Best single-day hiking trails in Nelson Tasman

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.

The Mount Robert Circuit undoubtedly offers some of the best views of Nelson Lakes National Park.

A steep but rewarding climb in Mount Richmond Forest Park, the Mount Duppa Summit Track winds through lush beech forest, past striking rock formations, before opening onto a rugged ridgeline with sweeping views across the Bryant and Richmond ranges, Cable Bay and the Marlborough Sounds on a clear day.

This well-maintained trail winds through lush native bush, alongside the Hacket River, providing a delightful backdrop of tranquil water sounds and verdant scenery.

The dramatically rugged landscapes of Cape Farewell have been carved out by the wild western weather, forming an archway in the quartz sandstone cliff that drops vertically into the raging seas below.

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.

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.

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.