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Water & beach · Nelson

Top 9 water & beach things to do in Nelson

Boats, beaches, and the parts of Nelson you only see from the water. Ferry rides, sunset cruises, snorkel runs, and the occasional sailing day for travellers who measure good cities by their coastline.

  1. Abel Tasman Adventure Private Tour from Nelson Cruise Port, Nelson1

    1. Abel Tasman Adventure Private Tour from Nelson Cruise Port

    · 7 hours

    Embark on an adventure to one of New Zealands most pristine national parks, Abel Tasman. With crystal clearwaters, golden beaches, and lush rainforest, whats not to love. Take a scenic drive up the coast fueling up with famous doughnuts and a classic kiwi flat white along the way. Once you get to Abel Tasman choose your own adventure trek along the Great Walk (optional kayak, additional cost) around Tasman Bay either way, you wont be disappointed. Exploring the rugged coastline either by foot or by boat will make you feel like you have entered the tropics, spotting the rich green ferns, native birds and (hopefully) the sunbathing seals that make the Abel Tasman so magical. Finish the day in the remote village of Marahau, the perfect place to soak in the last few moments in the park. This product is not wheelchair accessible.

  2. Cruise Abel Tasman to Golden Bay, Nelson2

    2. Cruise Abel Tasman to Golden Bay

    5.0· 6 reviews· 9.8 hours

    Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for a scenic journey across the Waimea Plains and Moutere Hills to Kaiteriteri. From there, enjoy a cruise along the stunning coastline of Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its clear waters, golden beaches, and fur seal colonies. Disembark at Tōtaranui for an adventure through Golden Bay, a region of breathtaking landscapes. Explore sub-tropical rainforests, intriguing rock formations, and pristine beaches. Visit Te Waikoropupū Springs, home to some of the world’s clearest water, and enjoy a gourmet picnic or a meal at a local café. Your return journey takes you over Takaka Hill, past unique granite and marble formations, with panoramic views of Golden Bay, Abel Tasman National Park, and Tasman Bay.

  3. Split Apple Paddle Guided Kayak - Nelson, Nelson3

    3. Split Apple Paddle Guided Kayak - Nelson

    5.0· 6 reviews· 3 hours

    Share a landscape full of stories. No experience required. Your guide supplies all the gear and information you need.

  1. Heli-Picnic Alpine Lake Kahurangi National Park, Nelson4

    4. Heli-Picnic Alpine Lake Kahurangi National Park

    5.0· 4 reviews· 3 hours

    Approximately 60 minutes flight time over the Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park. Two-way communication between you and your pilot 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: Breathtaking mountain landscapes Stunning golden sand beaches Picturesque lake Short walk to a nearby waterfall

  2. Heli-Scenic Abel Tasman Experience, Nelson5

    5. Heli-Scenic Abel Tasman Experience

    5.0· 1 reviews· 2.5 hours

    Included in this adventure • Approximately 50 minutes flight time cruising over the Abel Tasman National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot SIGHTS: • Golden coastlines and beautiful beaches • Native bush and bird life

  3. Kiwi Spirit Distillery Golden Bay - Visit New Zealand's only Tequila Farm!, Nelson6

    6. Kiwi Spirit Distillery Golden Bay - Visit New Zealand's only Tequila Farm!

    5.0· 1 reviews· 2.5 hours

    Visit New Zealand’s only Tequila Farm – Kiwi Spirit Distillery specialise in unique spirits handcrafted from the purest homegrown ingredients including the only 100% Blue Agave Tequilana spirit made in New Zealand. Their family owned and operated distillery redefines what quality means. With a family history of decades of distilling they’re staunchly dedicated to quality over quantity. Golden Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the world! This small town has long been a haunt for creative free thinkers, artists and aging hippies. Nestled between two spectacular National Parks with miles of stunning golden sand beach surroundings, it’s a very special corner of New Zealand.

  4. Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise, Nelson7

    7. Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise

    4.9· 89 reviews· 8 hours

    Abel Tasman Water and Walk is a small group tour for visitors who prefer faster access into the heart of this popular National Park so that they can spend more time exploring the many features with an expert interpretive guide who will highlight the less obvious features of Maori history, early settler activity and the endless stories that abound here, especially from the rich variety of vegetation, birds and aquatic life.

  5. Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson8

    8. Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National Park

    4.6· 34 reviews· 6 hours

    Explore the National Park with a morning water taxi, a short walk and an afternoon sail. Board your water taxi for 10.30 am departure from 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.

  6. Abel Tasman Vista Cruise, Nelson9

    9. Abel Tasman Vista Cruise

    4.6· 428 reviews

    We've been welcoming visitors to the spectacular Abel Tasman granite coast since 1841. Travel in style on our Vista Cruise. There's no need to go ashore to discover idyllic, golden sand bays, fringed by lush native forest and sculptured headlands. Pause beside offshore islands to view the antics of fur seals. Relax with comfortable seating on board or choose a beach stop with optional walks.

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