Top Nelson Adventure Tours

If you’re pressed for time and can’t spend multiple days hiking in Abel Tasman National Park, this small-group tour packs a lot into a day. Cruise around Split Apple Rock, then anchor at Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Take the opportunity to explore the park on your own terms: go snorkeling at the beach, paddle a kayak, or disembark and take a bush walk to enjoy the views from another angle.

Enjoy a thrilling adventure that’s just a short drive from Nelson: race through the native forest canopy and admire the mountain views during a fun flying fox experience. The Skywire is one of the longest flying foxes in New Zealand, and reaches speeds of around 60 miles (100 kilometers) per hour. Experience that speed first-hand as you rocket up and down the Cable Bay hillside and through the canopy.

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.

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.

Get out into the mountains surrounding Nelson the easy way on a private helicopter tour. From sea-level Nelson you’ll soar high up into the mountains, where snow may be present in the winter. Be amazed by the sweeping views of coastal Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and the mountains of the Kahurangi, Nelson Lakes, and Abel Tasman National Parks. A fun way to celebrate a special occasion.

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 120 minutes flight time over the Kahurangi National Park, The Wild West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Golden Bay and Farewell Spit • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

This half-day ATV adventure takes you along 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) of native forest trails near Cable Bay, Nelson. After a safety briefing and practice, ride through bush, farmland, and coastal scenery with stops for commentary. See parts of the landscape you wouldn’t access any other way. The Bayview Circuit suits riders aged 16+, with passenger options for younger guests. It’s a fun outing for families and friends.

Included in this adventure • Approximately 60 minutes flight time exploring the Kahurangi National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: • Lord of the Rings film location! • Unique land forms, habitats, plant communities and wildlife • Native bush • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 120 minutes flight time over Tasman Bay coastline, and D’Urville Island • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing • Dining of the fish caught by the clients and local wine and beer SIGHTS: • The beautiful D’Urville Island • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Fans of The Lord of the Rings–or anyone who likes spectacular scenery–will enjoy this 2.5 hour helicopter tour of the Kahurangi National Park from Nelson. Fly above the mountains of the park, communicating with your pilot via a two-way headset during the flight. Stop at two LOTR filming locations, where you can enjoy the views and learn more about the geology and biodiversity of this special area.

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 40 minutes flight time exploring the Kahurangi National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: • Official Lord of the Rings film location! • Unique land forms, habitats, plant communities and wildlife • Native bush • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Travelers without the time (or desire) to hike through the Abel Tasman National Park can experience its beautiful coastal and mountain landscapes from a scenic helicopter flight from Nelson. Enjoy around 50 minutes of flying time, communicating with your pilot via two-way headsets throughout the flight. Stop at Awaroa Lodge, within the park, where you can buy lunch if you like.

Approximately 60 minutes flight time over the Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park. Two-way communication between you and your pilot 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: Breathtaking mountain landscapes Stunning golden sand beaches Picturesque lake Short walk to a nearby waterfall

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 60 minutes flight time exploring the Marlborough Sounds • Two-way communication between you and your pilot SIGHTS: • Native bush • Breathtaking waterways