National Parks

The Nelson Tasman region is surrounded by National Parks, from the famous Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park – one of the Department of Conservation's 'Great Walks' to Abel Tasman National Park and the Nelson Lakes National Park.

Visit Abel Tasman National Park, renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and world famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track. This walk is also is one of New Zealand’s premier sea-kayaking destinations. The park contains a unique collection of marine species, and aims to educate about the conservation and preservation of marine reserves.

Visit Nelson Lakes National Park. Day walkers can follow a network of short tracks, along the way enjoying lake views, birdsong and native beech forest. Serious hikers can strike out for Lake Angelus on a loop that generally takes 3 days, or the Travers-Sabine circuit, which takes about 5 days to complete.

Fly fish Lake Rotoroa -noted for the legendary brown trout or high above the village of St Arnaud is the Rainbow Skifield, which offers a range of terrain for skiers and snowboarders.

Visit Farewell Spit, New Zealand’s longest sand spit (25 km) and a nature reserve with views to the historic lighthouse. Join the popular Farewell Spit Eco Tour, Gannet Colony Tour or a Wader Watch Tour to view the summer home to over 90 species of birds including Waders, Bar-tailed Godwits, Knots, Curlews, Whimbrels and Turnstones.