Nelson Tours, Tickets & Excursions

Explore the glorious Abel Tasman National Park on this boat charter. This trip through one of New Zealand’s most famous parks is easily personalized to suit your needs. With hiking, swimming, and kayaking opportunities available to all fitness levels, this day traversing the park's emerald waters and golden sands can be full of adventure or relaxation - the choice is up to you.

Race through the native forest canopy and see the rolling Nelson countryside from the sky in this unique flying fox experience. The Skywire is one of the longest flying foxes in New Zealand and can reach speeds of around 60 miles per hour, and this package gives you the chance to experience that speed first-hand as you rocket up and down Cable Bay hillside, through the trees and valleys.

Explore the beautiful Nelson Tasman region on a handy cycle trip from Nelson to Wakefield via Spooner’s Tunnel (or vice versa). Bikes, helmets, a repair kit, a light, bottled water, and transfers to/from the trail are included. Ride through farmland, orchards, and vineyards before making it to the exciting tunnel, which is the longest out-of-commission railway tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere and a fun place to ride.

Abel Tasman National Park is a scenic highlight of the Nelson-Marlborough region. But if you’re pressed for time and can’t spend multiple days hiking the park, this day trip packs a lot into the few hours you have available. Cruise around Split Apple Rock and then anchor at Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Once there, take the opportunity to explore the Park on your own terms: go snorkeling by the beach, take a kayak down the coast, or disembark and hike along the Pitt Head loop overlooking Te Pukatea Bay.

Discover the jewel in the crown of New Zealand’s South Island on this full-day Abel Tasman National Park hiking tour with cruise. Travel from Nelson to Kaiteriteri with your guide, then hop aboard your water taxi. Cruise the azure-blue seas toward the heart of Abel Tasman National Park and the start-point of your trek. Follow hiking trails through the dense forest and listen as your guide points out medicinal and edible plants along the way. Gain insight into native Maori and Dutch settlers’ heritage, and enjoy lunch on Torrent Beach.

This quad bike adventure is an exciting way to tour the bush-clad terrain near Nelson. After being thoroughly briefed on how to use the bikes safely, travel along 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) of tracks. You’ll be treated to beautiful views across Cable Bay, and will make plenty of stops so your guide can tell you all about the area. This is a fun outing for families and friends traveling together.

Enjoy the best of Golden Bay without having to drive yourself over the mountains from Nelson when you join a small-group guided tour. Admire the beautiful views from the top of the Takaka Hill, and the unique rock formations. Glimpse two lovely national parks–Abel Tasman and Kahurangi–and feast on a tasty picnic lunch. Stop at orchards, vineyards, and market gardens en route.

Included in this adventure • Approximately 60 minutes flight time exploring the Kahurangi National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: • Lord of the Rings film location! • Unique land forms, habitats, plant communities and wildlife • Native bush • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

If you love wine and enjoy getting some exercise at the same time, this is the activity for you! We cater for groups, both large and small. This activity is unguided, but you will be briefed and have a map to show you the way. You can take your time and enjoy the tastes of Nelson at your leisure.

This tour offers a chance to ride through the longest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. This isn't the usual trail through the city or around the bay; on this tour, you'll take in mountain scenery, farmland, coastal estuaries and highly productive horticultural land for a diverse sampling of the real Nelson.

Skip the crowded ferry around Abel Tasman National Park and choose a more hands-on, down-to-earth way of exploring the coast on this waka paddling tour. Paddle up to Toka Ngawhā (Split Apple Rock) with your small group and immerse yourself in Māori culture and customs along the way, learning karakia, paddle commands and a waka salute – all in te reo Māori.

This fun walking tour is an ideal way to explore the small city of Nelson. You’ll visit some of the major attractions—including the cathedral, the Queen’s Gardens, and the Suter Gallery—as well as learn about architectural styles and everyday life in the city. Your guide has lived in Nelson all her life, so has a lot of local insight to share.

Experience the convenience of a guided tour and the freedom of independent travel on this self-guided cycle adventure. You’ll receive all biking equipment and a trail map, and will be transported by vehicle to the start of the trail. Visit highlights of your own choice between Nelson and Mapua, along a coastal route. You’ll also get a discount voucher for a restaurant en route, and a ferry ticket.

If you love beer and fancy getting some exercise at the same time, this is the tour for you! We cater for groups, big and small. This tour is unguided, but you will be briefed and have a map to show you the way. You can take your time and enjoy the tastes of Nelson at your leisure.

Experience an adrenaline rush like no other on this tandem skydive over new Zealand’s South Island. Hop into your aircraft and take to the skies for breathtaking views over New Zealand’s spectacular national parks, peaks and coastline. When you reach your 3,962-meter (13,000-foot) altitude, leap from the plane and enjoy around 40 seconds’ freefall with your instructor in tandem. Then, pull the chord to open your chute and float gracefully to terra firma! Upgrade your tour to start your skydive at 5,029 meters (16,500 feet) in the air.

Enjoy the freedom exploring some of the best wineries and breweries in the Nelson Tasman region without the hassle of having to self drive, or worry about who has to be the designated driver. Everyone can indulge in some samples on this hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Nelson, Brightwater, Moutere, and Mapua. Get off where you want and stay for as long as you like.

Fans of The Lord of the Rings–or anyone who likes spectacular scenery–will enjoy this 2.5 hour helicopter tour of the Kahurangi National Park from Nelson. Fly above the mountains of the park, communicating with your pilot via a two-way headset during the flight. Stop at two LOTR filming locations, where you can enjoy the views and learn more about the geology and biodiversity of this special area.

Travelers without the time (or desire) to hike through the Abel Tasman National Park can experience its beautiful coastal and mountain landscapes from a scenic helicopter flight from Nelson. Enjoy around 50 minutes of flying time, communicating with your pilot via two-way headsets throughout the flight. Stop at Awaroa Lodge, within the park, where you can buy lunch if you like.

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 120 minutes flight time over the Kahurangi National Park and the Heaphy Track • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing • Private guide • Picnic lunch and local wine and beers are included SIGHTS: • The beautiful Heaphy Track • Wharariki Beach • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 40 minutes flight time exploring the Kahurangi National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: • Official Lord of the Rings film location! • Unique land forms, habitats, plant communities and wildlife • Native bush • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Included in this adventure: • Private, luxury one-way cruise to the Abel Tasman • Meet your private helicopter and board for a scenic flight over two National Parks, landing at high altitude to take in the breath-taking scenery • Gourmet lunch and local wines and beers are included SIGHTS: • The beautiful Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park • Native Bush and Wildlife • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 120 minutes flight time over Tasman Bay coastline, and D’Urville Island • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing • Dining of the fish caught by the clients and local wine and beer SIGHTS: • The beautiful D’Urville Island • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 120 minutes flight time over the Kahurangi National Park, The Wild West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Golden Bay and Farewell Spit • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x Mountain landing SIGHTS: • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

Get out into the mountains surrounding Nelson the easy way on a private helicopter tour. From sea-level Nelson you’ll soar high up into the mountains, where snow may be present in the winter. Be amazed by the sweeping views of coastal Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and the mountains of the Kahurangi, Nelson Lakes, and Abel Tasman National Parks. A fun way to celebrate a special occasion.