Located in the upper northwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island is the sunny region of Nelson. With its mild climate and abundant sunshine, this rugged wilderness is the place to be for adventure seekers looking for an action-packed travel experience.
Nelson City, the hub of the region, is an excellent 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 downtown accommodations available like the Quality Inn Nelson, this pristine 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, then 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.
Take a dip in one of the river’s crystal clear water holes along the 1.5 kilometer trail that leads to the picturesque Wainui Falls. Along the way, see majestic nikau palms, rat trees, and ferns. Or take a walk through native forests to New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs at Te Waikoropupu, recognized as the clearest springs in the world.
A trip to the South Island wouldn’t be complete without a tour of Farewell Spit, known as Onetahua to the Maori. For an excellent 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’re looking for a different kind of sightseeing tour, why not try horseback riding along secluded Wharariki Beach? The unspoiled coastal scenery of the Golden Bay region will take your breath away.
Murchison – New Zealand’s Whitewater Capital!
Get your action fix with a whitewater rafting experience on the famous Murchison. With seven mighty rivers to its name, it’s no wonder this region is known as the whitewater capital of New Zealand. In fact, this pristine river region offers some of the best rafting in the world. From day trips for the whole family to adrenaline-fueled helicopter rafting, Murchison has it all. But there is more! Murchison is also a top destination for kayaking, canoeing, and power boating, and off the water there are world-class mountain biking trails for off-road biking enthusiasts to enjoy.
walk and walk
Covering an area of 452,000 hectares, Kahurangi National Park is the second largest national park in New Zealand and is recognized as a premier hiking region. For committed adventure hikers looking for a 5-6 day hiking trip, the Heaphy Track in Kahurangi is a “must do”. From alpine mountain track to glorious palm fringed beaches, this extensive walk offers a unique view of New Zealand’s 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 walker’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.
Kayak and fly fishing
Immerse yourself in the thrill of a sea kayaking adventure around the famous Split Apple Rock in the cool waters of Abel Tasman National Park. Explore the many lagoons and coves and get an up close view of the native sea and bird life. If fishing is your game, then cast a line with the best on the Travers, Sabine or D’Urville rivers. With some of the best fly fishing in the world, keen anglers won’t want to miss out on casting a line in search of some impressive rainbow or brown trout.
The Nelson region is the perfect destination for the action traveler in search of a pure New Zealand adventure experience.
