Single-day walks and hikes

Falls River Bridge, Abel Tasman National Park

Best single-day hiking trails in Nelson Tasman

The diversity of the environment in Nelson Tasman makes it the perfect destination for day walkers or those who want to get out and about amongst nature.

Must-do single-day walks and hikes in Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman offers a range of walking tracks, from challenging hikes over tussocked mountain ranges to beautiful coastal walks and day treks around spectacular glacial lakes, suitable for all ages and fitness abilities.

16 results

Maitai Caves Walk

If you’re after an easy wander that still feels like a proper escape, the Maitai Caves walk is a bit of a local gem.

Aorere Goldfields Track

The 3-hour loop walk in the Aorere Valley explores some of the area's more accessible gold-mining remnants, including the Slate River Sluicing Company Dam (Druggans Dam) and the Aorere Caves.

Angelus Hut Tracks

Perched at 1,650 metres, Angelus Hut overlooks Lake Angelus and is surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. From May to October, the lake often freezes, and snow covers all four routes, sometimes requiring visitors to dig their way to the hut.

Cable Bay Walkway

A 3.5 hour walk (one way) across rolling pastures and through coastal forest delights walkers with spectacular views of the Boulder Bank, Nelson City, Cable Bay, the Horoirangi Marine Reserve and the Western Ranges.

Tuao Wharepapa (Mt Arthur) Summit Route

At a height of 1795m, Tuao Wharepapa (Mt Arthur) is the highest peak in the Wharepapa Range of the Kahurangi National Park.

Barnicoat Range Walkway

The Barnicoat Ranges form the impressive backdrop behind Stoke and Richmond, rising steeply to more than 500m elevation for most of its length.

Pitt Head Loop Track

The Pitt Head Loop Track is a scenic 3.2 km hiking trail located in the Southern part of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Lake Rotoiti

The stunning scenery at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park changes with the seasons, from the vibrant red and golden hues of autumn, to the blanket of snow that wraps the lake in a cool embrace during winter.