6 Best National Park Tours In Nelson

Nelson, on New Zealand’s South Island, is a hub for exploring some of the country’s most stunning coastal and mountain scenery. Thanks to its prime location, Nelson offers a variety of national park tours that showcase Abel Tasman National Park’s golden beaches, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re into sailing, hiking, or even helicopter flights, Nelson’s diverse landscape makes it easy to find a tour that suits your style. For instance, the Full-Day Sailing Adventure offers a relaxed way to see the coast from the water, while the Private Boat Charter provides personalized exploration on your own schedule.

What we love most about Nelson’s offerings is their variety—ranging from laid-back days on the water to more adventurous hikes or helicopter trips that pinch you right into remote Alpine lakes. The options are thoughtfully designed to cater to different interests, fitness levels, and budgets, making Nelson a perfect base for discovering nature’s best in New Zealand.

Quick Overview

The best national park tours in Nelson include sailings along the coast, guided hikes, private boat charters, scenic helicopter rides, and even a wilderness helicopter and land combination. Each offers unique ways to experience Abel Tasman National Park and nearby wilderness areas, with detailed insights and personalized options. Below, we break down each tour with what makes it special and who it’s best suited for.

1. Full-Day Sailing Adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park

Starting your day in Nelson with a Full-Day Sailing Adventure means you skip the hiking and get straight to the coast’s highlights. This 7.5-hour boat trip departs Kaiteriteri and takes you past iconic sights like Split Apple Rock, a natural formation that looks like a sliced apple—perfect for photos. The boat glides past Adele Island, where you can spot fur seals and native birds. The crew takes care of everything, including a packed picnic lunch, hot drinks, and light refreshments, making it an ideal choice if you want to relax and soak up scenery without hiking.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on marine wildlife and scenic viewpoints, with plenty of time to swim, walk in the forest, or just lounge on deck. Reviews consistently praise the crew’s professionalism and the trip’s laid-back vibe—fitting for families, couples, or anyone who prefers a day on the water. The only potential downside is if the wind’s light, the sailing might be less dynamic, but the views compensate for that.

Bottom line: For a relaxed, informative, and scenic day that combines wildlife, iconic rock formations, and a lovely boat ride, this sailing adventure is hard to beat.

2. Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise

For those who love to walk, the Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise offers a perfect blend of land and water exploration. This 8-hour small-group trip starts with hotel or port pickup in Nelson, then travels to Kaiteriteri. The guide takes care of logistics, including a water taxi ride into the heart of the park and a guided hike along sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track—one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

The tour emphasizes personalized service and safety, with a knowledgeable guide sharing insights about flora, fauna, and Maori history, ensuring you avoid the pitfalls of wandering solo. Lunch is included, keeping you energized for the day. Guests rave about guides like Blair and Lucy, who are praised for their engaging storytelling and flexibility—whether hikers want a leisurely stroll or a more challenging trek.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on local ecology and cultural context, along with its capacity to tailor the experience to your fitness level. The only potential drawback is that it’s pricier, but the personalized guide experience adds value.

Bottom line: This hike-and-cruise combo is ideal for travelers who want a guided, immersive day with expert insights and the chance to explore both land and sea in the park.

3. Private boat charter in Abel Tasman National Park

If you’re after the ultimate flexible experience, the Private Boat Charter is a fantastic choice. Costing around $1,986 for up to 8 people, this 6-hour trip is all about customization. Your skipper can craft an itinerary that includes hiking, swimming, kayaking, or just soaking up the scenery—beaches, forests, and wildlife included.

This experience is perfect if you’re traveling with friends, family, or a small group who want a personalized adventure. The skipper can take you to specific spots like Tonga Island Marine Reserve to see NZ fur seals sunbathing or explore hidden coves. The flexibility to include activities like snorkeling or paddling makes this option stand out.

Guests highlight the ability to tailor the day, plus the charm of having a local skipper who knows the area intimately. The main consideration is the price—though it’s an investment, it’s a private experience packed with diverse scenery and activities.

Bottom line: For a fully customizable day on the water, this private boat charter delivers a personal, flexible, and scenic adventure suited for groups wanting control over their itinerary.

4. Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National Park

If you want a taste of both sailing and walking, the Cruise, Walk, and Sail offers a half-day experience that captures the park’s essentials. Departing Kaiteriteri by water taxi, you’ll see sights like Split Apple Rock and Fisherman Island before reaching Anchorage Bay, where you can walk a scenic loop—about 1 to 1.5 hours—through bush and along the coast.

The tour provides a good balance for those short on time but eager to experience diverse landscapes and observe native wildlife like fur seals. After the walk, a three-hour sail takes you further into the park, with views of coves, islands, and beaches. Light refreshments and commentary on the park’s ecology and Maori history are included, making it engaging without being overly strenuous.

While this tour is less comprehensive than the full-day options, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a quick but rich snapshot of Abel Tasman’s coastal beauty. It’s especially suited for those who want a combined land-sea experience without a whole day commitment.

Bottom line: For a compact, scenic intro to Abel Tasman with the option to walk and sail, this tour hits the spot.

5. Heli-Picnic Alpine Lake Kahurangi National Park

For a truly special experience, the Heli-Picnic to Alpine Lake Kahurangi National Park offers a 60-minute helicopter flight that lands you at a remote alpine lake. This luxury trip is perfect for those who want to combine breathtaking mountain scenery with a touch of adventure. Once you land, there’s a short walk to a nearby waterfall, and you can simply relax by the glistening lake.

The tour emphasizes spectacular views of mountain ranges and beaches, with plenty of photo opportunities. It’s ideal for travelers who are comfortable with helicopter travel and looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The small group nature of this tour makes it intimate, and reviews describe it as “breathtaking” and “worth every penny.”

The main drawback is the high price—around $2,963 per group—but the scenery and exclusivity are unmatched. This trip suits travelers who value luxury and remote wilderness experiences.

Bottom line: If you’re seeking a private, scenic helicopter adventure with a picnic in the mountains, this is the tour for you.

6. Te Tau Ihu West Coast Wilderness

For the most extensive exploration, the Te Tau Ihu West Coast Wilderness combines flights over Kahurangi National Park, The West Coast, and Abel Tasman. Over 5 hours, this luxury tour includes mountain and beach landings, visits to Wharariki Beach—famous for its natural arches—and the long Farewell Spit.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an all-encompassing experience, ticking off multiple iconic sights in one day. The flight itself offers sweeping views of mountains, beaches, and coastal wetlands, while the stops provide opportunities for short walks and wildlife viewing.

Guests mention the breathtaking landscapes and the personalized nature of the trip. The main consideration is the cost, over $5,068 for up to 6 people, which makes it more suitable for those seeking a premium experience.

Bottom line: For maximum diversity and exclusive access to the wild West Coast and beyond, this comprehensive helicopter tour is hard to beat.

How to Choose Your Nelson National Park Tour

If you’re trying to decide among these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and how much time you want to dedicate. For relaxed boat lovers, the sailing or private charter (full details) are ideal. If you prefer guided walks, the hiking and cruise offers a well-organized day with cultural insights. For those craving unique scenery, the heli-picnic provides an exclusive adventure, while the West Coast Wilderness is perfect for multi-sightseeing thrill-seekers.

Booking early is recommended for popular tours, especially helicopter trips or private charters, to secure your preferred dates. Think about your activity level—hiking tours require moderate fitness, while boat trips are more leisurely. And if you’re traveling with kids or seniors, look for options with less physical activity.

Final Thoughts

Nelson’s diverse options make it a top choice for exploring New Zealand’s natural beauty. For a relaxed day on the water, the full-day sailing is hard to beat, while thrill-seekers might opt for the heli-picnic for its wow factor. Those wanting a personalized experience will appreciate the private boat, and adventure travelers wanting to see multiple sights should consider the West Coast Wilderness.

Whatever your style, Nelson’s national park tours promise unforgettable scenery and authentic outdoor experiences. Book early to lock in your spot, and prepare for a memorable journey into New Zealand’s wild side.