Tasman District: Coast, Water and Trails

More than 700 kilometres of open coastline and estuary shores give Tasman District a strong connection to the water. It is also home to more than 14,300 kilometres of rivers and streams, as well as 81 lakes, alpine lakes, wetlands, aquifers and springs. If you want to plan your trip around the experiences you’re looking for, you can choose between the coast, cycling stages, walking trails and individual natural or cultural attractions. When looking for a holiday rental, you can start by considering whether cycling, a coastal walk or special natural and cultural places should be the focus of your trip.

Cycling Along the Coast and Railway Line

The Great Taste Trail is part of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail. Its coastal route runs from Nelson to Richmond, Richmond to Māpua, Māpua to Motueka, and Motueka to Kaiteriteri. The railway route runs from Richmond to Brightwater, Brightwater to Wakefield, and on to Tapawera. This gives you two clearly defined sequences of stages to use as a guide: a coastal route and a railway route. You can decide which better suits your travel plans based on the route and the places you’d like to include. The Great Taste Trail offers expansive views of coastal and mountain landscapes across Tasman Bay, the Waimea Estuary and the Western Ranges.

Coastal Walks with Different Options

The Abel Tasman Coast Track can be walked year-round and is busiest from October to April. You can walk the entire track or use a water taxi or kayak between different locations. Along the track, there are four huts and 18 campsites. These must be booked in advance year-round. When planning your trip, you’ll need to consider not only whether to do the entire route or individual sections, but also whether to book a hut or campsite in advance if you’d like to stay overnight.

Springs, Waterfalls and Cultural History

Te Waikoropupū Springs are New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs and the largest cold-water springs in the Southern Hemisphere. For local Māori, they are a taonga and a wāhi tapu—a place of great cultural and spiritual significance. The springs are therefore not only an extraordinary waterscape, but also an important cultural connection.

The Pupu Hydro Scheme tells a different story: today, it is a working museum and is considered the earliest known hydroelectric power station to supply public electricity in Nelson and Marlborough. A Department of Conservation track gives visitors access to the associated penstock, water race and head pond. Those interested in engineering and history will find a specific attraction here, distinct from natural experiences such as the springs or waterfalls.

The waterfalls in Golden Bay/Mohua include Wainui Falls. A short track through lush native bush leads to the cascading falls, which are the largest and most accessible waterfalls in Golden Bay/Mohua. The Lake Rotoiti Circuit also offers a different way to spend your time and is suitable for families with children. You can take a water taxi for one leg of the journey, and there is the option of staying overnight in a hut.

Discover More Places

More pages about places and attractions: Murchison, Brightwater, Motueka, Takaka, Parapara, Ngatimoti, Mapua, Richmond, Anatori, Upper Moutere, Nelson Lakes National Park, Saint Arnaud, Owen River, Mahana, Wakefield, Kikiwa and Marahau.

For the broader travel overview: Tasman.