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If you’ve got just a day or 2 in Nelson, odds are you’ll want to explore the outer area on at least one of those days. And if you’ve got a week or more in Nelson, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the magic of the “top of the south.”
I’ve lived in Nelson for nearly a whole year now and I’m still exploring it’s hidden gems! I’ve compiled this list of the top 5 best day trips from Nelson that are actually worth your time. These are the best trips out of Nelson that I’ve consistently recommend to friends and shown visitors.
This list is BIG on adventure and spending time outside! Plus it’s budget friendly, your biggest expense will likely be at the gas station.
Open the table of contents to get a quick overview:
Map of 5+ Best Day Trips from Nelson
Here’s a map of the 5 best day trips as well as some specific restaurants, and lookout points along the way.
Don’t Miss My Other New Zealand Itineraries
Picton VS Nelson : Choose Your Base
Unforgettable 7 Day South Island Road Trip
How to Get Around Nelson
Nelson has a regional airport if you’re coming from another region in the country.
Once in Nelson, the best way to explore the area is by renting a car. Not only will this allow you flexibility and autonomy during your visit, but it’s also the most viable option for exploring the area.
Unfortunately the public transportation in Nelson is mid-tier at best and non existent at worst. While you may be able to get to some of these destinations via public transport or tour operators, I do think having a car is the superior option.
Having lived here a year, I can definitely tell you that New Zealand is a “car users” country!
🚗 Click here to explore rental car options 🚗
Golden Bay
First up is the region of Golden Bay, which starts in the town of Takaka. Golden Bay has a lot to offer and can be done either as 1 BIG day trip from Nelson, or as an overnight trip. The northernmost point (Wharaiki Beach) is nearly a 3 hour drive from Nelson but totally worth it.
If you choose to spend the night in the quirky little hippie town of Takaka, you can check out Abel Tasman N.P. on your way back.
Besides grabbing a bite to eat at Wholemeal Cafe, there are 2 must do things in Golden Bay –
Wharaiki Beach
Wharariki Beach is what many people heald as the main attraction in Golden Bay. It’s widley recognized for being a microsoft computer background.
I love it for the way the dramatic cliffsides and large boulders contrast the soft sand dunes. The day I went there the wind was ripping and the waves were spectacular to watch. This is the most northwestern part of the south island afterall!
From the carpark it’s about a 15 minute walk along a moderately easy trail until you reach the beach.
Te Waikoropupu Springs
Located just after the town of Takaka, Te Waikoropupu Springs or “the blue springs” is the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand. I’m not sure what the difference is here but it’s also the largest coldwater springs in the southern hemisphere.
Truthfully I haven’t been there yet because I’m saving the trip for when my family visits next month – that’s how special this place is.
From Takaka the springs are a quick detour off the main road. You’ll drive right by the turn off on your way Wharariki Beach. Making this the perfect combined day trip.
These springs boast some of the clearest water in the world and we need to keep it that way. No swimming and please follow “leave no trace practices” to respect this site as it is not only beautiful but has spiritual significance to the Maori people.
Abel Tasman National Park
If you just have time for just one trip outside of Nelson you’ll probably want it to be Abel Tasman.
This is one of the most unique National Parks I’ve visited in New Zealand. And while I wasn’t overly impressed by the great walk, the park itself is beautiful with pristine beaches and well maintained trails.
Located just 1.5 hrs outside of the Nelson, the park starts in the town of Marahau. You can park in the free Abel Tasman carpark and start walking directly from there on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
To start your adventure deeper in the park, utilize one of the many tour operators in the area like Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi and Marahua Sea Kayaks.
HOT TAKE – If you’re hiking I personally think much of the park looks the same and I wouldn’t bother taking the water taxi to a further drop off point (unless you want to take a scenic boat ride in which case I support)
If you’re looking to hike and kayak, check out the 1 day freedom kayak rental. This will allow you to explore the parks coastline on your own terms before returning to Marahau. You can combine this with hiking from the Marahau carpark or even pulling your kayak up on the beach and hiking a bit from there.
There are ample tour operators in the park, so you can explore in the way that’s best for you. I personally loved the self paced kayaking option as well as hiking from the car park. You can also take a guided kayak tour or do the boat ride + hike option.
Here are the 3 tours I recommend for mid-budget / maximum experience
Motueka & Surrounding Towns
There are a number of super cute little beach towns in between Nelson and Golden Bay that I think are totally worth checking out for a day.
You’ll can easily enjoy half a day in Motueka, Kaiteriteri and Mapua. All of which are about 45 minutes from Nelson. Skip over the town of Richmond, I find it to have strip-mall town vibes.
The real charm is in the little coastal towns, especially Mapua and Kaiterteri. The palm tree filled neighborhoods kinda remind me or central California (without the crowds).
Mapua is a small little wharf and township right on the estuary. It looks over at Rabbit Island, which you can take a 2 minute ferry to.
I don’t think Mapua itself warrants a whole day trip, but if you combine it with Motueka, Kaiteriteri (back near Abel Tasman) or Rabbit Island you’ll have a whole day in charming little towns. Enjoy a day filled with ice cream, shopping, beaches and fish and chips.
TOP TIP – Rabbit Island, Mapua and Motueka are all connected to Nelson via the great taste trail. Which is a biking (and walking) trail that connects this region. Consider renting a bike to explore it all!
Marlborough Sounds
Most people think Picton has exclusive claim over the Marlborough Sounds, but you can easily explore the marvels of the sounds from Nelson!
French Pass
This one is for the intrepid adventures. To reach French Pass will require 2.5 hrs of driving (one way) on a 4×4 vehicle road. The last 20km (12 miles) will be on a gravel/dirt road and through farmers paddocks. Part of the fun is waiting for the sheep to go by!
But once you’re there…. boy oh boy is this spot STUNNING. The water rushes and boils in between the tip of the Marlborough land mass and Durville island. There are amazing panoramic views at the top and a lovely beach to stroll on.
The French Pass lookout is absolutely worth the stop.
TOP TIP – there’s even a campground out here for those you equipped to camp
Havelock
If you’re not able to drive out to French Pass, consider a day trip to Havelock.
Just an hour and 15 minute drive from Nelson, Havelock is a cute little town at the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. While there’s not much to do or see in the town itself, its a major tourist attraction.
If you’re heading out to Havelock you’ll be able to make a full day of it by stopping at the Pelorus bridge and Cullen point lookout for stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds. Combined with walking around this “don’t blink and you’ll miss it” little town.
Picton
Okay this feels a bit cheeky but I couldn’t leave Picton out!
If you’re not already planning on spending the night in Picton, you could absolutely make it a day trip from Nelson. Just 2.25 hours away, Picton is a charming little town with a lot of maritime history.
I’ve debated in depth Nelson VS Picton and which town is better to stay in. But the truth is they’re close enough together that you can easily do a day trip to Picton! Check out the village bakery and consider taking the scenic boat ride out to hike on the Queen Charlotte track.
Nelson Lakes National Park
The Nelson area has 3 beautiful National Parks in its backyard (Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Karhurangi). Nelson Lakes is about a 90 minute drive from Nelson and has, you guessed it, stunning lakes.
Just outside of the town of Arnard you’ll find Lake Rotititi. Here you can go for a swim and walk the easy and well maintained pathway along the lake. This is truly a picturesque spot. If you’re traveling in a campervan you can spend the night at the campsite.
If you want a more challenging day hike than the Lake Rotititi trail, check out the Mt. Robert Circuit! This is a 5 mile hike that takes you up into the alpine area of the surrounding mountains. From here you’ll get a stunning view of the lake! Budget about 5 hours for the hike.
Tips for Nelson Day Trips & Bonus Trip!
Here’s all the tips from throughout this post and also a few spot you can skip
- To really experience Golden Bay, consider spending the night in Takaka. Then you can stop by Abel Tasman on your drive back to Nelson
- For hiking in Abel Tasman, just hike to and fro the carpark. You’ll save anywhere from $60-$120 NZD by not taking the water taxi and the views are same. You can enjoy nice beaches and return to the carpark in 3 hours
- The neighboring towns worth visiting are Mapua, Kaiterteri and Motueka (mostly for the Smoking Barrel restaurant and the shipwreck). Skip Richmond unless you’re biking along the great taste trail.
- Few tourists are able to access French Pass which is a shame because it’s STUNNING. This makes it a unique visit in the Marlborough Sounds!
- Consider camping at Abel Tasman, French Pass and Nelson Lakes
- Don’t go to Cable Bay if you want a beach day, because the beach is rocky! The bay is pretty and certainly a unique spot, but I find the rocky beach to be uncomfortable to a picnic. If you want a beach trip go to Rabbit Island or Tahunanui.
Bonus Trip: The Ben Nevus Hike
Lastly I’m ending with a bonus trip! If you are a hiker this one is for you. You will need a capable 4×4 vehicle to access this strenuous hike, but it’s beautiful! Located about 1 hr out of town in the Richmond range, this hike will have you up in the alpine section. Perfect for those wanting a mountainous experience.
I hope this trip guide is helpful in planning your Nelson adventures! These are the 5 best day trips from Nelson I’ve found are actually worth doing. I hope you’re able to enjoy some of them!
Ahoy! I’m Bree and I’ve started this blog to help you plan your next great outdoor adventure. With a background in marine science, I’ve got an aptitude for all things ocean, but you’ll find land based adventures here too! Everything you see here is based on my own travel experience and paid for myself. I hope you stick around!