New Zealand · NELSON TOURS
The 15 best nelson tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Cruise from Kaiteriteri Beach through Abel Tasman National Park to Totaranui in about three hours. Stay aboard for views of Split Apple Rock, Tonga Quarry, Anchorage, Awaroa, golden beaches, and New Zealand fur seals, with live English commentary and no beach stops.
“Very nice sailing and the crew was fantastic Not too crowded - we loved it!”
Cruise from Kaiteriteri past Split Apple Rock and Adele Island’s fur seals, then choose a self-guided walk through beaches, bush, lookouts, Cleopatra’s Pool, or a swing bridge. Three routes range from 7 to 10.5 km, with return boats from Anchorage or Medlands.
“A great day out combining the cruise and walking part of the track. Cruise was informative and "to the minute" precise with timing. Walk was spectacular.”
Set out from Kaiteriteri Beach on a 3 to 6-hour Abel Tasman cruise with a skipper, live commentary, and room to move. See Split Apple Rock and Tonga Island Marine Reserve, then stay aboard or choose a beach stop and walk part of the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
“Great little boat trip. Had a lovely chilled time however if you wanted to make it a bit more exciting you can get the boat to drop you off to do some hikes. Crew were very friendly and provided us with blankets when it got a tad windy and cold. Lovely way to spend a morning”
Cruise Abel Tasman National Park with a small group of up to 11, stopping near Tonga Island Marine Reserve and Split Apple Rock. You can kayak, snorkel, swim, or walk the Pitt Head loop. Tim, Fleur, Brett, Ella, and other crew members are known for attentive hosting, while lunch, drinks, fruit, towels, and onboard facilities keep the day easy.
“The tour was absolutely fantastic - I cannot recommend highly enough. Our skipper was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable and looked after us fantastically during the day. This tour gives you the option to Kayak, Hike and / or Swim in the stunning scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the tour if you are in the area.”
At Cable Bay Adventure Park, you’ll ride the Skywire through native forest and farmland with up to three companions. A commentated 4-kilometer van trip leads to the launch platform, where a five-point harness secures you for forward and backward runs reaching 100 km/h.
“An experience not to be missed.Marilyn and I througholy enjoyed both the ride up and the sky ride. Great for any age.”
At Cable Bay Adventure Park near Nelson, you’ll ride a 4 km Skywire return route at up to 100 km/h, seated in a racing-style chair with a five-point harness. A guided 4WD van trip climbs through native forest to the launch platform, with morning and afternoon departures.
“The adventure park was really far from Nelson city and despite the Viator website stating “ A pick-up can be arranged from central Nelson on request”, this was not the case. The sky wire it’s self was pretty fun but of the 90minutes listed for event duration, closer to 10 is spent on the sky wire itself.”
Drive your own quad bike from Cable Bay Adventure Park through farmland and native forest to views over Cable Bay. Guides such as Harry, Georgia, Fletcher, and Cortez provide patient instruction and local stories. Choose a 90-minute farm ride or a 2.5-hour Bayview circuit.
“Loved our guide. He was informative and took breaks throughout. We were lucky to go right after it rained so it was fun to drive through puddles! It was foggy when we went but I’m sure on a clear day the views would have been stunning! This is inside the Cable Bay area which is stunning and has lots of animals too! This tour is the short tour but upon our arrival they also offered a longer tour that we could choose and paid the difference. So worth it!”
Sail from Kaiteriteri with an English-speaking skipper through Abel Tasman National Park. Expect Split Apple Rock, fur seals, islands, beaches, and one hour at Anchorage Beach for lunch, swimming, or a short walk. The catamaran lets you relax, learn the ropes, or help sail.
“Fantastic day on the sea… we saw many seals & the guides were very knowledgable. Great stop for lunch at Anchorage. Would highly recommend as a major trip highlight.”
Travel from Nelson to Kaiteriteri, cruise into Abel Tasman National Park, then hike forest tracks and golden beaches with a guide such as Al, Lucy, Angelika, or Zane. Expect about 8 hours, lunch, snacks, hotel pickup, and a group capped at six.
“This was even better than we expected it to be! Angelika, our guide, was great - she told us everything we wanted to know about local flora and fauna, made sure everyone was able to keep up and kept us well-fed and hydrated throughout the day. Also, her picking us up in town was really convenient, as we were travelling by bus and train, and getting to Kaiteriteri and beyond would have been impossible otherwise. Would definitely recommend this tour to others hoping to explore Abel Tasman, one of the most beautiful parts of NZ - which is saying something :)”
Spend about 7.5 hours sailing from Kaiteriteri with a small group of up to 19 people. Pass Split Apple Rock, spot fur seals at Adele Island, and stop at Anchorage Bay for picnic lunch, swimming, and a forest walk. Guides such as Marco, Steph, Claudia, and Inky bring local stories to the trip.
“Loved our time sailing along the Abel Tasman coast. Marco was knowledgeable and entertaining. It's very apparent that he loves what he does and where he does it, which made for a great day. Would definitely recommend!!”
Walk central Nelson with guides such as James or Di, following a mostly flat route through cathedral grounds, Queen’s Gardens, Suter Gallery, local art stops, and city history. Expect about three hours, a small group of up to 15, and plenty of stories about Nelson’s buildings, people, and creative side.
“James is a terrific guide. He really knows about Nelson and is quite anecdotal as well. We had a wonderful time on our tour with him.”
Start at Kiwi Journeys in Nelson at 9 a.m., collect a comfort bike, helmet, pannier, repair kit, odometer, and map, then ride at your own pace toward Mapua. Stop for wine, beer, food, or peanut butter, cross by ferry, and return by shuttle.
“This is a great ride with lots of different views along the way. We enjoyed lunch in Mapua at the end and the company employees are very friendly.”
Meet in Nelson for an 18,000-foot tandem skydive over Abel Tasman, with views toward Mount Arthur and two national parks. An instructor handles the jump while you enjoy up to 80 seconds of freefall, then a gentle parachute ride. Photography is available at extra cost.
“This was such a great experience. All staff were friendly and professional, helpful and nice! Really enjoyed the jump!!!!😍 We were informed when we would be jumping and whether we were next in line, which was great. Our jump masters were professional yet friendly and informative. Always felt totally safe and looked after!!!”
At Cable Bay Adventure Park near Nelson, you’ll learn to handle a quad bike, then ride 14 kilometers through native forest, farmland, and up to Cable Bay views. Guides such as Fletcher, Connor, Thayla, and Luke are praised for clear instruction and a relaxed manner. Under-16s can ride as passengers.
“A thoroughly enjoyable tour with good quad biking, our guide Fletcher was very good and knowledgable, good views of the bay, very dusty by the time we had finished but all part of the fun”
Meet your professional tandem master in Motueka for a 3-hour Abel Tasman skydive. Choose 10,000, 13,000, 16,500, or 18,000 feet, then enjoy a scenic flight and up to 85 seconds of free fall above golden beaches and turquoise water. Hamish is one guide praised for his calm, friendly approach.
“amazing view over the national park and the surrounding mountains! felt very safe during the experience! what a day! definetly a must do for adrenaline kick!!”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
