Discover

Nelson Tasman

The city of Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, and its surrounds (commonly known as Nelson Tasman), offers a world in one region. Discover sun-soaked landscapes of soft, sandy beaches, vineyards, rugged mountains, cascading falls and rapid rivers. If visiting as part of an itinerary comprising the North Island, take the ferry from Wellington to Blenheim – the gateway to the wineries of Marlborough.

 

What you’ll love most about Nelson Tasman

  • The “Top of the South” is full of contradictions such as the picturesque golden beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes’ glacial surrounds and the rugged wilderness of Kahurangi
  • Just a 20-minute drove from the city of Nelson is Cable Bay – a beautiful, hidden gem of a spot for enjoying a mesmerising sunset
  • Nelson Tasman is an artisanal region that delivers on delicious local cuisine, wines, ciders and craft beers. Boutique markets, galleries, pottery workshops and city murals are worth taking the time to explore
  • There are many opportunities here to spend a night sleeping by the ocean in Abel Tasman – whether that’s at one of the beachfront campsites, at a spectacular lodge or aboard a private boat charter
  • The world’s clearest lake, named Lake Rotomairewhenua (also known as the easily pronounced Blue Lake), is nestled in the depths of the Nelson Lakes National Park

Where to Book

  • Golden sand bay of Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand's South Island

  • Cable Bay, Nelson

  • Te Waikoropupu Springs, Nelson - Tourism New Zealand/Craig Parry/Nelson Tasman NZ

  • Marahau sea Kayaks - Tourism New Zealand/Nelson Tasman NZ

  • Whitewater rafting in Murchison - Nelson Tasman NZ

  • Road to Westhaven, Kahurangi - Nelson Tasman NZ

  • Freefall skydive over Abel Tasman National Park - Skydive Abel Tasman

  • Haulashore Island and City - Nelson Tasman NZ

  • Boat at Medlands Beach, Abel Tasman - Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle

  • Wharariki Beach scenery - Oliver Weber/Nelson Tasman NZ

  • Enjoying the sunset over Cable Bay - Nelson Tasman/CJ Maddock

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 22℃
  • 22℃
  • 20℃
  • 18℃
  • 15℃
  • 12℃
  • 12℃
  • 13℃
  • 15℃
  • 16℃
  • 18℃
  • 20℃
  • 8
  • 6
  • 8
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 8
  • 10
  • 12
  • 11
  • 9
  • 9

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Our Ratings

  • Most Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Not Recommended

Where to book


New Zealand Sky offers luxury tailor-made tours and holidays specialising in providing expert travel advice and exceptional unhurried customer service. With a wealth of experience we will find the perfect trip for you.

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Riviera Travel is the UK’s leading luxury river cruise & tour company with over 38 years’ experience in crafting worldwide tours, luxury river cruises, rail holidays and UK tours. Their commitment to quality & thoughtfulness has earned them a coveted Which? recommendation.

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