Tasman District: Coastlines, Springs and Cycle Trails

In Tasman District, open coast and river estuaries meet springs, waterfalls and routes for cycling and hiking. The district has more than 700 km of open coast and estuary shorelines. It also has more than 14,300 km of rivers and streams, as well as 81 lakes, alpine lakes, wetlands, aquifers and springs. When planning a trip here, you can choose from a wide variety of landscapes and experiences.

Water, coast and distinctive natural places

Farewell Spit is New Zealand’s longest sandspit. Te Waikoropupū Springs offer a different perspective on the water landscape: they are New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs and the largest cold-water springs in the Southern Hemisphere. For local Māori, they are a taonga and a wāhi tapu—a place of great cultural and spiritual significance. Landscape and cultural significance go hand in hand here; the springs are therefore more than just a natural attraction to include in your travel plans.

Springs and the history of hydropower

The Pupu Hydro Scheme also connects water with a distinctive chapter of regional history. Today it is a working museum and is considered the earliest known hydroelectric power station to supply public electricity in Nelson and Marlborough. A Department of Conservation track gives visitors access to the associated penstock, water race and headpond. A visit lets you explore both the historic facility and its water-engineering features.

Cycle routes with varied stages

The Great Taste Trail is part of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail. Its sweeping views extend across Tasman Bay, Waimea Estuary and the Western Ranges. The coastal route runs from Nelson to Richmond, on to Māpua and Motueka, and then to Kaiteriteri. The rail trail route runs from Richmond to Brightwater, from Brightwater to Wakefield, and on to Tapawera. This lets you include two different sequences of named trail sections in your cycling plans. Check for current trail closures before setting out.

Hikes, waterways and day trips

The Abel Tasman Coast Track can be walked year-round and is busiest from October to April. Visitors can walk the entire track or use a water taxi or kayak to travel between different locations. There are four huts and 18 campsites along the track; they must be booked in advance year-round. Before setting out, check the tides, weather and track alerts.

The Lake Rotoiti Circuit is explicitly a suitable option for a hike with children: the loop track is suitable for families with children. You can also take a water taxi for one leg of the journey or stay overnight in a hut. Check water taxi availability before planning your trip.

A short walk through lush native bush leads to the cascading Wainui Falls. They are among the largest and most accessible waterfalls in Golden Bay/Mohua. Check the weather and stream conditions before setting out. This gives you the choice of a short walk and a clearly identified waterfall destination, alongside longer routes.

Use experiences to guide your accommodation search

When looking for a hotel, you can first decide which planned experiences matter most. The Great Taste Trail offers a choice between the named coastal and rail trail sections; on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, you can choose to walk the whole track or use a water taxi or kayak between locations. The Lake Rotoiti Circuit adds an explicitly family-friendly hiking option. These differences can help you decide what kind of trip you want before choosing your accommodation.

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.