Refresh with coastal breezes and laid-back seaside vibes at Māpua Wharf.
Take your time, go slow and see the sights at the perfect pace. Enjoy unique experiences and connect with nature every day while leaving a light footprint.
Days 1–7: Nelson, Māpua and around
Days 8 –12 : Motueka, Kaiteriteri, and Abel Tasman National Park
Days 13–20: Golden Bay
Love a good meander? This relaxed road trip winds through Nelson, Motueka, Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay, mixing well-loved spots with local secrets.
Got less than three weeks? Easy—just pick your favourites and make it your own.
With four base towns and minimal driving, it’s all about slowing down. The eBus between Nelson and Motueka makes getting around a breeze—just grab a Bee Card and you’re sorted.
Rolling into Tasman Bay is a treat for the senses and a proper teaser for the adventures ahead. Kick off your stay at Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park—an iconic Kiwi campground set beside breezy coastal parklands. From there, hop on an eBus or bike and head into town.
To get your bearings, wander up to the Cathedral at the top of Trafalgar Street. From there, meander to The Free House or any number of character-filled pubs and eateries. While you’re planning your week, make sure to lock in a Saturday morning at Nelson Market—one of Aotearoa’s best.
It’s not called the Great Taste Trail for nothing. This Ngā Haerenga Great Ride weaves together wineries, breweries, eateries, galleries, and knockout views across our region. It’s best explored by bike or e-bike, but there are plenty of walking sections too. You’ll find maps and signage aplenty, or tap into a local expert like The Gentle Cycling Co, conveniently based next to Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park.
An easy half-day loop heads from Tāhuna through quiet wetlands to Stoke, linking up with spots like Sprig & Fern Tāhuna, Eddyline Brewery, McCashin’s, Pic’s Peanut Butter World (free tours!), and the Nelson Classic Car Museum.
Jump on a bike or ebus into the city for a cruisy wander through Nelson’s top spots. Get your culture fix at the Nelson Provincial Museum or Founders Heritage Park, then dig into the indie shopping scene—think secondhand treasures, fashion finds, and bookish nooks.
In the arvo, stroll through the Suter Art Gallery, then unwind in the leafy calm of Queens Gardens. Keen for a leg-stretcher? Hike up the Grampians or Centre of New Zealand for panoramic views of the bay. Cap it off with easy eats at Salvito’s Pizza or vegetarian-based delights at East St Café.
Head west along the Great Taste Trail, hop an eBus (weekdays only), or self-drive your way to the harbourside gem of Māpua. En route, you’ll pass Rabbit Island—an easy-access island with picnic spots and epic swimming.
A quick ferry ride (or short drive) later, you’ll land in Māpua’s historic wharf village. Grab fish and chips, sample a local brew at Golden Bear Brewing, and browse boutique galleries and shops before making your way back.
Set aside a second full day to linger around Nelson’s fringes, such as the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary or Maitai River Pathway. The dam at the end of the Maitai Valley is the starting point of the Maitai Caves Walk, which features lovely native bush and limestone caves.
For an even lazier day, stick around Tāhunanui Beach to soak up some seaside holiday vibes. Hire a SUP from Moana Paddle Nelson, savour a real fruit ice cream, and pop into the Sprig & Fern for yummy local beer and satisfying pub food.
Less than 30 minutes from town, Rotokura / Cable Bay is a sleepy cove rich in history and natural beauty. Swim, snorkel, or rock-hop in the marine reserve, then hit the Cable Bay Walkway for cliff-top views and a good stretch of the legs.
On your way there, pop into Cable Bay Adventure Park home to mountain biking, a flying fox, and family-friendly thrills. Even the Base Café is worth the stop if spectating is more your speed.
Take on the longest disused railway tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. Reopened as part of the Great Taste Trail, Spooners Tunnel can be walked from Norris Gully or biked from Wakefield.
For a full-day mission, shuttle with Nelson Cycle Hire or The Gentle Cycling cruise 50km back to Nelson via Wakefield and Brightwater. If you’re road-tripping, detour through Upper Moutere for galleries, wine, and a classic pub lunch at the historic Moutere Inn.
The short drive to Motueka is made to be savoured. Sip local drops at Harvest Kitchen, stock up at The Junction Cheese Shop, and explore the Ruby Coast Arts Trail. Don’t miss Höglund Art Glass or the summer-only Zappekin gallery in an old apple shed.
Stay central at Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park and if it’s a Sunday, swing by the bustling Motueka Sunday Market.
Kaiteriteri’s golden sands and cruisy atmosphere make it a glam spot to chill. Just 15 minutes from Motueka (or a scenic cycle), it’s a magnet for swimmers, boaties, and walkers.
Hit the cafés, book a trip into Abel Tasman National Park, or explore short walks with knockout views—like Kaka Pah Point or the Kaiteriteri Lookout. Mountain bike fans can hit the trails at Kaiteriteri MTB Park too.
Spend the day getting to know Motueka’s relaxed charm. Wander its compact town centre for shopping, snacks, and strong coffee, or head out to the waterfront for the saltwater baths and sandspit walkway.
Skydivers drop in at the nearby airfield—literally. Could it be your moment to take the leap?
Whether you cruise, kayak, or hike, there’s no wrong way to see Abel Tasman National Park. Wilsons offers easy-as cruise-and-walk combos, or hop on a sailing trip with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures.
Feeling bold? Abel Tasman Canyons will take you well off-grid for slides, paddles, abseils, and splashy good times through secret canyons.
Drive 20 minutes to Mārahau and kick off the day with a stroll along the vast tidal beach. Hooked on Mārahau is a top pick for a bite or brew, and nearby Riwaka is dotted with good spots like Townshend Brewery tap Room and roadside fruit stalls.
Te Puna o Riuwaka (the Riuwaka Resurgence) is a must-stop. It is an ancient spring tucked into lush bush, full of local significance and serene vibes.
Shift into go-slow mode as you climb over Tākaka Hill. Stop for a walk to Harwoods Hole or the Tākaka Hill Walkway, then ease into Golden Bay life in Tākaka.
Grab treats from Bacca Bakery, sip local gin, and check out the Tākaka Saturday Village Market (Oct–May). Make your base at Pōhara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park—sunset here is something else.
Chill by the beach, explore nearby Tata Beach, or take a dip under the stars to spot the magical phosphorescence.
Fancy a walk? Head to Wainui Falls through lush bush and swimming holes—perfect on a hot day.
Start your day with a sea kayak adventure at Tata Beach with the lovely crew from Golden Bay Kayaks. Back on land, wander the Grove Scenic Reserve’s limestone maze and stop at Rocks World veggie stall.
In the afternoon, stroll west along Pōhara Beach, or hit the golf course for a few lazy holes.
Cycle or drive into Tākaka and enjoy the town’s artsy, alternative feel. Stop at The Wholemeal Café for home baking, then hit the shops for handmade pottery, art, and quirky gifts.
Later, explore Te Waikoropupū Springs or head to Anatoki Salmon to catch your dinner. End the day at the Mussel Inn for hearty fare, house brews, and a live gig if you’re lucky.
Head to Collingwood for more laid-back goodness. Stay at the friendly local campground and soak up the area’s rich history at the Aorere Centre.
Nearby attractions include the estuary, Milnthorpe Scenic Reserve, and Farewell Spit Tours—book ahead for their epic nature trips.
Explore the dramatic coast around Pūponga Farm Park and Farewell Spit. Take in the view from Cape Farewell or roam the otherworldly Wharariki Beach. If time allows, sneak away to Green Hills Beach for some solitude.
Finish your day with dinner and drinks at Pakawau’s Old School Café.
Wind your way up the Aorere Valley, calling into the Langford Store at Bainham for coffee and a slice of history. Continue to Salisbury Falls or dip into the start of the Heaphy Track.
Back in Collingwood, wrap the day with a no-fuss feed at Tinky’s Tavern.
Take the slow road back to Nelson via the Moutere Highway. Stock up in Tākaka or Motueka, and don’t miss TOAD Hall—a local legend.
Swing by Upper Moutere to raise a glass of wine at Gravity Cellars or Neudorf Vineyards, and reflect on your epic trip.
hree weeks in Nelson Tasman might not feel like enough, but that’s the beauty of it. There is always more to see, more locals to meet, and more flavours to savour.
Planning your next adventure? Check out our live event guide to line up your visit with something epic—whether it’s local music, art, food, or community celebrations, there’s always something happening in our region.
Until next time, haere rā and travel well.
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