Three National Parks

Nelson Tasman is blessed with three national parks within its boundaries.

The popular Abel Tasman National Park entices visitors with its clear sheltered coastline, crystal clear turquoise waters and Tonga Island Marine Reserve and the Abel Tasman Coast Track – one of New Zealand's ‘9 Great Walks’.

Local operators and communities established the Birdsong Trust and Project Janszoon in the Abel Tasman National Park to support the sustainable approach of operating in such a protected and pristine environment.

The diverse landscape of the huge Kahurangi National Park, to the west of the region offers remote adventure in a unspoilt environment, including another of New Zealand's ‘Great Walks’, the Heaphy Track.

Other natural landmarks of particular note are Farewell Spit, Te Waikoropupu Springs, Grove Scenic Reserve all in Golden Bay.

Nelson Lakes National Park to the south offers an alpine landscape with majestic mountains and lakeside walks and nearby Murchison is home to the regions white water rafting and jetboating.

Access to national parks is within a 90 minute drive from Nelson City or you can opt for a scenic helicopter flight and view the amazing landscape from the air.

Closer to the city is historic South Street and the Centre of New Zealand where a network of paths wind their way to a summit with views over Tasman Bay, towards Abel Tasman National Park and the mountains beyond.