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Where to stay in Nelson Tasman

Seven bases, from the city to the end of the road in Golden Bay. Drive times are approximate from Nelson Airport.

Kayaks at Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri & MārahauAbel Tasman start · 1 h from airport · 11 stays
Tōtaranui Beach, Golden Bay
Golden BayRemote beaches · 2 h from airport · 27 stays
Jumping off Māpua Wharf on a summer day
Māpua & Ruby CoastCycle trail & estuary · 30 min from airport · 24 stays
Trafalgar Street and Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson
Nelson CityCafés & markets · 10 min from airport · 32 stays
Motueka River
Motueka & RiwakaGateway town · 45 min from airport · 15 stays
Richmond main street
Richmond & WaimeaWineries & family base · 15 min from airport · 11 stays
Nelson Lakes National Park
Nelson Lakes & MurchisonLakes & rivers · 1 h 15 from airport · 3 stays

Areas compared

AreaFrom airportGood for
Kaiteriteri & Mārahau1 hWalking the Coast Track, kayaking, beach holidays, mountain biking.
Golden Bay2 hRemote beaches, longer stays, Heaphy Track walkers, slow travel.
Māpua & Ruby Coast30 minCouples, cyclists, a quieter base between Nelson and Abel Tasman.
Nelson City10 minFirst and last nights, travellers without a car, food and arts.
Motueka & Riwaka45 minValue, longer stays, day trips into both national parks.
Richmond & Waimea15 minFamilies, longer stays, cyclists, wine tasting.
Nelson Lakes & Murchison1 h 15Hikers, rivers and lakes, a stop on the way to the West Coast.