The Region
Discover God's heart in the vibrant tapestry of Nelson, where adventure, beauty, and excitement converge in His breathtaking creation.
Nelson – Tasman, New Zealand
Situated at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson and Tasman are two sister provinces with a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure sports.
During your time here there will be many opportunities to experience all that this region has to offer. Check out some of the highlights below.
Nelson City
A good day in Nelson would include visiting the Saturday market, grabbing some dumplings to go, and browsing what the local artisans have on offer. Stop by Kush or The Kitchen for your espresso fix, or head over to Burger Culture at the top of Trafalgar Street and grab a bite while the Jazz Festival is in full swing. Finish the day off with a stroll along Tahuna Beach and enjoy those long summer evenings we get down here in New Zealand.
The Centre of New Zealand, on Botanical Hill at the start of the Maitai Valley, is an iconic walk from Nelson City.
Beaches
If you love beaches you’ll be spoiled for choice here! Nelson is made up of a series of bays which makes for really calm swim-able beaches. The closest beach is Tahuna Beach which can often resemble a lake in terms of calmness. Tahuna is great for swimming and walking (go to dog beach down the end if you love admiring pooches). It’s also popular with stand-up paddle boarders and kite surfers alike. A local tip is to visit Raglan Roast cafe over the road from Tahuna Beach for the best and cheapest coffee in Nelson.
If golden sand and azure waters are your thing head out to Kaiteriteri (45 min) on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Wherever you choose to go, make sure you lather up with sunblock. The sun in New Zealand is much harsher than in other places of the world due to the thinner ozone layer above the country. You’ll be surprised just how quickly you burn!
Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is considered the jewel of the region and attracts visitors from all over the world. There are tons of great ways to enjoy the park. Hiking the whole thing will take 5 days, but there are many shorter hikes and attractions within the park like Cleopatra’s pool and a natural rock water slide. You can even walk a few hours and catch a ferry back or rent some kayaks and explore from the sea.
Mountains
Nelson itself is surrounded by hills with plenty of opportunities for casual walks, hikes, and mountain biking. For serious hikes, head an hour out of town and you will reach Nelson Lakes National Park. There are plenty of moderate to difficult hikes that will get you into the snowline during the cooler months. Download the AllTrails app to learn about all the hikes in the area. Drive a little further and you’ll reach Rainbow Ski Area, a small but fun ski field.
A local tip is to check the weather anytime you head out. Being on an island makes the weather unpredictable, with conditions capable of changing in a matter of hours. Oh and if you hear a local talking about tramping, they aren’t trying to be rude, that’s Kiwi talk for hiking!
