Top Nelson Outdoor Activities

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.

This quad bike adventure is an exciting way to tour the bush-clad terrain near Nelson. After being thoroughly briefed on how to use the bikes safely, travel along 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) of tracks. You’ll be treated to beautiful views across Cable Bay, and will make plenty of stops so your guide can tell you all about the area. This is a fun outing for families and friends traveling together.

Abel Tasman National Park is a scenic highlight of the Nelson-Marlborough region. But if you’re pressed for time and can’t spend multiple days hiking the park, this day trip packs a lot into the few hours you have available. Cruise around Split Apple Rock and then anchor at Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Once there, take the opportunity to explore the Park on your own terms: go snorkeling by the beach, take a kayak down the coast, or disembark and hike along the Pitt Head loop overlooking Te Pukatea Bay.

It can be difficult to see all of Abel Tasman National Park if you’re pressed for time, especially if you’re only visiting for a day or two. Save some time and see some of the park’s many highlights on this full-day sailing trip around the coast. Spend the day stopping at beaches and islands around the coast; just make sure to book in advance, as this is Abel Tasman National Park’s only full-day sailing tour and is sure to be in high demand.

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

Explore the beautiful Nelson Tasman region on a handy cycle trip from Nelson to Wakefield via Spooner’s Tunnel (or vice versa). Bikes, helmets, a repair kit, a light, bottled water, and transfers to/from the trail are included. Ride through farmland, orchards, and vineyards before making it to the exciting tunnel, which is the longest out-of-commission railway tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere and a fun place to ride.

Travelers who want to spend time outdoors while trying something new will love this quad bike tour through native forest and a farm. You don’t need to have driven a quad bike before, as full instruction will be given before you start. Drive through different terrain, with lots of beautiful views, and several stops so your guide can tell you all about the area. The ride lasts for about 90 minutes, depending on riders’ skills and needs.

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.

Explore the National Park with a morning water taxi, a short walk and an afternoon sail. Board your water taxi at 10.30 am at Kaiteriteri Beach and cruise into the Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise by the iconic Split Apple Rock, and Fisherman and Adele Islands where you may see the NZ Fur Seals. After 35 minutes you arrive at Anchorage Bay where you have time to walk the Pitt Head loop track (walk time approximately 1 -1.5 hours). This walk takes you to Te Pukatea Bay - a quiet bay and one of the crews favourite beaches in the National Park. Walk back to Anchorage to meet the skipper and join the sailing catamaran departing at 1.15pm. Catch the sea breeze for a 3 hour sail further into the Park and back to Kaiteriteri. Along the way expect to see secluded coves, islands, golden sand beaches, Bush clad coastline, pristine clear waters and native wildlife. Complimentary tea/coffee and juice is provided on board the sailing catamaran.

Experience an adrenaline rush like no other on this tandem skydive over new Zealand’s South Island. Hop into your aircraft and take to the skies for breathtaking views over New Zealand’s spectacular national parks, peaks and coastline. When you reach your 3,962-meter (13,000-foot) altitude, leap from the plane and enjoy around 40 seconds’ freefall with your instructor in tandem. Then, pull the chord to open your chute and float gracefully to terra firma! Upgrade your tour to start your skydive at 5,029 meters (16,500 feet) in the air.

This tour offers a chance to ride through the longest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. This isn't the usual trail through the city or around the bay; on this tour, you'll take in mountain scenery, farmland, coastal estuaries and highly productive horticultural land for a diverse sampling of the real Nelson.

Explore the glorious Abel Tasman National Park on this 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 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.

This is a 26 km (2 hours approx) leisurely flat cycle ride on The Great Taste Trail which is one of New Zealand's Great Rides. You will cycle from Nelson to Mapua along the scenic Waimea coastal estuary. If it's warm, pack your swimwear, and perhaps enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches of Rabbit Island. Cycling on super-comfortable hybrid bikes or ebikes, your ride starts from our conveniently located depot at Nelson Airport right on the Great Taste Trail. There's so much to see and do on the way to Mapua with opportunities to visit award-winning wineries, artisan breweries, cafes and enjoy sampling the "Tastes of the Trail" Visit an art glass blowing studio and perhaps catch them blowing glass. Feel the wind in your hair as you ride paths and boardwalks and explore beautiful wetlands with native and exotic nesting birds. We provide you simple maps and full trail explanation before you go. At the end of the day we will transport you back from Mapua to Nelson.

Embark on a scenic mostly downhill or flat 40-kilometer bike ride, on the Great Taste Trail from Spooners Tunnel to Nelson. Feel the wind in your hair as you cycle amid the splendid scenery past vineyards and hop gardens, free-range chicken farms, and meandering streams. Cross Waimea River on a swing bridge. To start your adventure we will transfer you from our Nelson Airport depot at Nelson Airport to the start of the ride at the top end of the 1.4 km Spooners Tunnel, the longest disused rail tunnel in New Zealand open for cycling. Enjoy a 10-kilometer downhill thrill at the start of your ride. Along the way, enjoy the great “tastes” of the trail as you pass through Wakefield and Brightwater, home of great pies, cafes, and craft beer at local artisan brew pubs, At Appleby do a wine tasting, taste local cheeses, or a fresh berry ice cream or a craft beer. Then take a complimentary tour at Pics Peanut Butter world before heading back to Nelson Airport to finish your tour.

This is a 26 km (approx 2 hours cycle time) leisurely flat cycle ride on The Great Taste Trail which is one of New Zealand's Great Rides. You will cycle from Nelson to Mapua along the scenic Waimea coastal estuary. If it's warm, pack your swimwear, and perhaps enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches of Rabbit Island. Cycling on super-comfortable hybrid bikes or e-bikes, your ride starts from our conveniently located depot at Nelson Airport right on the Great Taste Trail. There's so much to see and do on the way to Mapua with opportunities to visit award-winning wineries, artisan breweries, and cafes and enjoy sampling the "Tastes of the Trail" Visit an art glass-blowing studio and perhaps catch them blowing glass. Feel the wind in your hair as you ride paths and boardwalks and explore beautiful wetlands with native and exotic nesting birds. We provide you with simple maps and a full trail explanation before you go. At the end of the day, we will transport you back from Mapua to Nelson.

A set price packaged Abel Tasman live-aboard holiday. Enjoy a special holiday exploring the Abel Tasman National Park with family and friends. Your transport, accommodation, and activities all in one good deal. A whole boat private tour just for you accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 private queen cabins. All multi-day sailing holidays are personalized to guests onboard, no two tours are the same.