Mad About Nelson Tasman
Nelson Tasman is home to three national parks, including the world famous Abel Tasman National Park. The alpine valleys of Nelson Lakes are easily accessible from Nelson city for day walks, and hikers can head to Kahurangi for 570km of incredible walking tracks, including the start of the famous Heaphy Track. Kahurangi is New Zealand’s second largest National Park and home to the largest remaining population of the great spotted kiwi.
Nelson is equally famous for catering to cultural explorers. The Nelson Provincial Museum has fascinating interactive displays, and is located within walking distance of the craft galleries and the regional art museum, the Suter. The Nelson Art Guide can be purchased for just $15 from a local i-SITE Visitor Centre and features hundreds of listings of galleries and artists.
Fruit orchards dominate the region’s horticulture scene, which occupies more than 6000 hectares of land throughout Nelson Tasman. You can sample the delicious local produce at a string of farmers markets throughout the region.
When it comes to lifestyle benefits, Nelson’s wellbeing practitioners are at the forefront of New Zealand’s health and wellness movement. Whether you are interested in organic cuisine, day spa treatments, massage, spiritual healing, yoga, complimentary health therapies or multi-day retreats, there is something for you.
Coming Up in Nelson
Nelson has an enviable year-round schedule of events that make the most of its sunny climate and creative culture. The annual Nelson Arts Festival is held in October, while summer welcomes the popular Woollaston Nelson Jazzfest, biennial Adam 
Festival of Chamber Music, Sealord Opera in the Park, and the Brightwater Wine and Food Festival. Keep an eye on www.nelsonfestivals.co.nz to see what the Sealord Nelson Summer Festival has in store if you’re visiting from 13 December to 28 February. Beer drinkers can sample the local brews at the Nelson Beer Fete at Founders Heritage Park on 5 December and the Marchfest craft brewing festival. The end of February will see the biggest gathering in New Zealand of classic and vintage cars for the Classic Motoring Awards Week, followed by the Seresin Estate Antique & Classic Boat Show and One Fly New Zealand.
Useful Information
Editorial and images courtesy of Nelson Tasman Tourism