Top Things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region
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8 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Nelson-Tasman Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand including Farewell Spit Nature Experience, Tonga Island Marine Reserve, Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, Riwaka Resurgence, The Grove Scenic Reserve, Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve, The Boulder Bank, Golden Bay Sustainable Living Centre.
Restaurants in Nelson-Tasman Region
1. Farewell Spit Nature Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Farewell Spit Nature Experiences provides high quality nature tours. Its your chance to see another world and to visit some of New Zealand's most remote and spectacular locations
Reviewed By HummingAlong2
It was a great day out on Farewell Spit. The spit is ethereal and this is the only way you can get out on it. This company is a good steward of the fragile, important ecosystem. We visited when the gannets were nesting any could view these birds from far enough away not to disturb them, but plenty close. Thoroughly enjoyed our day.
2. Tonga Island Marine Reserve
3. Brook Waimarama Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary is the largest fenced haven for endangered plants and creatures in the South Island. Close to Nelson city but hidden away, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of New Zealand native bush, breathe deeply and engage. There are a number of tracks to explore using a map from the Visitor Centre or utilising the information panels as you come across them. The easiest is the Loop Track which is a charming easy walk of some 45 minutes and accessible for push chairs, wheel chairs and mobility scooters. An extension loop is not quite so well developed but takes visitors further into the beautiful central valley floor or up the ridges. A variety of other tracks that are a little more challenging – some with river crossings and steep terrain – weave throughout the Sanctuary, suitable for different fitness levels. Every visit helps us with our conservation cause - come and experience the hidden valleys of Waimarama.
Reviewed By TheGeorgeGM
Fabulous reserve, close to Nelson city with great walking options. It was surprisingly quiet when we went, considering it was holiday season, but maybe that is because we were there towards the end of the day. We thought we would do the walking loop that indicated a time-frame of 1.5 - 2 hours, but after getting to the turnaround point in 20 minutes, we decided to continue on one of the longer loops. We made it to the champagne pool, which was perfect for a dip. Seeing only a couple of other parties, we felt like we virtually had the reserve to ourselves. The tracks and features are well signposted and the volunteers were very friendly and helpful. Take some insect repellant as there were some sandflies around the visitor centre area, although we did not notice any in the reserve itself.
4. Riwaka Resurgence
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By 159kimo - Christchurch, New Zealand
A worthwhile detour at the bottom of the Takaka Hill Highway to see cool, clear water emerge from a cave system beneath Takaka Hill to form the Riwaka River. This is a beautiful and peaceful spot just a short walk from the carpark area.
5. The Grove Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Superpear - Ashburton, New Zealand
It may only be a short walk (30 minutes or so) on a circular track, but don't let that make you think it isn't worth it. It is actually an amazing place winding your way around these tall rock formations and canyons. And then the lookout platform at the end is incredible with stunning views to the ocean and beyond. It's free and easy to get to, so is definitely worth a visit.
6. Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve
7. The Boulder Bank
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By geeswayne - Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
We left from Wakefield Quay and caught The Ferry across to Boulder Bank and were given the key to go inside to the top. Lovely views all around and it was a good walk on the large stones to the lighthouse and onto the old baches on the beach before our pick up by The Ferry and return trip to the Quay. A lot of history to read about on Wakefield Quay. Well worth the visit.
8. Golden Bay Sustainable Living Centre
Come explore the Sustainable Living Centre very close to Takaka township and take our self-guided tour or just sit to take in the serene environment and admire the variety of food grown in the gardens. This is suitable for all ages and offers interesting information and an enriching experience for everyone. Wormfarms, bee hives and herb spirals - we've got it all!
