When we talk about Nelson-Tasman, what comes to mind is the sun, the heavenly beaches and nature.Located in the northwest of southern island, Nelson-Tasman is indeed the sunniest region of New Zealand.Renowned for Abel Tasman's National Park and its beaches, the region is not limited to that, far from it, because there are many other places not to leave aside.In partnership with Destination-Nouvelle Zélande.com and the little Auckland newspaper, here is an overview of this very pretty region.

Abel Tasman National Park

This national park is the smallest in the country but certainly one of the best known.If it attracts so many visitors, it is for its dream beaches and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of the Great Walks in New Zealand which is traveling in 3 to 5 days.The Great Walks are hikes that we can compare to our GR.That of Abel Tasman alternates between views and passages on the white sandy beaches with turquoise water and resplendent forests.The park also offers many shorter hikes, a few hours, or to do during the day.For water sports enthusiasts, Abel Tasman National Park is the ideal place to make a kayak or paddle outing.Some corners are only accessible by the sea and it is therefore the perfect way to discover them.Thus, it will be possible to approach as close as possible to Split Apple Rock/Tokangawhā for example, this famous rocky formation which looks like an apple cut in half.

Nelson

Capital of the region, Nelson is the oldest town in the South Island and the center of New Zealand.This last point is actually not quite correct but it is what has long been thought and the hike that leads to the Center of New Zealand platform is still a major point of interest in the city.The climb to the top of the hill takes about twenty minutes and the panoramic view is magnificent with the city of Nelson, Tasman Bay but also the view of the surrounding mountains.

By stopping in Nelson, you have to take the time to discover the city with its history, its shops, its artists and art galleries.As a sunniest city in the country, it also hosts many events all year round, around art, beer and wine or music among others.Apart from these events, it is a very lively city with very nice cafes, bars and restaurants, some of which on the edge of Tahunanui Beach, the very pretty beach close to the downtown.

Nelson Lakes National Park

Located in the land, about an hour's drive from Nelson, Nelson Lakes National Park is a place that it is possible to visit both in summer and in winter.This national park is made up of 16 lakes, including Lake Rotomairewhenua or Blue Lake, recognized as the clearest lake in the world.The latter is not however accessible to everyone and it will be necessary to borrow cross-season circuit, a hike of 4 to 7 days to be able to admire this hidden treasure.

During the summer period, many other hikes are possible around the different lakes.Of course water activities are also very present.We can do water skiing, kayaking, boat trips, fishing or simply having a good time swimming in one of the lakes.

In winter, skiers are not outdone either.Indeed, the Rainbow Skifield station is magnificent.The view it offers on the lakes, the forest, the alpine valleys is only added to the pleasure of gliding, whether in skiing or snowboarding.Not far from Saint Arnaud, it is also possible to get started for a game of ice hockey or an artistic skating number.More specifically, it is near the Teetal campsite area that the rinks on the Duck Ponde stream is installed, taken in the ice a good part of the winter.The local shops then offer the rental of ice skates for passing visitors.

Kahurangi National Park

Little known to tourists, Kahurangi National Park is however the second largest national park in New Zealand.It is the paradise of nature lovers and it is within this park that the longest Great Walks in the country is, Heaphy Track.This is rather reserved for experienced hikers but passing hikers will have other day-to-day hiking options to enjoy the places, and meet the various species of birds, insects and other very present animals in this abundant nature.It is also in this park that Mont Owen is located, which houses the most important network of cave in New Zealand.Several courses are possible, allowing everyone, depending on the level, to discover its impressive caves with its many residents, giant carnivorous snails, bats or blue ducks.

Golden Bay - Takaka

It is in the far northwest of the region that Golden Bay is located.This little corner of paradise will delight nature lovers.The location of the place does not make it easy to access but the detour to Farewell Spit is well worth the trip.This 34 -kilometer -long sand bench is impressive and is the host of a great diversity of animals like the Austral Fou or the Seal, but also many other beautiful creatures.To perfect it all, New Zealanders did not fail to notice that the shape of Farewell Spit takes the form of the country symbol, Kiwi.

In the wake of the passage to Farewell Spit, a stop at Wharariki Beach is essential.This beach, accessible after a short walk in the forest, will dazzle more than one.Again, the seals are at home and you will not fail to see them have fun or lounge on the sand.The sand dunes and the rock formations present on the beach add to the beauty of the places and during the beautiful days, the sunset is an event not to be missed.

Te Waikoropupu Springs is another natural wonder in the area.These sources of cold water are among the most clear in the world and have a very important meaning in Māori culture, which explains that it is forbidden to swim there.And we are completely content to simply admire his turquoise waters in which we see the fish swimming quietly, while listening to the birds sing in the manuka forests around.

Finally, beyond the very natural side, Golden Bay, it is also very welcoming small towns like Takaka, who are full of artists who will be delighted to make you discover their art and creations.

Bay cable - Rotokura

Half an hour drive north of Nelson, Cable Bay is a wonderful little gem to discover without moderation.The name of Cable Bay was assigned to him because it was here that the first telegraph cable connected New Zealand to Sydney in Australia in 1876.

There are many possibilities to browse the premises.By sea, kayak allows you to explore all small corners inaccessible from land.You can take breaks as you wish and possibly end the day by enjoying a magnificent sunset.The Horoirangi Marine Reserve is a privileged area which conceals a marine diversity to explore without limit in diving.

For those who prefer to stay on firm land, there are beautiful hikes to do, including Cable Bay Walkway.This path which connects Cable Bay to The Glen is traveled in about 3:30 am, one way or the other, the departure being possible of the 2 places.It is also possible to be only part of the path, up to the top of the first hill from Cable Bay for example, to have a magnificent view of the bay.