Four days of boutique luxury in our coastal haven

Picture this: sun-drenched vineyards, world-class art studios, pristine golden beaches, and luxury that feels refreshingly authentic.

blurry placeholderAbel Tasman Heli Scenic credit Helicopters Nelson

4-day itinerary

Highlights

Local vineyards and flavours

Art galleries with heart and soul

Abel Tasman National Park

Day 1: Arrive and unwind in paradise

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Easy to reach by road or air

Flying in? Touch down at Nelson Airport, just 20 minutes from the heart of our region. Driving from the North Island? Take the scenic route with the Interislander ferry and enjoy those stunning Cook Strait views, then follow the gorgeous Queen Charlotte Drive for one of New Zealand's most beautiful coastal journeys. Either way, you're perfectly positioned to begin your boutique luxury adventure.

blurry placeholderPihopa Retreat is a peaceful luxury escape nestled in the heart of Nelson.
Pihopa Retreat is a peaceful luxury escape nestled in the heart of Nelson.
blurry placeholderEight Plates creates seasonal small plates and beautiful drinks in the heart of Nelson City.
Eight Plates creates seasonal small plates and beautiful drinks in the heart of Nelson City.

Your luxury base awaits

Check into Pihopa Retreat, your home for the next three nights. This boutique sanctuary sits amongst native bush with sweeping views that'll have you questioning why you ever holidayed anywhere else. Spend your first afternoon simply soaking it all in. Wander the grounds, breathe in that crisp Nelson air, and let the stress melt away.

Tonight, treat yourself to dinner at Eight Plates, where the focus is on beautiful local flavours served with creativity and flair. It's the perfect introduction to our region's fantastic food scene.

Day 2: Wine, art, and wilderness magic

blurry placeholderTucked among rolling vineyards, Moutere Hills Restaurant serves up local flavours with a view that’s hard to beat.
Tucked among rolling vineyards, Moutere Hills Restaurant serves up local flavours with a view that’s hard to beat.
blurry placeholderHöglund Art Glass Gallery showcases world-renowned glass art and contemporary pieces, crafted with flair right here in Nelson Tasman.
Höglund Art Glass Gallery showcases world-renowned glass art and contemporary pieces, crafted with flair right here in Nelson Tasman.

A day with Wine, Art & Wilderness

Wake up to a chef-cooked breakfast at Pihopa, the perfect fuel for what's ahead. Today you'll embark on a sensory journey with Wine, Art & Wilderness through our region's picturesque landscapes where vineyards merge with vibrant art scenes.

Dive into our thriving art culture, exploring galleries and studios immersed in stunning surroundings. Talent abounds here, with creations reflecting the beauty of this unique corner of New Zealand. You'll discover local artists and perhaps stumble upon pieces that speak to you. Our region has this incredible knack for nurturing creativity, and you'll see why once you meet these artisans.

But the magic extends to boutique wineries nestled in the sun-drenched Moutere Hills, renowned for quality wines crafted from local grapes. Sip on exquisite varietals while vintners share their stories. From Sauvignon Blancs to Pinot Noirs, you'll delight in award-winning wines that showcase exactly why our region punches above its weight in the wine world.

Your knowledgeable guides will enrich your experience with insights into our region's history, culture and creative community. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, art lover, or curious explorer, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the very heart of our region.

End your day at Hopgoods, where exceptional cuisine meets innovative local flavours. The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere is perfect for unwinding after a day of art and wine discovery.

Day 3: Abel Tasman bliss

blurry placeholderAbel Tasman Charters offers relaxed, small-group cruises where you can soak up the coastline’s beauty without the crowds.
Abel Tasman Charters offers relaxed, small-group cruises where you can soak up the coastline’s beauty without the crowds.
blurry placeholderOceano Panorama at the Rutherford pairs fresh, seasonal dishes with sweeping sea views.
Oceano Panorama at the Rutherford pairs fresh, seasonal dishes with sweeping sea views.

Combine sailing the seas and spectacular aerial views

Another glorious chef-cooked breakfast at Pihopa sets you up perfectly for your Abel Tasman adventure. No boutique luxury Nelson Tasman experience is complete without Abel Tasman National Park, and today you're doing it in style.

Make your way to the Helicopters Nelson base or book a convenient pickup to start your incredible journey. Join Abel Tasman Charters and Helicopters Nelson for a private cruise into the Abel Tasman National Park to discover pristine native forest, golden sand, and heavenly blue waters. Relax on the beach with a gourmet lunch before meeting your private helicopter at Awaroa Bay. From Awaroa, you will track into the rugged Kahurangi National Park for a landing high in the mountains where you can explore unique rock formations and alpine lakes. Enjoy truly spectacular views of Golden Bay on your journey back to your destination.

After your day in paradise, unwind with dinner at Oceano Panorama, where fresh, seasonal ingredients shine in dishes that celebrate our region's incredible produce. It's the perfect way to refuel after your Abel Tasman adventure.

Day 4: Art, river walks and final discoveries

blurry placeholderDiscover the heart of New Zealand's art scene at The Suter Art Gallery.
Discover the heart of New Zealand's art scene at The Suter Art Gallery.
blurry placeholderRiver Kitchen is a laid-back eatery in Nelson that dishes up delicious local flavours right by the riverfront.
River Kitchen is a laid-back eatery in Nelson that dishes up delicious local flavours right by the riverfront.

Your final day of discovery

Start your final day with that last delicious chef-cooked breakfast at Pihopa, savouring both the meal and those stunning views one last time.

Head into the city for a peaceful morning stroll along the Maitai River, breathing in that crisp Nelson air. The riverside walk offers the perfect chance to soak up those final moments in our beautiful region at your own pace.

When hunger strikes, stop for a leisurely brunch at River Kitchen, where fresh, seasonal flavours shine in a relaxed riverside setting. It's the ideal spot to fuel up while watching the world go by.

Spend your afternoon immersed in our region's vibrant arts scene with a visit to the Suter, where contemporary and traditional works showcase the incredible talent that calls our region home. 

Until next time

Our coastal haven isn't about flashy tourism or over-the-top experiences. It's about genuine boutique luxury where you feel like you've discovered something special. You'll meet real locals, taste authentic flavours, and create memories that feel uniquely yours.

The beauty is in the details: that perfect glass of Pinot Noir as the sun sets, the moment you spot a seal pup while kayaking, or the pride in an artist's eyes as they show you their craft. This is boutique luxury with soul.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

Book your getaway

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Interislander Cook Strait Ferries

Discover the Interislander Cook Strait ferry, sailing between Wellington and Picton every day. The voyage between the North and South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and is a ‘must-do’ experience for everyone exploring our stunning country.
Gold Partner 
blurry placeholderPlatter lunch at Gravity Winery

Wine & Art

In Nelson Tasman the productive Waimea Plains & Moutere Hills are dotted with world class wineries, artist studios and galleries to explore.
from NZ$359
Silver Partner 
blurry placeholderHeli-Picnic on a Peak

Helicopters Nelson New Zealand

Go where the roads can't take you. Be taken to extraordinary places that only a helicopter can get you to. Our team of local pilots are experts in finding the best hiking, biking, dining, fishing and hunting spots in the Top of the South Island.
from NZ$325
Silver Partner 
blurry placeholderPihopa Retreat

Pihopa Retreat

Six luxurious suites set in a park like setting provide a very comfortable home away from home. Large spacious villas, each with a bedroom and lounge area to relax in and a balcony to soak up the views from all within 5 minutes from central Nelson.
from NZ$1550
Silver Partner 
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