Nelson, Abel Tasman & Marlborough: The Complete Guide

The top of the South Island is where New Zealand turns the brightness up. This is the sunniest corner of the country: golden beaches, turquoise water, world-famous sauvignon blanc and the most beautiful of New Zealand's Great Walks, all packed into one compact region.

Most travellers arrive by ferry into Picton, wind through Nelson, and end up barefoot in Marahau at the edge of Abel Tasman National Park. Here's everything worth doing along the way.

Picton: gateway to the South Island

Picton (population 4,340, swelling considerably in summer) is where the Cook Strait ferry delivers you into the South Island, tucked into the edge of the Marlborough Sounds. It's small, sunny and bustling with holidaymakers and boaties, and it earns more than a pass-through: the Sounds on its doorstep hide dolphins, orca, seals and rare birds, and the surrounding Marlborough region grows the sauvignon blanc that made New Zealand wine famous.

Queen Charlotte Track

A 70-kilometre walking and cycling trail through the Marlborough Sounds, from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, threading ridgelines between two drowned river valleys. The full track takes 3 to 5 days, but you don't need to commit to all of it: water taxis will drop you off and pick you up wherever suits, making brilliant day walks easy.

More to do in Picton

Take a guided boat tour into the Sounds for dolphins, orca, humpback whales, seals and rare birdlife. Back on the waterfront, the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum preserves the world's second oldest surviving merchant ship, built in 1853. For a leg-stretch, the easy Shelly Beach to Bob's Bay walk runs a kilometre along the coast from the waterfront. Then eat what Marlborough does best: green lip mussels and fresh-caught blue cod, gurnard and tarakihi, with the Jolly Roger at Waikawa Marina serving fish and chips right on the water.

Stay: The Villa Backpacker Lodge

A century-old character home in central Picton with a homely feel: gardens, a relaxing verandah, free hot spa (8:30am to 10pm), free bikes, gym gear, a gas BBQ and everything from dorms to doubles.

• Where: 34 Auckland Street, Picton
• Good to know: book with your Stray driver

Nelson: New Zealand's sunshine capital

Nelson (regional population 46,000) claims the highest sunshine hours in the country and a vibe to match: happy, positive and bright. It's a genuine cultural hub, with world-class wineries and craft breweries, an arts and crafts scene stocked with studios and galleries, and two national parks within reach.

The Centre of New Zealand walk

Nelson's most iconic walk: a short, steep climb (about an hour return, free) from the Botanical Reserve to a hilltop survey point used in the 1800s, now marked as the Centre of New Zealand, with sweeping views over the city, the bay and the ranges. Bonus trivia for the summit: the reserve below hosted New Zealand's first ever rugby game.

Tahunanui Beach

Nelson's playground, a 20-minute bike ride or 5-minute drive from the centre. Swim, walk, fire up a beach BBQ, or make use of all that sunshine with stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and kite surfing. There's go-karting, laser tag and the Natureland wildlife centre nearby for a change of pace.

• Where: 70 Beach Road, Tahunanui
• Cost: free

World of WearableArt & Classic Cars

Two galleries, one wonderfully odd museum. The WearableArt side displays 70 extraordinary costumes from artists worldwide, inspired by the flora, fauna and cultures of the South Pacific, with exhibitions rotating every April and November. Next door, the Classic Cars gallery tracks the automotive industry through the decades, with several beautifully restored vehicles.

• Where: Cadillac Way, off Quarantine Road, Nelson

More to do in Nelson

Catch the Nelson Saturday Market (8am to 1pm, Montgomery carpark) for local food and crafts, wander Founders Heritage Park, a recreated historical village with a brewery tasting room, or dig into regional history at the Nelson Provincial Museum. For food, Sands Fish and Chips does the classic beach dinner, and the Streat Kitchen food cart (Wednesday to Friday, some Saturdays) is a local favourite.

Stay: YHA Nelson

Five-star Qualmark-rated backpacker accommodation on Rutherford Street, surrounded by cafes and restaurants with the market next door. Facilities include a full kitchen and dining area, outdoor BBQ, sauna, TV room, bike and luggage storage, lockers, parking and a book exchange, with dorms (4 to 8 beds), singles and twins.

• Where: 59 Rutherford Street, Nelson
• Good to know: special rates for Stray passengers

Abel Tasman National Park

New Zealand's smallest national park is arguably its most beautiful: golden beaches, granite cliffs, crystal-clear water and the most sunshine hours in the country. Named after the Dutch explorer who reached this coast in 1642, the park is best accessed from the laid-back beach village of Marahau, where the road ends and the Coast Track begins.

Hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track

One of New Zealand's nine Great Walks: 60 kilometres of coastal track past naturally sculpted granite cliffs, native bush and a string of postcard beaches, walkable year-round and free. The classic Stray day walk runs from Marahau to Anchorage Bay (12.4km, about 4 hours), with the option to detour to Cleopatra's Pool and its natural rock waterslide.

The track's best trick is flexibility: combine walking with aqua taxi and kayak legs to build your own day, and stop at the Tonga Island Marine Reserve to swim and snorkel with seals and spot little penguins.

Sea kayaking with Abel Tasman Kayaks

Paddling is the classic low-impact way to see the park's beaches, coves, lagoons and islands up close. Abel Tasman Kayaks (established 1986) runs the popular Full Day Kayak & Walk: a guided paddle from Marahau to Watering Cove past the Astrolabe Islands, lunch included, then a walk back along the coastal track past 12 beaches and scenic lookouts. Independent types can take a full-day kayak hire and explore self-guided.

• Where: Sandy Bay Road, Marahau
• Bring: togs, towel, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a warm top and wind jacket, water bottle and a change of clothes
• Note: This optional activity is exclusive to Stray Adventure-tier tours (available on Fridays).
• How to book: Book your guided kayak package via the Seymour app.

Sailing the park

See the park the way it was first seen: under sail. Trips depart Kaiteriteri and glide past Split Apple Rock into the golden bays, with your skipper doubling as guide and seals, penguins, seabirds and sometimes dolphins along the way. The Full Day Sail anchors at Anchorage for lunch, swimming and short walks; combo options mix sailing with the coastal track walk to Marahau or a morning kayak leg. Free transfers run between Marahau and Kaiteriteri, with tea, coffee and juice on board.

• Where: departs Kaiteriteri Beach
• Note: This sailing trip is exclusive to Stray Adventure-tier tours (available on Fridays).
• How to book: Book your sailing slot directly in the Seymour app for exclusive rates.

Canyoning the Torrent River

The park's adrenaline option: slide down water-polished chutes, jump into crystal-clear pools, zipline over rocks and abseil through cascading waterfalls in the Torrent River canyon. The day includes return water taxi into the park, professional guides, all canyoning equipment, lunch, snacks and free photos and videos. Eat a big breakfast first.

• Where: meets at 275 Sandy Bay-Marahau Road
• Bring: togs, towel, sun protection and footwear that can get wet
• Note: Canyoning is exclusive to Stray Adventure-tier tours (available on Friday).
• How to book: Book your canyoning adventure on request through the Seymour app.

Skydive Abel Tasman

The only drop zone in New Zealand where, on a clear day, you can see both islands at once, plus three national parks, snow-capped mountains, golden beaches and turquoise ocean. Jump from up to 16,500ft for more than 60 seconds of freefall at 200km/h. The team has more than 20 years' experience and keeps groups small, with photo and video packages available.

• Where: Motueka Airport
• Good to know: maximum weight 100kg; wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes. Book in your Seymour app

Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi

The park's water buses: purpose-built boats that drop you at the radiant beaches, stunning bays and deserted coves you can't reach by road. Use them for half or full-day trips, one-way drops for coastal track walks, or simply a scenic cruise with marine life spotting on the way.

• Where: departs Marahau
• Good to know: retail rate listed; book in your Seymour app for a discounted price

Beaches, Bays & Pitt Head Scenic Cruise

For those looking to experience the golden bays of Abel Tasman with an extra level of comfort, our scenic cruise options are the perfect fit.

Beaches & Bays Cruise: Hop aboard a spacious, comfortable catamaran to cruise the entire stunning length of the park’s coastline, taking in the granite headlands, golden sands, and marine wildlife.

Pitt Head Walk & Return Taxi: Take an aqua taxi to Anchorage, enjoy a scenic, self-guided walk to the spectacular Pitt Head lookout and Te Pukatea Bay, and catch a comfortable return taxi.

Note: These options are beautifully tailored for Stray Select-tier tours (available on Friday).

How to book: Secure your cruise slot on request via the Seymour app.

Eating in Marahau

Small village, strong food game. The Fat Tui food truck serves what many swear are the best burgers in New Zealand, The Park Cafe does pizzas, big breakfasts and Thursday open mic nights, and Hooked on Marahau is the upmarket pick, famous for its lamb shanks and an afternoon happy hour.

Getting there with Stray

Stray's South Island routes link Picton, Nelson and Marahau, with free time built in at Abel Tasman to hike, paddle, sail or jump out of a plane. Your driver books activities on the road, and Seymour app discounts apply across most of the operators above.

FAQs

How long is the Abel Tasman Coast Track?

60 kilometres, one of New Zealand's nine Great Walks. The popular Marahau to Anchorage Bay section is 12.4km and takes around 4 hours, and the track is free and open year-round.

Do you have to walk the whole Abel Tasman Coast Track?

No. Aqua taxis and kayak operators let you mix and match: walk a section, paddle another, and boat the rest.

How long is the Queen Charlotte Track?

70 kilometres from Ship Cove to Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds, taking 3 to 5 days in full, with water taxis enabling shorter day walks.

What is the sunniest place in New Zealand?

The Nelson and Abel Tasman region records the highest sunshine hours in the country.

Where is Split Apple Rock?

In the water off Kaiteriteri, at the southern edge of Abel Tasman National Park. Sailing trips from Kaiteriteri pass right by it.

What is the Centre of New Zealand?

A hilltop marker above Nelson's Botanical Reserve, used as a survey point in the 1800s. The walk up takes about an hour return and is free, with views over the city and bay.