Nestled amongst Nelson Tasman's stunning natural landscapes are a range of short walks, spanning from the City through to the bay.

Whether you're looking for a short riverside stroll, a walk underneath the canopy of lush native trees, or a trek to a picturesque waterfall, the Nelson Tasman region has options for people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy our extraordinary outdoor environment. 

Abel Tasman Coast Track

Abel Tasman Coast Track

The Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest but most popular national park, and the Coastal Track is renowned as one of the country’s Great Walks. The park is well serviced, with plenty of half-day and full-day options that will have you cruising, walking or kayaking the picturesque coast.

Read More

Te Waikoropupu Springs

Te Waikoropupu Springs

A short stroll through a manuka and kanuka forest will take you to a truly treasured location, Te Waikoropupu Springs. Holding the title as the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, and the largest coldwater springs in the Southern Hemisphere, this is a wahi tapu (sacred place).

Read More

Farewell Spit and Puponga

Farewell Spit and Puponga

Cape Farewell, Wharariki Beach and the Pillar Point Lighthouse are just a few of the extraordinary sights you’ll be treated to along this spectacularly rugged coastline.

Read More

Wainui Falls

Wainui Falls

A short distance before Takaka is an easy short walk through lush native bush to one of the largest, most accessible and beautiful waterfalls in Golden Bay.

Read More

Harwoods Hole

Harwoods Hole

Harwoods Hole is renowned as the deepest vertical shaft in New Zealand, and although walkers cannot see directly into it, the stunning limestone rock formations make for the picture perfect view from the top.

Read More

Riuwaka Resurgence

Riuwaka Resurgence

Hugged by lush native forest and sheltered by the deep fold in the mountain, the Resurgence emerges from the depths of the Takaka Hill, fed by the limestone passages and marble cracks that have formed within the cave over many years.

Read More

Rawhiti Cave

Rawhiti Cave

A two hour return walk will take you to what is quite possibly the most diverse limestone entrance and twilight zone flora of any cave in New Zealand, adorned with green and pink plants, moss, algae and stunning phytokarst formations

Read More

Pupu Hydro Walkway

Pupu Hydro Walkway

Retracing an old gold-mining water race, this short walk passes through a forest of young beech, rimu and mature podocarps to a lookout point above the power station, before descending down the steep contours of the hillside to a beautiful picnic spot.

Read More

Takaka Hill Walkway

Takaka Hill Walkway

The Takaka Hill Walkway will take you through a diverse array of landscapes, from the karst marble outcrops to the magnificent beech forests and tussock ranges, offering picturesque views over Golden Bay and the Kahurangi National Park.

Read More

Labyrinth Rocks Park

Labyrinth Rocks Park

Children will love searching for the small figurines veiled by fallen leaves and rocky ledges, and spotting the faces and characters etched into the limestone; the kissing pigs, the witches couldrons and even the stegosaurus.

Read More

The Grove Scenic Reserve

The Grove Scenic Reserve

You'll feel like you've just stepped out of a fairytale as you make your way through the mossy maze-like surroundings to a spectacular viewing platform, offering views out over the plains and golden sands of Golden Bay.

Read More

Centre of New Zealand

Centre of New Zealand

A twenty-minute uphill trek under the canopy of poplar and kauri trees will land you at the Centre of New Zealand viewing platform, where you’ll be treated to stunning views over the buzzing central city, Tasman Bay and the picturesque mountain ranges.

Read More

Boulder Bank

Boulder Bank

The internationally-renowned Boulder Bank is a natural spit of boulders, formed by oceanic drift over 10,000 years. A walk along the rocky bank is an opportunity not to be missed, as is a climb up into the iconic lighthouse.

Read More

The Brook Sanctuary

The Brook Sanctuary

The South Island’s largest fully-fenced Sanctuary for vulnerable native flora and fauna, there are some 15km of beautiful tracks open for the public to enjoy, suitable for a range of fitness levels with the main Loop Track also fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Read More

Maitai River Walkway

Maitai River Walkway

Take a short stroll along the softly flowing Maitai River, home to stunning sculptures, shady picnic spots, popular swimming holes, and a vast array of birdlife.

Read More

Nelson Airport Perimeter

Nelson Airport Perimeter

The Perimeter Walkway circumnavigates the airport, and is a great place for aircraft enthusiasts, early morning joggers and those who want to see more of Nelson’s coastline.

Read More

Whakatu Coastal Pathway

Whakatu Coastal Pathway

Possibly one of the regions most popular off-road trails, The Coastal Pathway links the suburb of Stoke with Richmond, and is frequented by walkers, runners and cyclists all looking to enjoy the surrounding coastline that Tasman Bay is renowned for.

Read More

Hackett Track & Whispering Falls

Hackett Track & Whispering Falls

Journeying under the shelter of native podocarp forest, across wooden swing bridges and along the side of the Hackett River, the beauty that surrounds you is just a small glimpse into what awaits, a series of waterfalls that resemble a light rain shower.

Read More

Railway Reserve

Railway Reserve

The Railway Reserve is hugely popular with walkers and cyclists. Linking the three townships of Nelson City, Stoke and Richmond, the reserve follows the historic Nelson-Glenhope railway line.

Read More

Days Track

Days Track

Days Track takes in all the best views of Tasman Bay, but is a steady climb up the steps from the base of the Tahunanui Hills, so it is not for the faint-hearted.

Read More

Dellside Reserve

Dellside Reserve

The Dellside Reserve is home to a diverse range of walking tracks, from simple 30 minute strolls to steeper, tougher treks, and offer incredible views over Richmond and beyond.

Read More

Grampians

Grampians

The Grampians are a prominent group of hills rising steeply behind Nelson City, and are dissected by a network of tracks popular with walkers for their central location.

Read More

Maitai Caves

Maitai Caves

The Maitai Caves walk follows a mature beech and podocarp forest, offering views of the sparkling pools in the south branch of the Maitai, and ending at a network of intriguing limestone caves.

Read More

Barnicoat Walkway

Barnicoat Walkway

Steep climbs underneath the shady canopy of native trees reward walkers with beautiful views out over Tasman Bay and beyond. If you time your walk right, you may even get to see paragliders as they descend into the fields below.

Read More

Wakefield Quay

Wakefield Quay

An easy walk along the Tahunanui waterfront reveals a glimpse into interesting local history alongside stunning views of both Nelson’s sheltered harbour and the artworks and sculptures that line the seafront.

Read More

Lake Rotoiti

Lake Rotoiti

There are a number of short lakeside walks to explore, and children will enjoy an interactive learning experience with the information panels dotted along the track. The Honeydew and Bellbird tracks attract a number of nectar-feeding birds, and forests are alive with birdsong, making for a truly extraordinary experience.

Read More

Lake Rotoroa

Lake Rotoroa

Waterfalls, lakeside picnics and a diverse forest alive with tree fuschia, shrubs, climbing vines and mosses await on the walking tracks of Lake Rotoroa in Nelson Lakes National Park.

Read More

Murchison Day Walks

Murchison Day Walks

Walk to the gushing Maruia Falls, enjoy stunning views over Murchison on the Skyline Walk, or choose another of the diverse selection of walks in the area.

Read More

logo