The Tasman region, on the north western tip of the South Island - is renowned for golden beaches, quality seafood and wine, and a significant artistic community. New Zealand’s sunniest region is also a popular destination for fans of the great outdoors.

Our favourite spot is the small coastal village of Marahau, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. This beautiful little settlement has some of the best views in New Zealand, a range of accommodation, and lots to do.

But of course there is a lot more to the Tasman Region than Marahau.

Nelson/Richmond, the largest city in the region, is a thriving community of around 60-70,000 people, and has all the facilities that you would expect of a place its size. Located on the calm shores of the stunning Tasman Bay, Nelson is flanked by snow capped peaks in the winter, and has several nearby ski fields in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project - at Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park - is a major restoration programme to return native birdlife to a 5000ha beech forest. Bush walks weave through the trees, and information panels tell stories of the project, and local flora and fauna.

The Tasman region has a thriving arts community, a vibrant cafe culture, and some of the best seafood that you will find anywhere. We highly recommend the local scallops, flounder, and (if you are lucky enough to be there in season), the local whitebait.

There are so many other great things to see in the region. Around 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Nelson is the township of Takaka, the main town in the Golden Bay area.

The day trip from Nelson to Golden Bay and back is one that should be high on your list of things to do in the Tasman region. Around 30 minutes out of Nelson you pass through Ruby Bay, where the road hugs the coast briefly. Every time we pass Ruby Bay I'm amazed by the turquoise colour of the bay. Stunning. The drive from Ruby Bay to the town of Motueka ("Mot" to the locals) takes about another 30 minutes and passes through rolling hills and (in winter) glimpses of the snow capped Mt Arthur. Shortly after Motueka, you pass the turnoff to Marahau and the Abel Tasman National Park (but that's a trip for the next day) and begin the climb over Takaka Hill. Towards the top there is a lookout with amazing views back down over the Abel Tasman. This is also the location of the Ngarua Caves, a series of limestone caves, which are well worth a look if you have time.

As you crest the summit of Takaka Hill and begin your descent, the views of the valley are amazing. In the colder months the surrounding peaks will be capped in snow, and in the warmer months, the fields form a beautiful green patchwork. Another 20 or 30 minutes and you reach Takaka. Take your time to explore the area and if you have time take an organised trip to Farewell Spit. Golden Bay is almost a small region in itself. Lots of small beach side villages, access to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, and also the amazing Te Waikoropupu (Pu Pu) Springs. The Springs are the largest in Australasia, and pump out a staggering 14,000 litres of cold, clear water every second. They are claimed to be the world's clearest freshwater springs, and visitors can walk along streamside tracks to a large viewing deck, complete with a clever mirror system that lets you see under the surface.

Yes, there's lots to see and do in the Tasman Region.

Here's some more information on this wonderful part of New Zealand...


P.S. We can also show you a wide range of accommodation in the region.

The Tasman region combines inspirational landscapes and a vibrant creative environment, offering visitors the opportunity to meet and mix with local artists and craftspeople, visit their studios, and participate in art tours and workshops.

Kilometres of golden sand beaches and several national park areas set the scene for year-round adventure in the Tasman region. Wildlife and outdoor experiences including sea kayaking, rock climbing, white-water rafting, mountain biking, sailing, horse trekking and swimming with marine life are all on offer in the region.

Around one hours drive from Nelson is the popular sea side resort village of Kaiteriteri. With a great beach front camping ground, golden beaches, and several cafes, Kaiteriteri is a great spot to relax in. And from Kaiteriteri it's just a short drive around the headland to Marahau, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.

An interesting attraction between Kaiteriteri and Marahau is Split Apple Rock. As you can see from the picture, it's very aptly named!

Local waters are the source of some of New Zealand’s finest seafood, and the sunny coastal climate in the Tasman region produces grapes for wine, fresh fruit and produce.

Maori knew the area as Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui or ‘the tip of the nose of the canoe of Maui’. According to legend, the demi-god Maui used his fish hook to catch and land the North Island - Te Ika a Maui or ‘the fish of Maui’ - from his waka (canoe).

Maori first settled in the Nelson New Zealand region about 700 - 800 years ago. They built villages along the coast and close to river valleys, making the most of fertile soil, abundant seafood, and a favourable climate.

The region's central location was an ideal stopover for pre-European traders. North Island Maori passed through on their way to the West Coast to trade for greenstone, while Pacific and Maori traders came in search of agillite for making tools.

If you enjoy your food and wine, then the Tasman Region is the place for you!

Nelson New Zealand is one of New Zealand’s leading wine regions, producing chardonnay, pinot noir, riesling, pinot gris, gewürztraminer and an intensely-flavoured sauvignon blanc.

Many of the area's 26 family-owned wineries offer cellar door experiences. Visitors can also take leisurely vineyard tasting tours for a snapshot of different wine varieties and their production.

And some, like Kina Beach Vinyard even allow you to stay with them!

As Australasia’s largest fishing port, Nelson New Zealand exports fresh seafood - scallops, clams, salmon. Other local specialities include beer and fruit.

During our frequent visits to the area we make a point of trying as much of the local seafood as we can, and we are particularly fond of fresh scallops, flounder (a sweet white flesh) and whitebait (when in season).

The region has many quality cafés and restaurants serving local foods. On old Mapua wharf, The Smokehouse serves an award-winning menu including naturally-prepared smoked seafood that visitors can sample while overlooking the Waimea estuary on Tasman Bay. A great way to spend a lazy afternoon.

The region's three national parks, two marine reserves and extensive coastline are havens for some of New Zealand’s beautiful and protected nature and wildlife.

During our numerous trips we have encountered seals, dolphins, orca, and penguins!

In the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, which is part of the Abel Tasman National Park, you can visit a New Zealand fur seal colony and even go swimming with the seals in their natural environment.

Farewell Spit is the world’s longest natural sandbar, and stretches 35km off the north western tip of the South Island and continues to grow. This area of exceptional beauty is home to over 90 species of birds, including migratory godwits and gannets. A long established wildlife sanctuary, Farewell Spit has New Zealand’s highest level of conservation protection (even higher than the national parks). At the time of writing, there were only two tour companies with Department of Conservation approval to conduct tours of Farewell Spit.

I can highly recommend these tours. Its a great way to spend several hours as you head into the reserve in specially designed four wheel drive buses. When we did our trip we stopped off at a seal colony, climbed huge sand dunes (and rolled down them!), visited the lighthouse, and saw lots of great scenery.

You can learn more about Farewell Spit in the Farewell Spit Eco Tours video below.

Sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park is one of the Tasman region’s iconic outdoor activities. As you travel through the various seaside villages such as Marahau and Kaiteriteri, you can't help but notice the kayak companies and their happy customers as they glide over the calm, crystal clear waters that feature in the area.

Established in 1942, the Abel Tasman is renowned for golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and clear water. Kayakers can hire kayaks, and take single or multi-day guided tours to visit otherwise inaccessible sheltered coves.

The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is one of New Zealand's "Great Walks". The 52km walk takes three to five days to complete, and huts and campsites are available along the way.

The Abel Tasman national park is accessed through the stunning seaside village of Marahau.


The famous Heaphy Track, in Kahurangi National Park, takes about four to six days and is the longest "Great Walk". Kahurangi is home to an exceptional variety of native plants and wildlife, including great spotted kiwi.

Nelson - birthplace of the unique World of WearableArt show - claims New Zealand’s highest per capita artist community with 350-plus resident artists.

Founded by local artist Suzie Moncrieff, the World of WearableArt is a major theatrical event that’s now held annually in Wellington. The World of Wearable Art museum is based in Nelson and offers visitors a year-round spectacle.

The region offers a variety of creative workshops reflecting New Zealand’s diverse culture. Ranging from two hours to four days, hands-on artistic experiences

include bone carving, blending olive oil, collecting and cooking seafood, or taking a Maori journey through the region.

The annual Nelson Arts Festival showcases the region's artistic talent and products and includes a parade through the streets of Nelson.

* New Zealander's are passionate about Rugby. New Zealand’s first rugby game was played here on 14 May, 1870.

* Nelson has the southern hemisphere’s largest camping ground. Tahuna Beach Holiday Park has over 2000 camp sites and motel units.

* Nelson, settled in 1841, is New Zealand’s second oldest city.

* The Tasman region receives 2,500 sunshine hours per year - see our Climate Map of New Zealand

Nelson:Place in the Sun - Photography by Craig Potton, Text by Lorraine Moir