Best Things To See and Do Around Nelson

Things To See and Do in Nelson

1. Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park is found in South Island, in between Rotoiti and Rotoroa, two large lakes. It takes a 1-2 hour drive from Nelson or Blenheim to reach the gateway of the park which is St. Arnaud. 

The park was established in 1856 to protect the northern landscape of the Southern Alps. Here you will find a tranquil forest of beech trees, clear springs, rugged mountains, and an assortment of lakes.

According to legend, Rakaihatu, a chief and explorer, traveled to these mountains and along the way dug holes using a digging stick called ko. He filled these holes with water and food (kai) for those who followed him.

The food which consisted of waterfowl, eel and freshwater mussels was essential for the Maori traveling on these mountain trails. In the 1840s, Europeans invaded these areas to graze sheep. 

Today tourists enjoy the vast beautiful landscape where you can picnic, hunt and holiday on these shores where subsequently a hotel was built along Rotoroa.

Source — Trip101.com

2. Horse Trek Farm Tour

This a relaxing 1hr horse ride around farmland, river crossings - ideal for beginners or those on a tight time frame

Explore the Cable Bay Adventure Park at a more relaxed pace with a guided horse trek. We have a range of treks to suit all abilities and our guides will ensure you are matched to a horse suitable for your size and ability. 

The treks take in a variety of terrain including meandering rivers and forest trails that emerge at points with breathtaking scenic views Helmets provided. Please wear long pants and sturdy footwear and have a warm layer of clothing Max weight 120kg - weight limits vary for different horses. 

Minimum age 8 years (Pony rides available for under 8's) Farm Forest Trip (allow 1 hour) A great learners ride - this tour takes you around the flat areas of the farm, through the river and is paced appropriately for those new to horse riding (or those on a tighter time frame).

Source — Viator.com

3. Cable Bay Walking Track

The Cable Bay walking track is a predominantly hilly hike over the coastline between Cable Bay and the township of Glenduan, which is 23km north of Nelson. This walkway is 8km long and can be completed in either direction.

It will take someone of an average fitness level about 3 1/2 hours one-way. There is also the option of doing the smaller Glenduan Lookout Loop, which takes about 2 hours. The reason why this walk is so spectacular is its location; spanning the right-hand side of the Tasman, good weather will give you spectacular views across the Bay.

During the walk, you’ll get to enjoy the stunning vistas of the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, and well as Nelson city.

Make sure that you bring some sturdy footwear for Cable Bay, too. It’s a common sight in New Zealand to see tourists trying to do some pretty hefty hikes in just a pair of tennis shoes! If you end up slipping and giving yourself in injury, it could put a serious dent in your holiday plans. As always with travelling, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Source — Guestnewzealand.com

4. Split Apple Kayaking Tour

If you've always wanted to try kayaking in New Zealand but felt you weren't up to the challenge, then this introductory kayak tour is perfect for you! 

When you arrive at Kaiteriteri Beach for your tour, your guides will immediately get you settled into a double kayak. 

After this, you'll be given a lesson on sea kayaking - basic instruction and safety procedures included! You will immediately get to test your new skills and on the open seas, no less! When you're ready, go for an easy paddle with the group to some of Kaiteriteri's granite formations and sheltered inlets.

While you're out there, you might even get a chance to spot some Blue Penguins, so stay alert! Don't worry, the guides will be with you every step of the way. Before heading back to the beach, you will get to take a break at a sheltered cove and have some time to admire the coast of Kaiteriteri.

See the granite formations up close, like the famous Split Apple RockBring a friend and share a kayak while you paddle out to the stunning granite formations and hidden inlets along Kaiteriteri Go for an easy kayaking trip along Kaiteriteri's beautiful golden coastline Whip out your waterproof camera to capture the natural beauty of Kaiteriteri's coastline.

Source — Klook.com

5. Lewis Hut to Heaphy Hut

From Lewis Hut, head back up the track for a short distance and cross the Heaphy River, via the 148.4 metre suspended deck suspension bridge – the longest ever built by DOC. The track continues along the left bank to the river mouth through a forest of kahikatea, rimu, and rata. Glossy-leaved shrubs perch precariously in the tall trees, flourishing in the abundant light and extracting nutrients from humus (accumulated plant debris) in their hosts’ branches.

In dry spells, the sluggish river meanders along peacefully, but in times of heavy rain especially when it’s high tide, sections of the track and bridges get flooded. An area of limestone and karst are locally known as Cave Stream about 15 min before Heaphy Hut, floods after periods of heavy rain. Extra care is required at both places in flood conditions and walkers should wait for the water to recede.

Towards the river mouth, nikau palms become more common, the sea’s incessant roaring grows louder and, in some conditions, small waves can be seen running upriver. Heaphy Hut is situated far enough back from the sea to be spared the worst of the winds.

The river mouth is at the junction of two pounamu (greenstone) trails and archaeological work has uncovered evidence of occupation by Maori that extends back 500 years. In 1905, an extensive European settlement was surveyed in the lower valley, but it was never built.

Source — Doc.govt.nz

6. Skydive Abel Tasman

Have the Best Day of Your Life! Enjoy a scenic flight climbing to altitude-then the door opens and the adrenaline rushes as you experience the thrill of free fall for over 40 or 60 seconds, depending on jump height chosen. When your parachute opens you gently fly over one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

You are in great hands with the friendly staff and stellar safety record. Experience the best scenery, the friendliest team and the best value. Opt for the photography package and star in your own video and receive over 60 still photos.

A camera person will be assigned just for you; take an interview, interact whilst in the plane, hang outside the plane to capture your exit moment and free fall with you. They can hold hands and you can dock with another person above the earth!

When you softly land, they'll be there to capture the smile on your face! Our camera teams are second to none and your video is individually edited just for you. Capture some priceless moments to relive again and again.

Source — Expedia.com

7. Experience Nelson Tasman

Experience Nelson Tasman, New Zealand is an online directory providing information on restaurants, activities, attractions, shops, entertainment and arts and crafts.

This information is also easily accessible via your mobile, iPad or tablet as it is fully responsive and adaptive to a variety of screen sizes – so no need to download an app!

Experience Nelson Tasman, New Zealand was formerly known as the Harlequin Guides to Nelson, then as The Visual Guides. Locally owned and operated, Experience Nelson Tasman continues on the legacy of a small family business.

The map pads include street indexes and map coordinates, attractions of interest to visitors, walking and cycle tracks, lookout points, supermarkets, banks, and service stations. They are used extensively by accommodation providers, local car hire firms and various visitor attractions. There are three separate pads for local regions that complement each other which are Nelson City/Richmond & Suburbs, Nelson Tasman rural areas/Golden Bay and Motueka Township/The Abel Tasman.

The Experience Nelson Tasman guide which is now one convenient booklet with three emotive sections Excite, Nourish and Indulge (formerly Fun, Menu and Shop) offering information on where to eat, what to see and do, and local shopping including galleries and arts and crafts. 

Now in its 17th year of publication, the guide has proved its effectiveness and is in demand. The guide is available free of charge from numerous places within the Nelson Tasman region, many of which display them in prominent locations in special stands supplied.

Source — Visualguides.co.nz