Nelson is well known as New Zealand’s sunshine capital. The Nelson region covers a wide area which incorporates the Abel Tasman National Park – famous for its hiking tracks and golden beaches.

Many travellers come to Nelson each year to enjoy the arts and crafts, vineyards, beaches and variety of outdoor activities. For those that like to shop there are retail outlets to suit all tastes and for those that just want to relax there are some superb wineries and cafes around the Nelson region.

If you would like to see more of the top of the South Island but don’t have much time to travel, a popular trip from Nelson is:
Motueka > Kaiteriteri > Takaka > Collingwood > Up to the northern most part of the South Island Farewell Spit > and then return to Nelson.

Along this trip you can choose to visit the Abel Tasman National Park too. For more information on this trip take a look at our Picton page.

For those looking to spend a longer amount of time in New Zealand, here are some great places to journey on to from Nelson:

Murchison – If you love the outdoors this is the place to be; rafting, fishing, horse treks are just some of the activities on offer here. If you want to try something a little different there is the opportunity to give gold panning a go.

Westport – Situated within the Northern West Coast region of New Zealand (approx 226km from Nelson), Westport has a long history of coal , goldmining and farming. A visit to the coaltown Museum is a must, as well as a trip of the engineering feats of early NZ history, which is the Denniston Incline.

• If you have limited time a return trip to Picton can be made by State Highway 69 , down to Reefton and then on to Hanmer Springs through the Lewis Pass with an overnight stay and a relaxing time in the hot pools. Followed with a trip through highway 7 to Kaikoura with a trip to the whales and dolphins and return to Picton.

Greymouth - on a clear day near Greymouth’s township you can catch a glimpse of Mount Cook (Aoraki). Situated along the Grey River with the Southern Alps in the distance, this town has plenty of history to explore.

Hokitika – Greenstone carvings are a popular tourist attraction here. For something a little quirky, knit your own socks at the Hokitika Sock Machine Museum.

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – Whether you visit both or just one of these glaciers, you are sure to be amazed. Guided hikes are available for those that want to get closer.

Haast – take a guided jet boat ride up the Haast river or a guided walk along the beaches and through rainforests. There is something for everyone here.

Lake Hawea – your next stop on from Haast, Lake Hawea is a crystal clear lake surrounded by rugged mountains. Offering plenty of picnic areas, great fishing and plenty to do on the water! Wanaka – Near the Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka boasts some of the country’s most striking mountains and beautiful alpine lakes.

Queenstown - an international four-season resort town, Queenstown is famous for its Remarkables Mountain range, where skiers and snowboarders alike retreat to each winter.

From Queenstown you can carry on to Christchurch or further south to Southland and Otago if you want to extend your trip. Alternatively if there is somewhere that you really enjoyed along the way, why not return and spend some more time there.

Talk to us today to arrange a campervan hire in Nelson for your travels.