a scenic journey across the Waimea Plains and Moutere Hills to Kaiteriteri. From there, enjoy a cruise along the stunning coastline of Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its clear waters, golden beaches, and fur seal colonies. Disembark at Tōtaranui for an adventure through Golden Bay, a region of breathtaking landscapes. Explore sub-tropical rainforests, intriguing rock formations, and pristine beaches. Visit Te Waikoropupū Springs, home to some of the world’s clearest water, and enjoy a gourmet picnic or a meal at a local café. Your return journey takes you over Takaka Hill, past unique granite and marble formations, with panoramic views of Golden Bay, Abel Tasman National Park, and Tasman Bay.

This fun walking tour is an ideal way to explore the small city of Nelson without the risk of getting lost or the need to catch buses. Visit some of the major attractions—including Nelson Cathedral, the Queen’s Gardens, and the Suter Gallery—as well as learn about architectural styles and everyday life in the city. Your guide has lived in Nelson all her life so has local insights to share.

Embark on Wine Exposed Nelson, a journey where every sip tells a story! Discover Nelson's vibrant wine culture across its three distinct sub-regions. Guided by an expert, explore lush vineyards and boutique cellar doors of family-owned wineries. Savour the crisp chardonnays of Moutere, aromatic pinot gris of Waimea, and bold reds of Coastal Tasman. After a morning of tastings, enjoy a gourmet vineyard lunch, where local flavours pair perfectly with the region's finest wines. Immerse yourself in Nelson's natural beauty, history, and craftsmanship for an unforgettable wine adventure!

See Abel Tasman National Park by both land and sea on this combination sailing and walking day tour. After boarding a water taxi at Kaiteriteri Beach, enjoy scenes of Split Apple Rock and the Fisherman and Adele Islands. Land at Anchorage Bay and take a scenic walk around the Pitt Head loop, perhaps stopping for a swim at a secluded beach. Look out for local wildlife, including dolphins and seals.

Discover the jewel in the South Island’s crown on this full-day Abel Tasman National Park hiking tour with cruise. Travel from Nelson to Kaiteriteri with your guide, then hop aboard your water taxi. Cruise along the coastline toward the heart of the park and the start-point of your trek. Follow hiking trails through the dense forest and learn about the local environment. Stop for lunch at Torrent Beach.

Home to pristine bays, dense forests, and soaring headlands, the Abel Tasman National Park boasts some of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal scenery—but to appreciate it fully, you have to take to the sea. On this tour, cruise the South Island’s coastal waters and discover top attractions including Split Apple Rock and the Tonga Island Marine Reserve—with live commentary and optional beach stops.

It can be difficult to see all of Abel Tasman National Park if you’re pressed for time. Save some time and see some of the park’s many highlights on this full-day sailing tour along the coast. Sit back and relax on board without the strain of hiking through the park. Stop at beaches and islands along the way, with an hour-long stop at beautiful Anchorage Beach for a picnic lunch.

Walk, cruise and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our Beachfront Eco-Lodges, Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, with ensuite rooms, hot showers and delicious meals cooked for you. Lodge bag transferred by boat, you just walk with a day pack. And boat back up means walking can be shorted any day in needed or simply cruise between our beachfront lodges. We take care of the details, so you get to escape from stress, revive your senses and reconnect with what’s important to you. Discover how life just seems better here.

Experience the convenience of a guided tour and the freedom of independent travel on this self-guided cycle adventure. Receive all biking equipment, including a light, pannier bags, and a trail map, and be transported by vehicle to the start of the trail. Visit highlights of your own choice between Nelson and Mapua, along a coastal route. Receive a discount voucher for a restaurant en route, and a ferry ticket.

Ride Tasman's Great Taste Trail from Cycle Nelson's Tāhunanui base on an e-bike, at your own pace. The trail is flat, well signed and mostly off-road, through coastal and rural country. Every option includes a tasting at Seifried, the South Island's oldest family winery, first planted in 1973. Our team fits your e-bike and helmet, gives you a trail map and talks you through the route. Free parking, 5 km from Nelson city. Bronze: Classic Wine & Cycle. 44 km return to Seifried, with optional café, artisan food and microbrewery stops. Silver: Coastal Wine & Ride. 22 km along the coast to Seifried, then the 4:30pm shuttle brings you and your bike back to Nelson. Gold: Wine & Dine. Our most popular day, 30 km. Seifried, Rabbit Island, a short boat crossing to Māpua and a second tasting at the wharf, then a road transfer to Nelson. Food is at your own cost. Seifried's cellar door is open daily, 11am to 4pm. Cycle Nelson has run tours on the Great Taste Trail for 17 years.

Wharariki is the most amazing beach in New Zealand and is a difficult place to access. Don't miss this chance to explore it properly, and the essential highlights along the way in true Kiwi style! Your luxury minivan is super comfortable and spacious for up to 5 Guests. Snacks, water and essentials are all covered. Just bring your shoes and a jacket to enjoy this epic day out.

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our Beachfront Eco-Lodges, Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, with ensuite rooms, hot showers and delicious meals cooked for you. We take care of the details, so you get to escape from stress, revive your senses and reconnect with what’s important to you. Discover how life just seems better here.

Skip the crowded ferry around Abel Tasman National Park and choose a more hands-on, down-to-earth way of exploring the coast on this waka paddling tour. Paddle up to Toka Ngawhā (Split Apple Rock) with your small group and immerse yourself in Māori culture and customs along the way, learning karakia, paddle commands and a waka salute – all in te reo Māori.

Embark on an adventure to one of New Zealands most pristine national parks, Abel Tasman. With crystal clearwaters, golden beaches, and lush rainforest, whats not to love. Take a scenic drive up the coast fueling up with famous doughnuts and a classic kiwi flat white along the way. Once you get to Abel Tasman choose your own adventure trek along the Great Walk (optional kayak, additional cost) around Tasman Bay either way, you wont be disappointed. Exploring the rugged coastline either by foot or by boat will make you feel like you have entered the tropics, spotting the rich green ferns, native birds and (hopefully) the sunbathing seals that make the Abel Tasman so magical. Finish the day in the remote village of Marahau, the perfect place to soak in the last few moments in the park. This product is not wheelchair accessible.

Explore the majestic landscapes of New Zealand's South Island on a 15-day hiking adventure that takes you from Nelson to Queenstown. Traverse lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and the iconic Southern Alps while staying in comfortable backcountry huts and lodges. Enjoy activities like paddling a Māori waka in Abel Tasman National Park, cycling the West Coast Wilderness Trail, and cruising through Milford Sound. This small group experience, limited to 11 hikers, encourages camaraderie and teamwork, with expert Kiwi guides sharing their knowledge of the land. Perfect for active travelers seeking a deep connection with nature and the culture of New Zealand. - 15 days of varied multi-day hikes and cycling through stunning landscapes - Small group size with a maximum of 11 participants for a personalized experience - Paddle a traditional Māori waka and camp near the Abel Tasman beach - Cruise or kayak in the breathtaking Milford Sound, surrounded by fjords and glaciers

Begin with a shuttle ride into the picturesque Tasman hills, where the journey kicks off at the entrance to the iconic Spooner's Tunnel. Cycle along a thrilling 50km on and off-road trail that winds through vibrant hop fields, lush forests and charming villages, all while following the historic railway route, adorned with informative panels. A standout moment is the exhilarating passage through Spooner’s Tunnel, the longest cycle tunnel in the southern hemisphere, where you'll navigate through complete darkness with provided lights. Conclude your ride at local taverns, savoring a refreshing craft beer to celebrate your adventure.

Explore Nelson's stunning mountain biking trails with a guided ride tailored just for your interests and level. This 3 to 4-hour adventure is can be tailored for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders, ensuring a personalized experience that matches your abilities. With over 400 kilometers of single-track trails too choose from, across six different riding hubs, your expert guide will lead you through scenic routes and flowing single-tracks. Benefit from their extensive local knowledge, riding tips, and safety support as you navigate the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's premier biking destination. Our qualified guides are passionate riders with extensive local knowledge, ready to share insider tips and hidden gems to level up your mountain bike skills in a fun and rewarding way.

Enjoy the best of Golden Bay without having to drive yourself over the mountains from Nelson when you join a small-group guided tour. Admire the beautiful views from the top of the Takaka Hill, and the unique rock formations. Glimpse two lovely national parks–Abel Tasman and Kahurangi–and feast on a tasty picnic lunch. Stop at orchards, vineyards, and market gardens en route.

Challenge yourself on Nelson’s world-class trails with a Half Day "Acoustic" (non-electric) Full-Suspension Mountain Bike Rental from Gravity Nelson. This rental includes high-performance bikes from Mondraker and Transition Bicycles, designed to conquer rugged terrain and provide an exhilarating ride. Explore iconic trails like Codgers, Sharlands, and the Coppermine at your own pace, perfect for intermediate to advanced riders or fit beginners. Enjoy personalized bike setup and trail selection guidance tailored to your skill and fitness levels. - Half-day rental available for morning or afternoon sessions - Includes premium full-suspension bike, helmet, and digital trail map - Custom bike adjustments for optimal performance (including suspension, and brake side) - Flexible options for pairing with our shuttle services to remote trails - Option to add a Gravity coach or guide to elevate your ride to the next level.

Discover the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island on a 10-day hiking adventure. Traverse through breathtaking fjords, majestic mountains, and picturesque beaches. With expert Kiwi guides, explore the best trails from the vibrant Abel Tasman National Park to the serene Milford Sound. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and meals celebrating local flavors, while connecting with Māori culture along the way. Perfect for hiking enthusiasts seeking a comfortable experience immersed in nature. - 10-day guided hiking journey from Nelson to Queenstown - Small group size with a maximum of 15 participants - Experience iconic locations like Aoraki/Mt Cook and Fiordland National Park - Suitable for all fitness levels; no prior hiking experience required

If you love beer and fancy getting some exercise at the same time, this is the tour for you! We cater for groups, big and small. This tour is unguided, but you will be briefed and have a map to show you the way. You can take your time and enjoy the tastes of Nelson at your leisure.

Explore the glorious Abel Tasman National Park on this private boat charter. This trip through one of New Zealand’s most famous parks is easily personalized to suit your needs. With hiking, swimming, and kayaking opportunities available to all fitness levels, this day traversing the park's emerald waters and golden sands can be full of adventure or relaxation - the choice is up to you.

Explore the stunning mountain biking trails of Nelson with a Private Half-Day Shuttle experience. Perfect for intermediate to advanced riders, this service allows you to choose from renowned trails like the Cable Bay Adventure Park, Silvan Mountain Bike Park, Fringed Hill and Codgers Mountain Bike Park. Three full shuttle runs over approximately three hours mean less uphill struggle and more exhilarating descents. With a dedicated shuttle vehicle and local driver, enjoy tailored trail selections that match your group’s skill level and preferences. Bring your crew, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of diverse landscapes while making unforgettable memories on the trails.