Nelson catches more sunshine than most New Zealand cities, with a cathedral on the hill above a harbour market that fills on Saturday mornings. Craft breweries and fish and chip shops line the streets, and bike shops rent gear for the Great Taste Trail along the waterfront.
Kaiteriteri and Marahau, half an hour south, are the usual Abel Tasman launch beaches, where water taxis and kayak racks line the sand.
Tahunanui beach gives families a calm swim close to town when the tide is in.
What to do in Nelson
Shuttles and guided trips run from Nelson hotels to Marahau if you prefer not to drive after a flight. Nearby parks suit afternoon mountain biking before an early paddle day. The Saturday market is a good place to buy fruit, cheese and picnic food for the Abel Tasman track campsites. Nelson is the supply town for Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman, with Golden Bay an hour over Takaka Hill.
Booking on adventuro
On the Book here tab, see whether Abel Tasman activities include Nelson pickup or expect you at Kaiteriteri beach.
