Nelson/Tasman Region Walking Tracks

Fancy Walking / Hiking or Tramping in the Nelson / Tasman Region, we have it all?

In New Zealand, long distance walking or hiking for at least one overnight stay is known as tramping. There are a number of walkways in New Zealand, however most of these are relatively short and can be walked in a day or less. Many are also an easy walk, with well formed footpaths. However, some tracks do require an overnight stay either because of the rugged country or the length of the track.

With over 1900 kilometres of track, the Nelson/Tasman region offers visitors an array of walking and tramping experiences, from short easy walks to - five day hikes or more.

Tramping in New Zealand can be done any month of the year, even in the winter months when the weather is cooler.

Stay with us at Kingsland Court Motel and Explore our Region  

Nelson/Tasman has two of New Zealand's Great Walks, both in the Golden Bay area:

Abel Tasman National Park

Voted as one of 8 Best Coastal Walks from around the World by Gadling.com (Read the Blog)

 Coast Track  - 225000 Hectares of Coastal National Park, made up of golden sand beaches, sculptures, granite cliffs, rich beech forests, picturesque rives, rocky headlands and a 47m long suspension bridge over the falls river.  A walkers paradise of 50kms of awesome coastline.  The entire length of the Abel Tasman National Park Coastal Track can be walked or kayaked in 3 - 5 days.  Short walks also possible by arranging a drop off with one of the water taxis departing Kaiteriteri on daily schedules. Info on short walks / hikes click here

Tips for Visitors to the Abel Tasman National Park

• Make sure you check out the high and low tide times as this will affect how you go from bay to bay
• Tidal crossings at Torrent Bay, Onetahuti and Awaroa
• Small amount of fitness required
• Book accommodation prior to starting out on hike/walk
• If it's dry weather, light footwear is sufficient. If wet weather, covered footwear needed
• Any waste or rubbish must be taken out with you

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Kahurangi National Park

"The Heaphy Track is by some considered to be the greatest of New Zealand's nine Great Walks, combining alpine environments and a primeval, palm-fringed coastline."

Heaphy Track - New Zealands longest Great Walk starts in the Aorere Valley (transport required at both ends) and ends in Oparara (West Coast).  78.4 kms long takes 4 - 6 days to complete. Over expansive tussock downs to the lush forests, nikau palms and roaring seas of the West Coast. More Info

Please find below some more popular walks and tramps in the Nelson Region, with links to more information.

Also in the Kahurangi National Park 

• Wangapeka Track 4 - 6 days one way.
• Leslie - Karamea Track
• Mt Arthur Tableland Circuit
• Matiri Valley & Thousand Acre Plateau Track

Tips for Visitors to the Kahurangi National Park (Heaphy Track)

• Ensure you have organised transport to drop-off and pick-up from each end of the track prior to starting the hike/walk
• Some cardio fitness required
• Book the DOC huts prior to starting out on hike/walk
• Bring insect repellent or bug spray
• Sturdy footwear needed
• Any waste or rubbish must be taken out with you

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 Nelson Lakes National Park

The northern most peaks of the Southern Alps rise in the Nelson Lakes National Park.  This 102,000 Hectare park is centred on two beautiful alpine lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa.  There are wonderful lakeside tracks and short walks.  In winter Alpine climbing for experienced climbers available.

• Lake Rotoroa approx 8 hours
• Lake Rotoiti (smaller of the two lakes, takes in Whiskey Falls and Travers River which has a swing bridge)

Deep in the heart of the Nelson Lakes National Park is the Travers Sabine Circuit, a challenging yet extremely rewarding walk that crosses the often frozen travers saddle.

Tips for Visitors to the Nelson Lakes National Parks

• Ensure you check weather conditions as this is an alpine environment
• Take warm clothing irrespective of weather conditions. Be prepared.
• Good level of cardio fitness is required
• Walking/hiking sticks might be helpful
• Bring insect repellant or bug spray
• Sturdy footwear needed
• Any waste or rubbish must be taken out with you

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 Mt Richmond Forest Park

The low mountain range rising behind Nelson / Richmond forms part of Mount Richmond State Forest Park, the park comprises most of the steep native forest-covered mountain country between Nelson & Blenheim, as well as the commercially planted pine forest plantations on public land. The park has an area of 166,00 ha and is the second largest forest park in New Zealand, it is named after Mount Richmond one of the highest peaks (1760 metres). Hiking / tramping are popular in this area there are more than 436 km of tracks.

Some popular hikes, Alpine Route,  starting just south of Nelson, the Alpine Route is a challenging track above the bushline. It offers outstanding views over the Waimea Plans, toward Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks, and to the rugged hills of South Marlborough and the Inland Kaikoura Ranges. It is only suitable for experienced and well-equipped groups. There is little or no formed track in many places, the terrain is steep and rugged and good fitness and navigation skills are needed.

Pelorus Track, The Pelorus Track, in Mt Richmond Forest Park, offers a semi-remote forest experience. All three ends of the track are ideal for day walks and picnicking. The track passes through bush, crosses various saddles, and boasts interesting features like a waterfall and an old chromite mine.

The Mt Richmond Forest Park is largely forested mountainous terrain, there are a great number of tramping options from less than an hour to multi day excursions. The Top of the South Maps will provide some more information on walks in this region.

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Harewoods Track

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Cable Bay Walkway

3 hrs 30 minutes, offers wonderful coastal views of the Boulder Bank, Nelson City and Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks. The middle section of the track passes through a patch of beautiful and varied native forest.

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Nelson Boulder Bank

2 - 3 hours one way, internationally-renowned is a natural spit of boulders, formed of the debris of land slips from the Mackay Bluffs, swept southwards by sea currents over 10,000 years. The bank is 13 kilometres long, the last eight kilometres forming a spit which separates Tasman Bay from Nelson Haven. It's width varies from 55 metres at high tide to 240 metres at low tide

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There are many, many more walks / hikes and tramps in the region, most can be found on the DOCs site as well as all information required for the above walks.  Nelson / Tasman a trampers paradise.