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 2023.
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.
Tuesday 17 February, 2026
An extraordinary contribution to New Zealand conservation was privately acknowledged this week in one of New Zealand's most iconic locations - the Abel Tasman National Park.
Thursday 12 February, 2026
Wilsons Abel Tasman has released a short video sharing the story of the family behind one of the region’s most iconic tourism businesses — and their deep connection to the Abel Tasman National Park.
Wednesday 11 February, 2026
A dawn ceremony held this morning at the corner of Bridge Street and Haven Road marked the start of the substantial construction phase of the Bridge to Better project, with iwi laying a mauri stone to acknowledge the significance of the site and the work now underway.
Monday 09 February, 2026
Start of a long-term species reintroduction programme.
Wednesday 21 January, 2026
Marchfest pours bigger than ever, with a bold new format bringing together 20+ breweries, 100+ beers, and more opportunities to meet the makers behind your favourite drop.
Tuesday 30 December, 2025
Maruia River Retreat has been selected as one of Newsweek's World's Most Extraordinary Spas for 2026. One of only 5 New Zealand destinations.
Friday 21 November, 2025
With starring roles in a new tourism campaign, Nelson Tasman’s locals show why the region is such a friendly place to visit.
Monday 10 November, 2025
Cricket fans across Aotearoa will be turning their attention to Nelson this summer, as Saxton Oval hosts the iconic North v South Twenty20 series.
Friday 31 October, 2025
As the new Nelson City Council was sworn in on Thursday afternoon, returning mayor Nick Smith put the economic recovery of the city in his sights.
