Nelson Tasman: New Zealand's Overlooked Coastal Paradise Awaits Discovery
For years, visitors to New Zealand's South Island have followed a well-trodden circuit, from Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook to Queenstown, the glaciers, and Milford Sound. This southern loop offers stunning stops, each worthy of its iconic status. However, for those seeking something new, less focused on ticking off landmarks and more on experiencing a region brimming with natural beauty that has been relatively, and mysteriously, overlooked, there is another destination: Nelson Tasman.
A Gateway No More
Historically, Nelson was regarded as little more than a gateway from the North Island to the South. Travellers would often land in Nelson from Auckland and dash southward, missing out on an area locals believe offers the best of both worlds. Nelson Tasman combines the stunning landscapes of the South Island with the gentler climate of the North. It vies with Hawke's Bay for the title of New Zealand's sunniest spot, sheltered by the Richmond and Arthur mountains. During a February week in the area, every day is blessed with blue skies and warm sunshine, a significant plus given the patchiness of the New Zealand summer.
The Crown Jewel: Abel Tasman National Park
The big draw is Abel Tasman National Park, named for the 17th-century Dutch explorer who approached New Zealand but never set foot on its land. Now, Abel Tasman is shorthand for a stretch of coast that is surely among the most beautiful in the world. Mostly accessible only by boat, it features coves of golden sand and turquoise water, with hillsides teeming with native bush. Day trips are possible, but the ache you'll feel when tearing yourself away is too much to bear; it's better to give it several days.
Travellers on a budget can camp at grounds dotted along the coastline, cleanly maintained by the Department of Conservation. Those preferring a roof over their heads might opt for Wilsons, a family firm with roots in Abel Tasman since the 1840s, offering three- or five-day treks through the park. Progress from one lodge to the next by sea-kayaking or hiking on trails that confirm why you made the journey to New Zealand.
In the lush bush, the sounds of insects and birds create a constant, unexpectedly loud chorus. Under five layers of canopy, you'll encounter 12 different kinds of orchid, including one disguised as a praying mantis. Lancewood trees with strong leaves can patch broken boots, and the five finger plant resembles a hand so perfectly it seems to salute you. Walking among these ancient trees is a reminder of the planet's gorgeousness.
Cycling the Great Taste Trail
Nelson Tasman does not end there. The Great Taste Trail, a cycle route completed in 2022, runs in a 200km loop through countryside, pretty towns, and alongside the azure ocean. Stops allow sampling of fresh food and locally produced fruit and wine. You don't need to be super fit; guided tours or ebike rentals are available. A favourite stretch is a 64km beach-to-beach route taking in orchards, vineyards, and sparkling views of Tasman Bay, with an overnight stay at Māpua wharf. The "taste" refers not just to food but also to working artist studios and galleries along the route.
Cultural Immersion and Accommodation
For adventure, try the rugged trails of the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. Kaiteriteri itself offers waterfront cafes and ice-creams, and from there, Waka Abel Tasman provides Māori-owned trips in traditional double kayaks. These emphasize Māori language, tradition, and ritual, such as navigating past an uninhabited island that is an ancestral burial ground, presented with cultural pride rather than condescension.
Accommodation ranges from a campsite by the beach in Kaiteriteri to the high-end Lodge by the Beach near Split Apple Cove. Visitors often find themselves itching to scrap further travel plans and stay longer in this captivating region.
