Virtual experiences: Nelson Tasman from home
Posted on Wednesday 15 April 2020
Nelson Tasman is known for its stunning natural landscapes and unwavering community spirit, so in times like these, we’re all itching to reunite with one another and explore the great outdoors. For now, we must showcase our love of this extraordinary region in a different way - by staying home, enjoying some quality time with our loved ones, and keeping our Nelson Tasman whānau safe. The time will come where we can return to the gorgeous golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach or bask in the winter wonderland at Lake Rotoiti, but that time is not now.
Mother nature is still doing her thing. Nature is resting, and our backyard isn’t going anywhere. When this is all over and we reunite again, these natural attractions will still be around and we can once more enjoy our beautiful maunga and moana together. In the meantime, we can still experience Nelson Tasman from home. With a range of 360-degree videos, daily time-lapse webcams and virtual tours, sit down with a cup of tea and enjoy a few of our most iconic destinations from the comfort of your couch.
Photo: Abel Tasman Canyons
360 Degree Experiences
Nestled in the depths of the Abel Tasman National Park, the Torrent River is an outdoor playground like no other. Zipline, abseil, slide and jump the waterfalls all the way to the beautiful Cleopatra's Pools. Even though you can't experience the exhilaration of this epic activity right now, we’d say this 360-degree video provides a pretty good insight into what it’s like!
If you miss floating along the shores and paddling through the crystal-clear waters of Abel Tasman National Park look no further than this extraordinary 360-degree video. Although it's not quite the same feeling the breeze through your hair and the saltwater splashing on your face, this is definitely the next best thing!
Walking tracks at Kaiteriteri Beach
Unless the beautiful golden sands of Kaiteriteri are in your bubble zone, it's likely you're missing stunning views like these. Although it doesn’t quite compare to the feeling of the sand under your feet and the waves lapping your ankles, this 360-degree photo still delivers somewhat of a feast for the senses.
One of Nelson’s most iconic locations! As you walk along Rocks Road you bare witness to beautiful views of Fifeshire Rock, Haulashore Island, the Boulder Bank and Tahunaui Beach - and with a stunning 360-degree photo like this, it's no surprise that we are now reminiscing on days spent on the waterfront!
Something for those adrenaline junkies out there missing a quick thrill…Not quite the same as the real thing of course, but check out this virtual reality skydive thanks to Skydive Abel Tasman where you can experience free-falling with a 360-degree view of some of Nelson Tasman’s most epic scenery.
Photo: Suter Art Gallery
Virtual Tours & Experiences
Cruise the Abel Tasman Coastline
Set in the hook of Tasman Bay are the blue skies, calm waters and golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park. See and explore this magnificent coastline with the click of your mouse, famed for its endless sunshine and its ribbon of beaches, bays and jewel-like islands, each with their own special magic - you can even go up the rivers to see the swing bridges!
Watch peanut butter being made
The factory tours at Pic's Peanut Butter are somewhat of a calling card for locals and visitors alike. Until such time as we can return to Peanut Butter World, you can watch the process of creating this much-loved peanut butter online with a virtual tour.
Go kayaking in the Abel Tasman
Enjoy a guided virtual reality trip with R&R Kayaks, thanks to Virtual Journeys, as your guide shares local knowledge, points out wildlife and shows you the coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park.
Immerse yourself with Virtual Journeys in New Zealand’s native forest with your tour guide, Justin. He knows the Abel Tasman National Park like the back of his hand and loves sharing stories about the natural environment and all who live within it. Be enchanted by the most beautiful native birdsong as you traipse through native bush!
Discover the wine making process in one of the most famous wine regions in New Zealand. From the grapes to the glass, take part in this intimate tour with your guide, CJ where you'll get to explore the vineyard and meet the locals. Pour yourself a glass at home and imagine yourself enjoying a vintner’s journey on the beautiful Kina Peninsula thanks to Virtual Journeys.
Take a step away from reality and immerse in the beauty of creation with a virtual gallery tour. Although Nelson’s Suter Art Gallery is closed to visitors you can still view the many magnificent pieces the building holds from some of our most beloved local artists!
It sounds like something out of the Wild West: A gold rush, villainous outlaws, an ambush and robbery, multiple murders. But it happened right here in Nelson – or rather, on the Maungatapu track in the Nelson Tasman region. The Nelson Provincial Museum captures the extraordinary events that occurred around the arrests, the discovery of the victims, and the sensational trial that took place in Nelson. While the museum is closed and thanks to relive 360, you can still take a virtual tour and experience the “Murder at Maungatapu” exhibition with “Part 1 - The Slayings” and “Part 2 – Trial and Executions”. Read information, view photographs and artefacts, and watch videos through this interactive 360 exhibition.
Nelson Virtual Heritage Festival
The Nelson Heritage Festival runs every year throughout April, but last year unfortunately could not go ahead due to COVID-19. However, the team created a series of videos to bring the festival to you, virtually, and you can still watch them in 2021. With concerts, light installations, virtual tours and historic stories, there's plenty of opportunity to immerse in Nelson Tasman's unique heritage from home.
Photo: Tamzin Henderson
Webcams and Soundbites
Keeping an eye on what is known as the “people’s beach” is easy with this webcam capturing images across Awaroa inlet. Situated on the roof of Wilsons Abel Tasman’s Meadowbank Homestead the camera looks across the inlet towards the 7ha Awaroa beach. The beach became famous in 2016 when the public purchased it through a massive crowdfunding campaign, which raised over $2 million. The beach was officially gifted to the Crown and became part of the Abel Tasman National Park. The walking track north of Awaroa is only accessible 2 hours either side of low tide. At other times the water level is too high to cross and there is no alternative route - you can witness the inlet swell up with the tide via this webcam!
The beach at Anchorage is the first large classic curve of powdery golden sand reached from the south of the Abel Tasman National Park. Usually a sheltered haven for boaties and trampers, Anchorage is a popular destination in the national park. This camera is located on the ridge behind Anchorage and looks across the bay with glimpses of Tonga Island in the distance. Pitt Head is also prominent in the foreground which is also a great lookout point with spectacular views - once the site of a Māori pā (fortified village).
Watch the ebb and flow of the tide at Torrent Bay estuary from this camera on the ridgeline south of the bay. There is no road access to this little slice of heaven, home to the private baches in Torrent Bay village which can be seen in the middle of the picture. The small bay you see through the camera is Glasgow Bay before the headland.
This camera overlooks the Astrolabe Roadstead and provides stunning views across to Motuareronui Adele Island and south towards Marahau in the distance. The channel of water between Adele Island and the mainland usually provides a sheltered route for kayakers and boaties.
It would be safe to say most locals will be missing the beautiful golden sands and crystal clear lagoon at Kaiteriteri Beach. This camera shows the prime view of not only one of Nelson Tasman’s most popular beaches but New Zealand’s too! Provided courtesy of the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve - check out the daily timelapse from gorgeous sunrise to sunset.
Farewell Spit Nature Reserve is a bird sanctuary and wetland of great importance. Perched atop the historical Farewell Spit Lighthouse, this camera captures a daily timelapse looking out toward the beach. The images capture the farthest point eco-tours are normally allowed to travel down the narrow 34km long natural sand spit, located at the northern end of Golden Bay.
Located in Kerr Bay, this camera overlooks the still waters of Lake Rotoiti. The south-facing view takes in Pourangahau/Mt Robert, one of the breath-taking mountain peaks of the Nelson Lakes National Park and a popular destination for keen hikers and skiers outside of the lockdown period.
Located 25m in the air at Port Tarakohe, at the southern end of Golden Bay, this camera looks south-west along Pohara Beach; a popular holiday destination in those gorgeous sunshine-filled summer months.
Mountain-biking in the Richmond Hills is a much-loved pastime for many locals. Whilst we’re in lockdown and unable to enjoy the spectacular scenery from the top, this webcam located in the hills above Richmond can transport you there virtually! This camera is pointing roughly west across Richmond and the Waimea Plains and shows a great daily time-lapse.
Abel Tasman birdsong
This live microphone brings you the beautiful sound of birdsong from Motuarenronui Adele Island in the Abel Tasman National Park. Every day is a treat, as you listen to the sound of robin, saddleback, bellbird, grey warblers and brown creepers. Tip: listen early in the morning to hear the dawn chorus.
Photo: Maruia River Retreat
Getting Active
Last year the team at Maruia River Retreat decided to run regular yoga and breathwork classes virtually! Discover the calm amongst the chaos and visit their Youtube channel to watch the recordings.
