Top Nelson Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

This fun walking tour is an ideal way to explore the small city of Nelson. You’ll visit some of the major attractions—including the 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 a lot of local insight to share.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

If you love wine and enjoy getting some exercise at the same time, this is the activity for you! We cater for groups, both large and small. This activity 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

Enhance your mountain biking skills with personalized coaching in the stunning trails of Nelson, New Zealand. These Private Half-Day MTB Coaching Sessions cater to individuals or small groups, providing expert instruction tailored to your specific goals and skill levels. With access to the exclusive 'Field of Dreams' training facility or any of Nelson's six mountain bike parks, you’ll practice techniques in a safe environment before tackling more challenging terrains. The experienced coaches break down complex skills into manageable steps, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for learning and confidence-building. Whether you wish to master jumps or refine cornering, this coaching session is designed to progress you towards your full potential on the trails.