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.

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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.

Ben Nevis Track

The Ben Nevis Track climbs through forest, tussock, and rocky crags to a 1619 m summit with sweeping views over Tasman Bay and Red Hill. It’s a challenging alpine tramp with no water sources, so come prepared and expect rapidly changing conditions.

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.

Farewell Spit Beach

You’ll never experience a beach quite like Farewell Spit in Golden Bay. Mighty, majestic, and magnificent are just three words regularly used to describe the 35km sandspit that shelters the Nelson Tasman region from the wild west coast weather.

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.

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.

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.