Around Nelson Tasman

Abel Tasman National Park

Kaiteriteri and Marahau, the southern gateways of Abel Tasman National Park are 70 minutes drive north-west of Nelson city.  Follow State Highway 6 south from Nelson and turn right onto State Highway 60.  After passing through the township of Motueka, continue for 14 km to Kaiteriteri and 18km to Marahau.  The park is also accessible by road from Golden Bay at the northern end of the park.  Helicopter and fixed wing aircraft also provide transfers to Awaroa at the north end of the park.

Murchison and Nelson Lakes National Park

A one hour 30 minute drive south from Nelson will take you to the alpine village of St Arnaud at the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park.  Head south on State Highway 6 and turn left onto State Highway 63 to St Arnaud.  For Murchison at the southern edge of the Kahurangi National Park, continue on State Highway 6. Bus services connect Nelson to St Arnaud on demand.  Scenic water taxi operate on lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa on demand.

Golden Bay

Golden Bay's main township of Takaka is a one hour 50 minute drive from Nelson city on State Highway 60.  Care should be taken on the Takaka Hill or 'Marble Mountain' as the road is extremely windy and narrow in places.  To reach Collingwood, the starting point for tours of Farewell Spit, continue for another 35 minutes past Takaka.  Head inland from Collingwood to reach the edge of the Kahurangi National Park and the start of the Heaphy Track.  Regular road transport is available from Nelson to Golden Bay.  Fixed wing aircraft operators will arrange road transfers to the start of the Heaphy Track and provide return flights from the end of the track at Karamea on the West Coast.

Driving times.... it's closer than you think!