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    Nelson Tasman

    New Zealand

    Nelson Tasman

    Region

    Nelson Tasman is located at the northwestern tip of the South Island and is one of New Zealand's sunniest regions.

    by Felix Gillen

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    7. Nelson Tasman
    Nelson Tasman is located at the northwestern tip of the South Island and is one of New Zealand's sunniest regions. Its main town is Nelson on Tasman Bay, from where you can reach three national parks: Abel Tasman with its bays, Kahurangi to the west, and Nelson Lakes in the mountains.Between Nelson and Motueka lie fruit orchards, hop fields, and vineyards, while in the remote northwest you'll find Golden Bay with Farewell Spit.
    Most travelers arrive via Picton or fly into Nelson. From the city, State Highway 60 leads along the coast via Mapua and Motueka to Kaiteriteri and Marahau, the gateways to Abel Tasman National Park. The route continues over Takaka Hill to Golden Bay. Southwards, State Highway 6 leads to Nelson Lakes National Park and the West Coast. You should plan at least three to four days for the region.
    Abel Tasman National Park

    Place 1 of 4

    Abel Tasman National Park

    The Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park, nestled between Tasman Bay and Golden Bay. Its coast is defined by golden sandy coves, turquoise waters, and granite cliffs, with forested hills rising inland.

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    Mapua

    Place 2 of 4

    Mapua

    Mapua is a small coastal town on the Waimea Inlet, about 30 minutes west of Nelson. Its old fruit port, Mapua Wharf, is lined with shops, galleries, cafés, and a small brewery.

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    Motueka

    Place 3 of 4

    Motueka

    Motueka is a small town on Tasman Bay, about 45 minutes from Nelson, surrounded by orchards and hop fields. For many travelers, it's the last supply point before Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay.

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    Nelson

    Place 4 of 4

    Nelson

    Nelson is located on Tasman Bay in the north of the South Island and is one of New Zealand's sunniest cities. The city center around Trafalgar Street is compact, with Christ Church Cathedral standing at its upper end on Church Hill.

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    More places in Nelson Tasman

    Tahunanui

    Tahunanui is Nelson's beach suburb, about five kilometers southwest of the centre. Its wide, flat sandy beach on Tasman Bay is popular with families; behind it are lawns, playgrounds, a small zoo and campsite.The kitesurfing scene gathers at Back Beach, behind the dunes. In neighbouring Stoke are Isel Park and Pic's peanut butter factory.

    Culture and History

    In 1642, the Dutchman Abel Tasman anchored in what is now Golden Bay. A clash with Māori cost several of his sailors their lives. It was the first documented encounter between Europeans and Māori. From 1841, Nelson was established as a settlement by the New Zealand Company.Fruit, Hops and ArtThe plains around Motueka and Richmond are New Zealand's most important hop-growing region and a hub for apples and kiwifruit. Additionally, you'll find many artists and craftspeople whose studios line the coastal road.

    Out and about in Nelson Tasman

    Nelson Airport is served from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Picton is two hours away. A car is essential for the region, though shuttles reach Abel Tasman trailheads. The Great Taste Trail links Nelson, Mapua, and Motueka as a cycleway. The Takaka Hill road to Golden Bay is winding and time-consuming.

    Nearby

    Nelson

    Nelson is located on Tasman Bay in the north of the South Island and is one of New Zealand's sunniest cities. The city center around Trafalgar Street is compact, with Christ Church Cathedral standing at its upper end on Church Hill. Galleries, crafts, and small breweries define the city.For many travelers, Nelson is the base for Abel Tasman National Park, Golden Bay, and the surrounding wineries. On Saturdays, the Nelson Market takes place in the city center.

    Tahunanui

    Tahunanui is Nelson's beach suburb, about five kilometers southwest of the centre. Its wide, flat sandy beach on Tasman Bay is popular with families; behind it are lawns, playgrounds, a small zoo and campsite.The kitesurfing scene gathers at Back Beach, behind the dunes. In neighbouring Stoke are Isel Park and Pic's peanut butter factory.

    Mapua

    Mapua is a small coastal town on the Waimea Inlet, about 30 minutes west of Nelson. Its old fruit port, Mapua Wharf, is lined with shops, galleries, cafés, and a small brewery.The town is located on the Great Taste Trail, a cycle trail between Nelson and Motueka. Many cyclists take a break here and cross to Rabbit Island on the small ferry.

    Motueka

    Motueka is a small town on Tasman Bay, about 45 minutes from Nelson, surrounded by orchards and hop fields. For many travelers, it's the last supply point before Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay.On High Street, you'll find supermarkets, cafés, and outfitters, and on the waterfront, the shipwreck of the Janie Seddon and a tidal pool for swimming. On Sundays, a market is held.
    Abel Tasman National Park

    Abel Tasman National Park

    The Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park, nestled between Tasman Bay and Golden Bay. Its coast is defined by golden sandy coves, turquoise waters, and granite cliffs, with forested hills rising inland.The park can be explored on foot via the Abel Tasman Coast Track, by kayak, or by water taxi, which stops at numerous beaches. Roads only reach its fringes, with Marahau and Kaiteriteri in the south and Totaranui in the north serving as access points.

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