Tasman District: Discover the Coast, Springs and Trails

More than 700 kilometres of open coastline and estuary shorelines are part of the Tasman District. In addition, there are more than 14,300 kilometres of rivers and streams, as well as 81 lakes, alpine lakes, wetlands, aquifers and springs. Natural and recreational destinations include Farewell Spit, Te Waikoropupū Springs, the Abel Tasman Coast Track and the Great Taste Trail. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether you want to focus on the coast, water, walking or cycling.

Coast and culturally significant springs

Farewell Spit is New Zealand’s longest sandspit. Te Waikoropupū Springs are New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs and also the largest cold-water springs in the Southern Hemisphere. For local Māori, the springs are a Taonga and a Wāhi Tapu—a place of great cultural and spiritual significance. Here, natural wonder and cultural significance go hand in hand.

Walks between coast, waterfall and lake

The Abel Tasman Coast Track can be walked year-round; it is busiest from October to April. You can walk the entire track or take a water taxi or kayak between different locations. Along the track there are four huts and 18 campsites, which must be booked in advance year-round. Check the booking information before planning an overnight stay, and check the tides, weather and current track notices before setting out.

A shorter walking destination is Wainui Falls: a short path leads through lush native bush to the cascading waterfalls. They are the largest and most accessible waterfalls in Golden Bay/Mohua. Check the weather and stream conditions before setting out. For the Lake Rotoiti Circuit, the Department of Conservation describes its suitability for families with children. You can cover part of the route by water taxi; there is also the option of staying overnight in a hut. Check water taxi availability before your trip.

Cycling routes with different sequences of stops

The Great Taste Trail is part of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail. Its coastal route runs from Nelson to Richmond, Richmond to Māpua, Māpua to Motueka, and Motueka to Kaiteriteri. The rail-trail route runs from Richmond to Brightwater, Brightwater to Wakefield, and on to Tapawera. These sequences of places provide specific guidance when planning your cycling trip; check for current trail closures before riding.

The views also define the Great Taste Trail: the route offers sweeping views of coastal and mountain landscapes across Tasman Bay, the Waimea Estuary and the Western Ranges. The coastal route and rail-trail route therefore follow different paths, while both are part of the same trail. Which sequence of places you focus on depends on which section best fits your travel plans.

Engineering history at the Pupu Hydro Scheme

The Pupu Hydro Scheme is now a working museum. It is the earliest known hydroelectric power station for public electricity supply in Nelson and Marlborough. A Department of Conservation track gives visitors access to the associated penstock, water race and intake pond. This lets you explore the history of the scheme alongside its named technical components.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Murchison, Brightwater, Motueka, Takaka, Parapara, Ngatimoti, Mapua, Richmond, Anatori, Upper Moutere, Nelson Lakes National Park, Saint Arnaud, Owen River, Mahana, Wakefield, Kikiwa, Marahau.

For the broader travel overview: Tasman.