100 Things to do in Nelson Tasman Adventure ZIP THROUGH THE TREETOPS range, or try the Dragon Hunt experience at Experience a 160m tandem or single zipline Archery Park in Cable Bay, where you’ll discover ride across the Buller River and walk the life-like targets nestled amongst one of New length of New Zealand’s longest swing bridge Zealand’s last remaining ancient virgin forests. at the Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure & Heritage Park. Or you could head to Cable WHARF JUMP Bay Adventure Park and strap in for one of Be like the locals and go wharf jumping in the world’s longest fl ying fox experiences – Mapua, the perfect way to cool off after a day a scenic, adrenaline-fuelled ride above the or weekend spent browsing the boutique forest canopy. shops, galleries, icecream stalls, wine bar, brewery and eateries in the area. HAVE SOME WHITEWATER FUN Murchison is the whitewater capital of New HANG ABOUT AT PAYNE’S FORD Zealand, so whilst you’re there you may as Payne’s Ford is New Zealand’s premier well indulge in some water-based adventures. limestone sport climbing destination, just Feel the thrill as you jetboat through the pink minutes from the Takaka River in Golden Bay. granite canyons of the Buller Gorge, or ride Adventurers will fi nd over 200 bolted routes the rapids on a whitewater rafting trip. along the limestone crags and walls, ranging from cruisy climbs to gnarly roof grunts. Cool FREEFALL FROM 20,000FT off with a swim in the river afterwards. Experience the ultimate thrill of skydiving from 20,000ft – one of the highest in New Zealand. HAVE FUN IN THE SNOW If the adrenaline rush from up to 90 seconds The winter months transform the alpine of freefall isn’t enough, the scenery over the village of St Arnaud into a winter wonderland, North and South Islands, three national parks and the nearby Rainbow Ski Field is the perfect and the golden coastline sure will be. place to indulge in some snow adventures. Ski, snowboard or toboggan to your heart’s TRY ARCHERY content and enjoy the picturesque views over Have a go with a bow and arrow at an archery the Nelson Lakes National Park. 2 SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA USING @NELSONTASMANNZ OR #NELSONTASMAN National Parks TOUR THE ABEL TASMAN SLEEP BY THE OCEAN Treat yourself to an experience unlike any Spend a night amongst nature in the Abel other on a guided tour along the spectacular Tasman National Park to enjoy glowworms golden coastline of the Abel Tasman National at Anchorage and Awaroa, phosphorescence Park. Paddle by kayak or waka, hop aboard (if you’re lucky) and a dawn chorus. Let the a scenic cruise or sailing catamaran, get up waves lull you to sleep aboard a private boat close to the coast on a water taxi, take a hike charter, pitch a tent at one of the beachfront or do any combination of these. However you campsites, settle in for the night at a DOC hut choose to explore, you’ll get to see golden or enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep at one of the beaches, pristine lagoons, stunning islands, spectacular lodges located along the Abel lush native forest and intriguing wildlife along Tasman Coast Track. the way. CROSS FALLS RIVER SEE THE ABEL TASMAN ROCK STARS Take a walk across a 40m long swingbridge in Be amazed by the natural beauty of the Abel the Abel Tasman National Park to admire the Tasman National Park and discover some of views of Falls River. As you cross the bridge its most iconic rock stars. From the renowned that is nestled between Torrent Bay and Bark Split Apple Rock to the elephant shaped rock Bay, you’ll often see kayakers or water taxis at Anchorage, the sea-carved archway at 20m below, experiencing the breath-taking Tonga Quarry or the majestic rock stacks at beauty of the river on a scenic tour – make Anapai Bay. Most of the Abel Tasman’s natural sure to give them a wave! attractions can be reached by boat, kayak or foot. GO CANYONING Feel the adrenaline as you explore dry VISIT THE PEOPLE’S BEACH canyons in the Kahurangi National Park or Dig your toes into the sand at Awaroa Beach, slide, jump, abseil or zipline down pristine enjoy lunch at the lodge, stay overnight in the waterfalls in the Abel Tasman National Park. midst of the Abel Tasman National Park or See the beauty nestled behind the golden roll up your trousers and hike across the tidal beaches as you explore the crystal pools, estuary. Awaroa Beach was purchased by the amazing waterfalls and lush rainforest, ending public in a crowdfunding campaign and is the day’s adventures by sliding down a natural now referred to as ‘the peoples beach’. waterslide into Cleopatras Pools. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NELSONTASMAN.NZ OR GO TO THE LOCAL I-SITE FOR ADVICE & BOOKINGS 3 REACH THE TOP OF MOUNT ARTHUR ENJOY THE LAKESIDE Challenge yourself to a day hike to reach the Take a walk around Lake Rotoiti or Lake highest peak in the Kahurangi National Park. Rotoroa, explore the lake by water taxi or hire At 1795m, the journey to the top of Mount a canoe, kayak or rowboat to paddle around Arthur crosses vast tablelands, tussocky ridges the water’s edge. The 40m Whisky Falls at and rocky outcrops and offers breathtaking Lake Rotoiti are well worth a visit and can be views from the summit. accessed by foot or water. HAVE A LORD OF THE RINGS JUMP OFF THE JETTY EXPERIENCE Walk the length of the famous Lake Rotoiti Step into another world and experience jetty – a great spot for stargazing and Middle Earth here in Nelson Tasman. Visit sightseeing all year round - or take the plunge some of the iconic Lord of the Rings film off the edge into the glacial carved lake during locations, take a swim at Salisbury Falls in the warmer months. See if you can spot some Golden Bay, indulge in a scenic flight to Mount of the black swans, trout or eels that gather Owen and Mount Olympus in the Kahurangi around the jetty or venture further afield to National Park or browse the studio workshop see what other wildlife you can find. at Jens Hansen in Nelson City to see the famous One Ring. TICK OFF A GREAT WALK Nelson Tasman is home to two of New CLIMB MOUNT ROBERT Zealand’s Great Walks. The Heaphy Track See the glacial carved lakes of the Nelson is a challenging multi-day hike traversing Lakes National Park from above with a day hike the diverse and rugged landscapes of the along the Mount Robert Circuit. You’ll ascend Kahurangi National Park, whilst the Abel the side of the mountain and get to enjoy Tasman Coast Track is an easier trek that picturesque 360 degree views from the top follows a pristine golden coastline and can over the pristine waters of Lake Rotoiti. Loop easily be broken up into a half-day, full-day or back around or continue your hike deeper into multi-day experience. the national park towards Lake Angelus. SPOT SOME WILDLIFE SEE THE WORLD’S CLEAREST LAKE Wildlife abounds in Nelson Tasman’s three Tick the eighth natural wonder of the national parks. Take a scenic tour to see the world off your bucket list and visit Lake seals at Adele and Tonga Islands in the Abel Rotomairewhenua, also known as Blue Lake. Tasman National Park, see if you can spot The world’s clearest lake is nestled in the the illusive South Island takahē at Gouland depths of the Nelson Lakes National Park Downs in the Kahurangi National Park or and can be accessed via a side trip from the listen for the chorus of birdsong as you stroll Travers-Sabine Circuit or seen from the sky on around Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes a scenic helicopter trip. If hiking for 4-7 days National Park. Remember to keep a safe isn’t your thing, take a water taxi across to distance from all wildlife and do not disturb Sabine Hut to shave a few days off the trip. their natural habitat. 4 SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA USING @NELSONTASMANNZ OR #NELSONTASMAN Ge ing Active GO FOR A BIKE RIDE PADDLE AROUND A network of cycle trails run from the city Hire a paddleboard or giant SUP at Tahunanui through to the bay, perfect for scenic morning Beach to explore Fifeshire Rock, Haulashore rides and afternoon adventures. Hire a bike Island and the historic Boulder Bank, or take and take a leisurely ride along the Railway your board and venture up the Maitai River to Reserve, show off your skills at the Saxton enjoy some riverside dining. Velodrome, explore some of the countryside on two wheels, or tick off a Great Ride as you KAYAK THE COASTLINE experience everything on off er along the Great Explore Nelson Tasman’s spectacular ocean Taste Trail. environment, visit off shore islands, spot wildlife, discover hidden bays or paddle GO MOUNTAIN BIKING through sea caves and archways. There are As one of only six regions in the world rated guided and self guided options across Golden Gold by the IMBA, it’s no surprise that a vast Bay, Abel Tasman, Tahunanui and Cable Bay. range of parks, tracks and trails can be found around the place, suitable for all levels. From GO FOR A WALK the stunning scenery of the Kaiteriteri MTB From short riverside strolls to challenging hikes Park to the native beech trails at wairoa gorge, over tussocked mountain ranges, beautiful the accessible alpine route of the Coppermine coastal walks to day treks around spectacular Trail to the ruggedly beautiful multi-day trail glacial lakes, Nelson Tasman is abundant with along the Heaphy Track, Nelson Tasman is opportunities for people of all ages and abilities truly mountain biking paradise.