Getting to Nelson Tasman is easy with over 400 direct flights in and out from New Zealand’s main centres every week – its just 75 minutes flying time from Auckland, 30 minutes from Wellington and 50 minutes form Christchurch. And a little over 1 hour 45 minutes driving from Picton or 5 hours from Christchurch.
You’re only got three days and want to know the best way to experience the city’s major attractions? We’ve got you covered.
Your journey begins in Cable Bay, where a short trek through the farmland to Sentinel Hill will reward you with panoramic views over the rocky headlands that encircle the calm and serene bay. Relax here for a while, revelling in the beauty of this historic marine reserve, before heading down the road to the Cable Bay Adventure Park for some adrenaline pumping action. Whether you choose to go paint balling, quad biking, mountain-biking or zipping through the treetops on the skywire, we can almost guarantee you won’t want to leave.
Back in the city, take a stroll along the length of the Maitai River, weaving through the central business district and crossing over a footbridge to the base of Botanical Hill. Here, set proudly atop the hill, you’ll find the Centre of New Zealand viewing platform, the central trig point from the 1870’s, and a place offering panoramic views over Tasman Bay and the Western Ranges. Returning to the city along the waters edge, you may choose to end your day dining alfresco at one of the riverside restaurants, before retreating to your private poolside studio. Or, you could head to the buzzing central dining precinct at the Top of Trafalgar, moving between restaurants for each course in a moveable feast extravaganza, before a luxurious night stay at a 5-star hotel.
The next day, you’ll start your day at the Nelson Classic Car Museum, perusing the world renowned classic car collection and taking a stroll down memory lane.
Just around the corner is Pics World of Peanut Butter, offering weekday factory tours for curious peanut butter converts to watch as the ingredients are crushed, roasted, pumped and sealed to create the delicious spread we all know and love. The hunger pangs are bound to have kicked in by now, so the next stop is McCashins Brewery, Kitchen and Bar on Main Road Stoke. Here, you can opt for a brewery tour and tasting, or simply kick back in the beer garden with a cold brew and some delicious food, before retreating to your accommodation on the Monaco Peninsula for a night in your very own terraced apartment.
As a new day dawns, it’s time to head out to one of Nelson Tasman’s extraordinary national parks – Nelson Lakes. The alpine village of St Arnaud welcomes visitors all year round, from those seeking out a snow adventure at Rainbow Ski Field, to those who see Lake Rotoiti as a water-sport paradise. Explore the majestic beauty of this pristine place with a lakeside walk, or head deeper into the forest canopy toward the towering Whisky Falls.
See here for the list of operators featuring in this itinerary
https://www.nelsontasman.nz/visit-nelson-tasman/itineraries/3-5-day-itineraries/nelson-highlights/
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