Best walking trails in Nelson-Tasman, New Zealand

The easiest and most popular of the Great Walks, this hike still provides a challenge that is well worth it. There are no peaks on this hike but there is still a lot of elevation gain, and with a pack, this hike will still be challenging. The months of February and April are slightly quieter than the busiest periods, yet still offer an ideal temperature to be on the coast. The hike is well travelled and has signage but can be muddy at times. You will need to consult a tide chart as Onetahuti beach and Awaroa estuary are only passable at low tide. Allow 5 days to hike this trail. This trail can be traversed in either direction. Great Walks huts have bunk beds (being a sleeping bag), heaters, and bathroom facilities (no hot water). You will need to provide your own bedding, and all cooking supplies and stoves. You should also bring a headland to be safe. There are no showers. New Zealand rate ƒ$38 (1 October – 30 April) per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required).ƒ $32 (1 May – 30 September) per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required). International rate ƒ $75 (1 October – 30 April) per person per night for all ages (booking required). ƒ $32 (1 May – 30 September) per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required). Great Walks campsites have toilets, water, and picnic areas. New Zealand rate $15 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required). International rate ƒ$30 (1 October – 30 April) per person per night for all ages (booking required). ƒ $15 (1 May – 30 September) per adult per night, 17 years and under free (booking required).Show more

While it is a consistently uphill slope, the trail is solid and winds it's way in and out of forested areas with excellent views of Lake Routiti. The last section is very steep. You can rest at the shelter at the top before heading down again. The track down has some deep ruts and is mostly in the open without shade. The trail ends at the lower car park, not the upper car park, so you may have another 10 minutes of walking on the gravel road if you parked at the upper car park. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/nelson-lakes-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/mount-robert-circuit/Show more

The Heaphy Track is a remote hike in the north-west of South Island. It is the longest Great Walk and most diverse. What makes it so interesting is the variety of scenery: bush, mountains, streams and waterfalls, caves, tussock plains, ocean and beaches with palm trees and wonderfully blue water. The four to five day trail follows a historic, scenic highway from the inland forests across a high rolling plateau. Best time is mid-February through March.Show more

Great trail. Amazing when its lightly raining. Running or hiking is great. Visit the little coves along the way for some spectacular beaches.Show more

The track between Medlands Beach and Torrent Bay is pretty busy, but after that it clears up (between Torrent and Anchorage). The entire trail is pretty flat with a few ups and downs, and is very well maintained. That coupled with the beautiful coastal scenery makes this a great walk. Check the tide schedule before going - if the tide is out you can walk through an estuary to get from Torrent Bay to Anchorage. The high tide (which this route takes) is awesome to - make sure to bring a towel and bathing suit/stuff to swim in for Cleopatra’s PoolShow more

This is a cool easy walk to the beautiful Wainui falls. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/abel-tasman-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/wainui-falls-track/Show more

The Lake Rotoiti Circuit links the Lakehead Track on the eastern shores with the Lakeside Track on the western shores and the Brunner Peninsula Nature Walk, around Lake Rotoiti. There are multiple places to step off the track, which is mainly forested, onto the river's edge for a picturesque lunchstop. The scenery is just stunning. It is possible to complete the circuit in a day if you start early. The track is mainly dirt with leaf debris and the occasional rock. There is only one steep area, heading clockwise up to Mt Robert Road, otherwise it is an essentially flat circuit. At the base of the lake, where the Traver's River runs down into it, there is Lakehead Hut. By carefully completing a river crossing, or by heading further up the river to a swing bridge and then heading back to the lake (an extra 3hrs), you'll get to Coldwater Hut. Whisky Falls is well worth the 500m extra side trip. There are small ferries that cross the lake connecting Kerr Bay with Lakehead jetty, Coldwater jetty & Whisky Falls jetty.Show more

The Travers-Sabine Circuit in Nelson Lakes Regional Park is a four to eight day trip with huts along the way to stay in. The terrain is sometimes easy and straight, sometimes demanding with lots of roots, numerous smaller climbs and descends, and sometimes hard when you have to fight your way through windfall or non-existing parts of the track that the river has claimed. Travers Saddle is an alpine region, so you might encounter rain, fog, and snow even in Summer. When in doubt, it is better to stay in the hut. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/nelson-lakes-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/travers-sabine-circuit/Show more

The trail is very well labeled with signs that tell you how many meters and minutes to each point of interest. Mostly through trees, most of the time no sun exposures, nevertheless breathtaking views. Can be a bit cool with the south wind.Show more