Nelson National Parks
The Nelson region boasts three national parks, all distinctly differently and taking in a diverse range of scenery. The Department of Conservation (DOC) is responsible for the parks, which provide a great getaway into some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery. DOC visitor centres can provide maps, information and hut passes, and can be contacted through the Nelson Visitor Information Centre.
Abel Tasman National ParkA coastal haven for native flora and wildlife, with lush native forest in its highest reaches, this 22530 hectare park stretches along a beautiful coastline of sandy beaches locked between rocky headlands. To walk the full Abel Tasman track takes three to four days but there are plenty of shorter coastal walks. Accommodation is available at Department of Conservation huts, camping areas and private lodges. Hiking, horseback and llama treks, and sea kayaking are among the available activities. Launch and water taxi services also operate.
Activity Operators:
- Abel Tasman National Park Enterprises
Day excursions and one to five day guided walks and sea kayaking trips.
- Abel Tasman Water Taxi
Scenic cruises, charters, backpacker transport and day walk options.
- The Sea Kayak Company
Guided tours and independent rentals. Walk and kayak options available.
- Abel Tasman Seafaris
An aqua taxi fleet, which provides scenic tours, hiking options and lodge lunch cruises.
- Ocean River Adventure Company
Sea kayaking trips in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Kahurangi National ParkThis 452,002 hectare park offers some of New Zealand's best hiking with the Heaphy, Wangapeka and Mount Arthur Tableland tracks. The landscape embraces mountains, karst landforms, forest, tussock downlands and dramatic coastline. The town of Murchison, on the banks of the Buller River, provides a good base from which to access the park and its attractions.
Activity Operators:
- Kahurangi Guided Walks
Guided walks including of the Heaphy Track and visits to historic Chaffey Cottage, Aorere Goldfields, and Cobb Valley. Tailored walks.
- Doughboy Safaris
Hunting for red stag, fallow buck, elk, thar, chamois, goat, ram and boar.
- Whitewater Action Rafting Tours
Rafting on the Buller River. Tours include half, full amd multi day packages offering eco-scenic tours, raft fishing and inflatable kayaks.
- Mount Murchison Scenic Tours
Guided tours to the summit of Mount Murchison which offers breathtaking views and rare alpine plants.
- Bush and Beyond
Guided treks from one to eight days, including the Heaphy Track.
Nelson Lakes National ParkThis 102,000 hectare park is accessible from both
Nelson and the
West Coast, providing beech forest, glacial lakes, sailing, ice skating, scenic walks and fishing. The resort town of
St Arnaud is the gateway to the park, and an ideal base for those ice-skating, skiing and snowboarding at the Rainbow Ski Area. Walks around St Arnaud include:
- The Black Valley Walk
- Peninsula Nature Walk
- Mount Robert
- St Arnaud Range Track
- Lake Rotoiti Circuit
- Whisky Falls
Other Attractions:
- Rainbow Skifield
The skifield overlooks Lake Rotoiti and Nelson Lakes National Park. The resort town of St Arnaud provides nearby access.
- Rotoiti Water Taxi and Boat Hire
- Nelson Lakes Transport