Activities Around Our Region

Nelson, the geographical centre of New Zealand, is a region renowned for warm sunshine, fine beaches, lakes, mountains and native forests.  The City of Nelson is large enough to offer all the services and amenities of a large city yet is small enough to be intimate, welcoming and friendly.

» Sunshine!

The Nelson region is also known for having the highest number of sunshine hours of anywhere in New Zealand.  Add to this the attraction of fine foods, superb wines, an innovative craft industry, spectacular scenery and traditional Kiwi hospitality and you can understand why the Nelson region and Motueka are places to which holiday makers flock all year round.

» Picturesque Coastline

The journey from the City of Nelson into the north western region of Golden Bay and the Abel Tasman National Park is truly spectacular.  There are two scenic routes to Motueka and thence to Abel Tasman National Park; one will take you through Upper Moutere, known for its history, vineyards and artists, while the other will take you via the Ruby Coast Scenic Drive through Mapua and its quiet waterside setting, then along Tasman Bay to Motueka.

Here the beautiful coastline is famous for clear blue waters and pristine golden sand beaches.  The Abel Tasman National Park can be explored by guided walks, sea kayak, cruise boat, water taxi or freedom walking - experience penguins, seals, dolphins and native birds all set in lush native forest and beautiful beaches.  The Abel Tasman National Park is easily reached from Kaiteriteri or Marahau by water taxi.

» Art & Food

The Nelson region is well known for its skilled and innovative artisans, especially in pottery, glass making, bone carving and jewellery.  Local restaurants can tempt the most discerning palate with their superb seafood including: mussels, scallops, oysters, seasonal whitebait, geoduck and many fish varieties.

» Golden Bay & Farewell Spit

For other natural wonders in the area visit the crystal clear Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs (www.goldenbaynz.co.nz/s_pupu_springs) which hold the world record for the clarity of their fresh water, or descend Harwood’s Hole, which at 357 metres (1170 ft), is New Zealand’s deepest vertical shaft.  For an easier adventure at the top of Takaka Hill, explore the marble and limestone Ngarua Caves (www.harlequin.co.nz/fun/operators/NgaruaCaves) and be amazed by the millions of stalactites & stalagmites.

Farther north, beyond Golden Bay is the unique Farewell Spit.  Over 100 species of birds visit this area each year, some from as far afield as the Arctic circle - four wheel safaris into this area are becoming increasingly popular.

» Lonely Planet’s #1 Top Pick

The Motueka region, blessed by nature as a destination which offers almost everything, is not to be missed in any tour of New Zealand.  Lonely Planet lists the Abel Tasman National Park and surrounding area as its #1 Top Pick of things to see and do in New Zealand (www.lonelyplanet.com/new-zealand).

The region is easily accessible, being one and half hours drive from Picton, the gateway to the South Island via Cook Strait, or 6 hours drive from Christchurch, and is well served by regular daily flights from all over New Zealand.

Motueka is the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park (for information on the region, go to the official tourism information site for Motueka and the surrounding region:  www.motuekaisite.co.nz).

» Where To Stay?

The boutique accommodation at Awatea Tasman Bay is ideally situated to Motueka, being an easy 10 minute drive on sealed roads from the Motueka township.  As such, it is a perfect base for all of the activities of the Nelson region, as it is only minutes from Kaiteriteri and its beautiful beaches, or a short drive to Upper Moutere and its vineyards, as well as offering easy access to many scenic drives through the Motueka, Riwaka, and Moutere River Valleys.

» Activities Close To Awatea Tasman Bay

Some of the other activities which can be enjoyed in the Motueka and Abel Tasman National Park area, include:

1.   sea kayaking (www.abeltasmankayaks.co.nz, www.seakayaknz.co.nz, www.msk.co.nz)
   

2.   water taxis (aquataxi.co.nz, www.abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz, www.abeltasmannz.com), boat charter (www.sealimousines.com)
   

3.   independent walks (inland or coastal) through the Abel Tasman National Park (www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/abel-tasman)
   

4.   seal swimming (sealswim.com)
   
   

The best way to enjoy all or most of the activities of the Motueka / Abel Tasman National Park would be to base yourselves in the Motueka area for approximately three to four days (more if you want some leisure time after those strenuous daily adventures) at Awatea Tasman Bay.  We are only minutes from Kaiteriteri (beaches and water taxis), as well as being just minutes off the main road to Takaka, Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs, Golden Bay, Farewell Spit, and more.  Awatea Tasman Bay is also convenient to a walk on the summit of Takaka Hill, part of the QEII Trust covenanted land in the area. (www.openspace.org.nz/Site/Places_to_visit/South_Island_public/Takaha_Hill)

» Useful Websites

Other sites you might find useful:

1.   www.tourism.net.nz/region
   

2.   www.lonelyplanet.com/new-zealand/marlborough-and-nelson/abel-tasman-national-park
   

3.   Nelson Tasman National Parks overview on YouTube
   
   

Photographs by Ian Trafford (1, 3, 5, 6) & Gareth Eyres (4) shown on this webpage are provided by Tourism New Zealand.