However, the importance of the sector goes beyond direct economic contribution. The Visitor sector supports events, the arts, hospitality, retail and outdoor experiences, and contributes to the vitality and vibrancy of Nelson Tasman. It also provides a shop front for the region, supporting the attraction of talent and investment, and showcasing regional products to broader audiences.
Nelson Tasman’s visitor economy offers significant opportunities to strengthen its linkages to other sectors, to act as a conduit for the attraction and retention of talent and investment.
Statistics as at March 2025.
Our visitor sector is investing heavily in building our region’s ‘green credentials’, as evidenced by the Mārahau Pledge in 2022. We are committed to the five-year Destination Management Plan for recovery and regeneration of the visitor sector.
New Zealand’s first Zero Carbon Itinerary was launched here in 2021, followed by the Light Footprint Holiday in 2022.
AbelTasman.com was created to celebrate and promote the Abel Tasman National Park, the Nelson Tasman region and also our businesses serving visitors to this incredible part of New Zealand.
As long-term residents of the region, the Wilson family is dedicated to environmental, cultural and business sustainability to ensure they preserve their legacy for future generations.
The Destination Partner Promotion Programme is a collaborative network of businesses which promotes Nelson Tasman businesses around the world. The aim is to create a strong community of businesses that provide space for collaboration and business opportunities, with a range of local forums and workshops.
The TECTs are an interim replacement to the Monthly Regional tourism Estimates (MRTEs) to understand tourism spend activity in New Zealand. Explore or download monthly data about visitor spending, by region or by Regional Tourism Organisation.
The ADP collects a small amount of data from accommodation providers each month and publishes reports that can be used to benchmark performance and monitor industry trends. Explore or download monthly data about visitor nights, by region or by Regional Tourism Organisation.
The Tourism Recovery Dashboard tracks the border reopening and its effect on the recovery of the tourism sector from the COVID-19 pandemic. View data to see how visitation is recovering post-Covid.
This Cycling Events Strategy has been developed in consultation to inform future, strategic decision-making about cycling events within Te Tauihu. Our aspiration is to enable and enhance the long-term sustainability of cycling events in Te Tauihu and to maximise the benefits of these events to the region.
The MBIE Tourism Volumes and Flows (TVF) insights series provides measures of visitor activity and movement across Aotearoa New Zealand. Developed by Vistr for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), this insights series uses a blend of anonymised human mobility data combined with official population and travel statistics to provide granular estimates of visitor volumes and flows.
Wednesday 01 July, 2026
Nelson Airport is set to begin construction of a new covered walkway that will boost passenger comfort and reduce emissions.
Thursday 25 June, 2026
Nelson City Council has started developing a masterplan for the Haven Waterfront, setting out a shared, long-term vision for the prime waterfront area on Haven Road.
Friday 19 June, 2026
A new inner-city hotel and apartment complex is on the way for Nelson following the sale of the former bus hub on Bridge Street.
Friday 12 June, 2026
Nelson Tasman residents continue to support tourism and recognise the significant economic, cultural and environmental benefits visitors bring to the region, according to analysis of MBIE’s latest Tourism Sentiment Survey.
Wednesday 10 June, 2026
Construction has begun on a new storage facility for the region’s heritage collection in Richmond West, marking a major milestone for museums and heritage organisations across Nelson Tasman.
Tuesday 09 June, 2026
While festivals across Aotearoa scale back or disappear, one regional event in Whakatū Nelson is doing the opposite.
Friday 29 May, 2026
Takahē are roaming at the base of Onetahua Farewell Spit in Golden Bay after eight were moved there this week.
Thursday 14 May, 2026
