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Nelson

The vibrant Nelson city centre offers an abundance of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops and along the waterfront, you will find many fine restaurants specialising in seafood to enjoy. Founded in 1841 by the New Zealand Company the region today still boasts many remarkable buildings from these early days, however it is its close proximity to Abel Tasman National Park that is one of Nelson's greatest advantages to visitors with its pristine waters, beautiful native bush and golden beaches making this an adventure seeker's paradise. Nelson is also famous for its art and crafts and you will find many local offerings - including the world-famous Hoglund Glassworks.

Explore the Plains Half Day Tour with Bay Tours Nelson

Explore the Plains Half Day Tour with Bay Tours Nelson

This 4.5hr afternoon tour of the Nelson region is a great taster of the area, you will enjoy a couple of wine-tasting experiences along with one or two artisan and scenic spots eg: Rabbit Island Beach, Pics Peanut Butter shop, Hoglund glass - Tasman Artisan Cheese shop. To end the tour we will visit NZ's Oldest Pub in the hop-growing region of NZ and enjoy a glass of craft beer/cider or wine from the local area. If time allows we can also visit the popular and historic Mapua Wharf to browse the shops and grab a coffee or ice cream.

Cable Bay Adventure Park - Skywire Experience

Cable Bay Adventure Park - Skywire Experience

The Skywire has incredible views of Cable and Delaware Bays, the western ranges and north towards D’urville island. One a clear day you can even see the snow-capped peak of Mount Taranaki.

Strapped securely into the ride with 5-point harnesses, the Skywire seats up to four “flyers” at a time, with around 800m of gravity assisted free-wheeling, reaching speeds of up to 100 kph, followed by 800m at a more leisurely pace - ideal for taking in the incredible scenery. Then you do it all again - BACKWARDS

Mapua Magic Guided Cycle Tour with Wheelie Fantastic

Mapua Magic Guided Cycle Tour with Wheelie Fantastic

A boutique company focusing on customer experience, with a special attention to detail, Wheelie Fantastic Cycle Tours have your adventure cycling needs in Nelson covered! Utilising their unbeatable local knowledge, they will show you the best of the Nelson area, discovering places that other operators don't use. Wheelie Fantastic offer a wide range of rides, helping you to discover the hidden gems of Nelson Tasman.

Mapua Wharf

Mapua Wharf

Mapua Wharf was once a busy coastal freight wharf used for transporting fresh orchard produce to consumers around the world.  It no longer bustles with wharfies and freight ships, instead there’s a steady hum of crafty creativity and the buzz of thriving restaurants, cafes and bars.  Here you can watch a variety of local artists at work and purchase unique New Zealand creations direct.  As well as the delicious fare available at the restaurants and cafes, you can also sample some divine artesian produce, like smoked mussels and salmon from the Smokehouse.  To explore further afield hire a bike and explore the local bicycle trails, including the Tasman Great Taste Trail which links nearby Nelson with Mapua, via a ferry ride from Rabbit Island across the Waimea Estuary, home to a range of bird species. Mapua Wharf is a short 25 minute drive from Nelson.

Moutere Wine & Artisans Guided E-Bike Cycle Tour with Wheelie Fantastic

Moutere Wine & Artisans Guided E-Bike Cycle Tour with Wheelie Fantastic

A boutique company focusing on customer experience, with a special attention to detail, Wheelie Fantastic Cycle Tours have your adventure cycling needs in Nelson covered! Utilising their unbeatable local knowledge, they will show you the best of the Nelson area, discovering places that other operators don't use. Wheelie Fantastic offer a wide range of rides, helping you to discover the hidden gems of Nelson Tasman.

Nelson Classic Cars Museum - Suggested Activity

Nelson Classic Cars Museum - Suggested Activity

The car collection represents years of passionate sourcing from around the world and New Zealand. These cars are some of the most sought-after models in Classic Motoring, presented to the highest standard, with some having undergone extensive restoration. As well as being classic examples of automotive technology, these cars tell an important story about the twentieth century. They represent the spectrum of automotive history, design, and craftsmanship. This is one of Australasia's largest private collections.

Nelson Guided Horse Trek

Nelson Guided Horse Trek

Explore Happy Valley on horseback with a guided horse trek. There are a range of treks to suit your level of ability, and your guide will ensure that your horse is suitable for you to ride. Your guide can take you through meandering rivers and along mountain trails, with breathtaking mountain and sea views along the way.

Wine Exposed Marlborough Tour

Wine Exposed Marlborough Tour

The journey from Nelson to the world famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc growing region passes over the spectacular Richmond Forest Park with an option to take a short flat walk through a pristine virgin forest and view the Pelorus River where the barrel scene of the Hobbit movie was filmed.
Pass through Havelock, the Mussel Capital of the world before reaching the vast Marlborough wine region where each vineyard or winery visited has been chosen for its stunning locality and unique romantic story. All are top boutique and family owned, driven by passion and enthusiasm that allows their cultural influence to show through in the consistently high quality wines. Food and wine matching is always a highlight along with tasting other local gourmet foods.

New Zealand Touring Styles

A popular style of touring is to take a preplanned self drive road trip.  After a thorough consultation with you we expertly plan and create your self drive tour around New Zealand. These tours allow you the freedom to explore at leisure with the comfort and security of pre-booked activities and accommodations. Route suggestions, APP guidance plus local support mean your New Zealand vacation is in safe hands. See self drive ideas here

If you prefer to let someone else do the work then an escorted small group tour might be for you. Our sister company at New Zealanbd Coach has a range of hand picked small group itineraries are ideal if you prefer to travel in the company of like minded people. Tours are limited to a certain number of participants which means different accommodation options, exclusive activities and of course a knowledgeable guide ensures you get to see the best of New Zealand. See small group tours here. 

A private guided tour offers true flexibility and the security of a knowledgeable local guiding you all the way. Well planned itineraries ensure you see exactly what you want to see but with your own driver-guide you can adapt to suit the day or your preference. 100% tailor-made to suit you a private tour is a great option when travelling as a small group. All our self drive itineraries can be replanned and priced using a private driver and guide, so if it is what you fancy just contact us to discuss.

All North Island touring ideas - See here to explore the diverse North Island - itinerary suggestions.

All South Island touring ideas - Iconic scenery and landscapes await on this made for touring island. See itinerary suggestions

All Nationwide touring ideas - See the best of New Zealand on these all encompassing touring itinerary ideas

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