48 Hours Around Nelson

Ready to journey through the scenic sanctuary of the Tasman region? From discovering local delights to adventuring through an explorer's paradise, a weekend away around Nelson promises memories that will last a lifetime.

The Tasman: A Scenic Sanctuary

Begin your adventure around Whakatū / Nelson with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe to fuel your day. If you’re mad about coffee, Kush Coffee is a local favourite for a specialty brew in an outdoor setting, or head to Victus Coffee for a delicious breakfast meal. Prefer spontaneity? No problem, there’s also an array of coffeehouses and cafes along Trafalgar Street if you’d like to wander around the city before settling in for a meal. After an uplifting start to your day, drive to the famed Abel Tasman National Park for an outdoor exploration of the country’s most visited national park. An hour from Nelson in your rental car, admire the epic views of Te Tai-o-Aorere / the Tasman Bay as you make your way up the coast. Renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, golden beaches and native wildlife, the Abel Tasman National Park is an explorer’s paradise. Here, embark on a guided kayak tour to make the most of your visit. The Split Apple Classic route is the perfect way to tour the area and see the iconic Split Apple Rock, while wildlife lovers can opt for the Seal Sanctuary Tour to get up close and personal with Kekeno / New Zealand Fur Seals and Little Blue Penguins. 

Walk The (Tin)Line

If you prefer on-foot exploration to a kayak tour, check out the range of tramping trails on offer in the Park. Many visitors flock to the National Park to trek the Abel Tasman Coast Track - a 60 km walk from Mārahau to Tōtaranui - but there are also plenty of shorter hikes available here. The Tinline Campsite and Tinline Bay trail is a 4.8 km out-and-back trail offering amazing views of the coast and a journey through lush forest scapes. Break up your walk by stopping by one of the picnic sites for lunch in the wilderness or try out the local dining scene in Mārahau. After a day immersed in natural beauty, you’ll return to Nelson with unforgettable memories and a camera roll full of scenic shots. Upon your arrival back in town, you’ll likely be hungry from all that adventuring! Dine at the Urban Oyster Bar and Eatery and indulge in freshly caught oysters, market fish mains and a sweet dessert to top it all off. Want to keep the night going? Urban also offers a wide selection of craft beer, wines, and cocktails in a hip bar space. Always assign a designated driver when drinking alcohol for a safe and memorable night. 

Up, Up and Away!

Start off your second day in Whakatū with brunch at East St. Serving vegan options like salads, garbanzo fingers and vege burgers in a trendy setting, experience lunching like a local here. After you’ve prepared for the day ahead, drive back up the coast to Skydive Abel Tasman in Motueka - about half an hour in your Thrifty rental car. Ready to tick off a bucket list-worthy experience? Offering dives from 10,000 to up to 18,000 feet, feel the thrill of a lifetime here. You’ll see magnificent mountains, flowing rivers, and the ocean all from a bird’s-eye view (literally) and float over the National Park before touching back down to earth. An unforgettable experience that can’t be missed, there’s no better place to do it than in one of the country’s most picturesque settings. Plus, you can brag to all your friends back home about it afterwards! Once you’ve recovered from your flight, enjoy a drink at Sprig and Fern Motueka and reminisce on your moments in the sky.

Adventurous Endings

If diving through the air isn’t your thing, head to the Buller Gorge Adventure and Heritage Park in Murchison for the day. The Park is famed for its 110-metre-long Swingbridge - the country’s longest - on which you can traverse over the Buller River. There’s also the Comet line - a 160-metre-long zipline adventure - where you’ll soar above the river - much like a literal flying fox, and the Buller Gorge Jet Boat which takes you on a 40-minute rapid river ride around the rugged granite rocks and through the Ariki Falls. Offering views, a-plenty along with awesome adventure, a visit to Buller Gorge is an epic way to spend your last day in the Tasman region. From here, explore the culinary delights of Murchison or head back to Nelson to end your holiday with a local dinner.

With each moment of your 48 hours around Nelson marked in your memory and scenic photos filling your camera roll, you’ll return home with a complete sense of adventure. Plan your next holiday with Thrifty for a seamless experience!