Nestled in the upper northwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island is the sunny Nelson region. With its mild climate and abundant sunshine, this rugged wilderness is the ideal place for adventure seekers looking for an action-packed travel experience.
Nelson City, the center of the region, is a great base for those who want to experience the best adventure tourism this region has to offer. Nelson’s diverse and magnificent landscape is made up of white sand beaches, lush forests, and rugged mountains. With excellent centrally located accommodations available like the Quality Inn Nelson, this wilderness adventure park is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
Golden bay
The secluded coastal waters of Golden Bay are the undisputed hidden gem of the South Island. And with so many warm golden sand beaches to choose from, Golden Bay is a great destination for that family vacation adventure. Why not take a day trip to Ligar Bay or Wainiu for a truly exhilarating beach experience? Or if high-energy water sports are at the top of your to-do list, Abel Tasman National Park is the destination for you. Grab your wetsuit and head into the deeper waters of Tata Beach or Totaranui, a popular spot for water skiing and kayaking enthusiasts.
Dive into one of the crystal clear wells to swim in the river along the 1.5 kilometer trail that leads to the scenic Wainui Falls. Along the way, see the majestic nikau palms, rat trees, and ferns. Or take a walk through native forests to New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs at Te Waikoropupu, known as the clearest spring in the world.
A trip to the South Island would not be complete without a tour of the Farewell Spit, known as Onetahua by the Maori people. For a great sustainable tourism experience, why not book a Farewell Spit eco tour and be amazed by the unique scenery of the northernmost point of the South Island. Visit the famous Farewell Spit lighthouse and see the vast vertical cliffs of Cape Farewell, a spectacular site not to be missed. If you are looking for a different sightseeing tour, why not try horseback riding on the secluded Wharariki Beach? The unspoiled coastal scenery of the Golden Bay region is guaranteed to take your breath away.
Murchison, the rapids capital of New Zealand!
Get your action fix with a whitewater rafting experience in the famous Murchison. With seven fast-flowing rivers to its name, it’s no wonder this region is known as New Zealand’s rapids capital. In fact, this pristine river region offers some of the best white water rafting in the world. From family-friendly day trips to adrenaline-fueled heli-rafting in the wild, Murchison has it all. But there is more! Murchison is also a prime destination for kayaking, canoeing and speedboating, and out of the water there are world-class mountain biking trails for off-road biking enthusiasts to enjoy.
Walking and hiking
Covering an area of 452,000 hectares, Kahurangi National Park is the second largest national park in New Zealand and is recognized as one of the top hiking regions. For hikers committed to adventure looking for a 5-6 day excursion, Heaphy Track in Kahurangi is a must see. From the alpine mountain trail to glorious palm fringed beaches, this extensive hike offers a unique view of the New Zealand terrain. See firsthand how this majestic landscape changes from inland to sea.
Experience the crystal clear glacial waters and rugged alpine mountains of Nelson Lakes National Park. This hiker’s paradise has a variety of trails suitable for beginners to experienced hikers. Famous for its native honeydew forests and nectar-eating birds, a visit to Nelson Lakes is a magical experience not to be missed.
Kayaking and fly fishing
Soak up the thrill of a sea kayaking adventure around the famous Split Apple Rock in the crystal clear waters of Abel Tasman National Park. Explore the many lagoons and coves and get an up-close look at the native sea and birds. If fishing is your thing, cast a line with the best on the Travers, Sabine or D’Urville rivers. With some of the best fly fishing in the world, enthusiastic anglers won’t want to miss out on casting a line in search of a stunning rainbow or brown trout.
The Nelson region is the perfect destination for the action traveler in search of a pure New Zealand adventure experience.