Things to Do in Nelson Region

• Abel Tasman National Park
  A coastal gem with rocky headlands, remote forest-rimmed bays and sandy coves. Attractions include walking, kayaking, boat cruises, fur seals, penguins, dolphins and seabirds. The 3-4 day coastal track is the country's busiest hike, traversing golden beaches, sheltered coves and forested trails.
• Nelson Lakes National Park
  Centred around Lakes Rotoiti and Rotorua, this park offers watersports, lakeside walks, mountain hikes and skiing.
• Heaphy Track
  Kahurangi's 5-7 day historic track crosses to the West Coast through beech forests and wild coastal scenery.
• Wineries
  Nelson region is known for its wineries and breweries, some of which offer free tastings and pleasant outdoor cafés for sampling the vintage. Most of the vineyards flank SH60.
• Arts & Crafts
  Nelson boasts 13 art trails which offer a chance to watch artisans at work, and take in some of the region's most attractive rural settlements. Copies are available at the Visitor Information Centre.
• Suter Art Gallery
  Nelson's public gallery is one of New Zealand's oldest and most respected, with a restaurant, craft shop and cinema/theatre.
• Nelson Markets
  Visitors can browse around hundreds of stalls every Saturday morning, including fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts, and gourmet food.
• Founders Park
  Featuring original and replica historic buildings, vintage vehicles, a windmill, organic brewery, leadlighter and bakery.
• Farewell Spit
  With its landmark lighthouse, the spit is the South Island's most north-westerly point and a wildlife refuge for godwits, which nest here between September and March. 4WD safari tours are available.
• Ngarua Marble Caves
  Located 21km north-west of Motueka, these illuminated caverns contain carbon-dated moa bones and stalactites.
• Waikoropupu Springs
  A freshwater spring in Golden Bay district, believed to be the world's largest.
• Rainbow Skifield
  The resort town of St Arnaud provides access to this skifield, which enjoys stunning views over Lake Rotoiti and Nelson Lakes National Park.