Life’s a Beach in Nelson Tasman
Where the sea breeze is never too far away, the Nelson Tasman region is the South Island’s little corner of paradise. But this is New Zealand, so the dreamy white-sand beaches that make up much of the coast are not just for relaxing.
There’s more to discover through hiking, biking, horse riding, kayaking and jumping! Even on land, there are some natural phenomenons worth checking out in the form of fire and water.
You’ll find it all within the three national parks of the region: Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi.
So take a look at the must-do activities in this sunny section of the South Island!
Table of Contents
1. Hike in Paradise on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks. The track stretches along the golden shores between Mārahau and Wainui Bay, weaving through native forest and turquoise coves that look almost tropical.
Popular day walks include Mārahau to Anchorage or Bark Bay to Torrent Bay, both easily accessible with water taxi or kayak return options.
For those tackling the multi-day route, DOC huts and campsites are dotted along the way. As one of the easier Great Walks with moderate terrain and stunning coastal scenery, it’s a must for anyone with a sense of adventure!
It’s also one of the 10 Amazing Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Location: Abel Tasman National Park
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Or Kayak in the Abel Tasman National Park
Fancy a day-trip into the Abel Tasman National Park? Then the best way to do it is by sea kayak to explore the stunning coastline and marine life at your own pace!
The sheltered waters make kayaking ideal for beginners, with popular launch points at Kaiteriteri and Mārahau.
Operators like Abel Tasman Sea Kayaks and Wilsons Abel Tasman offer guided day trips, multi-day adventures and convenient water taxi support.
If you’re short on time, Abel Tasman Charters runs small-group tours from Kaiteriteri that pack plenty into a single day.
Location: Abel Tasman National Park
© www.nelsontasman.nz3. Jump off the Jetty on Lake Rotoiti
Nelson Lakes National Park is just another beautiful place in the Nelson Tasman region. This stunning alpine lake, surrounded by mountains and beech forest, is the perfect spot for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters during summer.
Jumping off the jetty at St Arnaud is a beloved local tradition and a must-do whatever time of year!
For those wanting to explore further, nearby tracks like the Bellbird Walk and Lakehead Track offer easy access to the surrounding wilderness.
Location: Nelson Lakes National Park
© www.nelsontasman.nz4. Chill Out on Tahunanui Beach
Nelson city is known as the sunniest city in New Zealand and working holidaymakers love it! One awesome place to go is Tahunanui Beach, the region’s most popular urban beach, just minutes from the city centre.
The long stretch of golden sand and calm shallow waters across Tasman Bay make it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding or simply relaxing by the sea.
Families will appreciate the playgrounds and plenty of open space, while walkers can enjoy scenic shoreline strolls at sunset.
With cafés nearby, you can grab that renowned Kiwi coffee after a day of beachy activities.
Location: Nelson City
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Take on the Nelson Great Rides!
The Nelson Tasman region is a hub for cycle trails, including some of New Zealand’s finest Ngā Haerenga Great Rides.
A standout is the Great Taste Trail, a mostly flat, multi-day route perfect for all fitness levels. It winds through coastal boardwalks, vineyards, orchards and charming rural towns, connecting Nelson, Richmond, Mapua, Motueka and beyond.
Bike hire is widely available in Nelson and Mapua, with shuttle services for one-way trips.
Book your Great Taste Trail ride with Kiwi Journeys.
Find out more in our guide to Mountain Biking in Nelson Tasman.
Location: Nelson Tasman
© Tourism NZ6. Hike in the Wilderness of the Heaphy Track
This mission hike that starts in Golden Bay traverses through the forests and along the coast of the West Coast and Kahurangi National Park. The Great Walk is 78.4 km (49 mi) long and can be biked in winter.
The track stretches through remote landscapes, showcasing incredible diversity from lush river valleys and forest to rugged coastline and nikau palm groves.
Most visitors complete it as a multi-day trek, staying in DOC huts or campsites along the way, though sections near Brown Hut and Kohaihai can also be explored as shorter day walks.
Location: Golden Bay
© Tim on Wikipedia7. Horse Riding in Cable Bay
Not only is Cable Bay simply stunning, but it is a less travelled area worth exploring. For that Lord of the Rings feel, try horse trekking!
Just a short drive from Nelson, guided horse rides take you through native bush, rolling farmland and hilltop tracks with sweeping views over Delaware Bay and the Marlborough Sounds.
Local operators welcome both beginners and experienced riders, with gentle horses and full instruction provided. Some rides wind through forested trails where you can spot native birds and soak up the peaceful surroundings.
Find out more in 15 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Nelson.
Location: Cable Bay
© NelsonTasman.nz & @barekiwi - Nelson Regional Development Agency8. See the Never-ending Burning Fire in the Murchison Forest
That’s right, there are flames in the Murchison forest that never stop burning. This fascinating natural phenomenon is created by a natural gas seep that produces a steady flame, drawing curious visitors from across the region.
The pretty forest walk to the eternal flame can be accessed through a tour, making it an easy addition to your Murchison itinerary.
While modest in scale, this local curiosity highlights the geothermal and geological activity present in parts of the Tasman region and is often visited alongside other outdoor attractions like river walks, rafting spots and the surrounding native bush.
Location: Murchison
© NelsonTasman.nz & @barekiwi - Nelson Regional Development Agency9. See Some of the Clearest Waters
Some of the clearest water in the world can be found in two locations in Nelson Tasman: Blue Lake in Nelson Lakes National Park and Te Waikoropupu Springs in Golden Bay.
The former is a multi-day hike to get to this rewarding destination, while Te Waikoropupu Springs (also known as Pupu Springs) is super easy to access from Takaka in Golden Bay.
Crystal-clear water bubbles up from underground aquifers at Waikoropupū Springs, creating one of the clearest freshwater environments anywhere on the planet.
While the springs are a sacred site for local iwi and swimming isn’t permitted, viewing platforms and walking tracks let you appreciate the incredible clarity and natural beauty up close.
Location: Nelson Lakes National Park and Golden Bay
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Delve into Limestone Caves on Takaka Hill
The only way into Golden Bay is guarded by the impressive Takaka Hill, one of the most geologically fascinating areas in the Nelson Tasman region. Beneath its rugged landscape lies an extensive network of limestone caves, sinkholes and underground formations shaped over millions of years.
The easiest caves to visit are the free Rawhiti Cave and Ngarua Cave, which houses the remains of the giant extinct moa.
For a more adventurous underground experience, guided caving tours are available in the wider Golden Bay area, offering safer access to this remarkable karst landscape.
Location: Takaka Hill
© NelsonTasman.nz & @barekiwi - Nelson Regional Development Agency11. Go on a Guided Night Paddle Tour
Paddling under the stars offers a whole new perspective on Nelson’s coastline. Paddle Nelson runs guided night paddle tours from Tahunanui Beach, where you’ll light up your board with LEDs and glide past Magazine Point and Fifeshire Rock (Urenui) as darkness falls.
The two-hour tour includes all boards, kit and equipment (including wetsuits, paddle jackets and booties to keep you warm). Your guides keep you safe while teaching paddling skills and pointing out marine life along the way. It’s pretty cool watching the lights glow through the water as you paddle past the waterfront.
The trips suit paddlers with a little experience, though confident first-timers are welcome. Don’t let winter put you off; that’s when the paddling is at its best, and the mild conditions with provided gear keep you toasty.
Location: Bisley Walk, Nelson Central
© Paddle NelsonMore About Nelson
That’s it for our guide to Nelson’s must-dos, art galleries and craft breweries; for more information about exploring this vibrant region, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Complete Travel Guide to Nelson.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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