Nelson, Tasman, the Abel Tasman

The Tasman and Nelson Regions of New Zealand

Located at the top of New Zealand's South Island, the Tasman and Nelson regions enjoy some of the longest sunshine hours in the country

The region is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts, with three national parks, great trout fishing, beautiful beaches and an amazing coastline.

Enjoy walking one of New Zealand's Great Walks, which you can by visiting the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Alpine tramping (hiking) is available in the Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks - it's all here.

We’re happy to book guided or unaccompanied activities for you. Trout fishing in some of the world’s best trout rivers. Take a cruise, try walking, cruising and sea kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park. Keep an eye out for the New Zealand fur seal and the little blue penguin along the way.

Or Enjoy Arts, Crafts, Vineyards, Wineries, Museums...

Nelson is renowned for its café culture and excellent fare. Why not take a wine tour through the region and enjoy a tasting or two? Stop and enjoy some of the artisans, or pop in to one of the lovely cafés or restaurants for an excellent meal.

If you're here over the weekend make sure you take time to visit the Nelson market - held on Saturday mornings, artisans come from near and far to exhibit their crafts - delectable food is also on offer.

Tasman is the only region in New Zealand where hops are grown. Not surprisingly a number of micro breweries have been established here and New Zealand's oldest pub, the Moutere Inn, sells locally crafted beers - it is only a 10 minute walk away from the Hopkiln, so you can enjoy some of New Zealand's finest craft beers.

If you have time take a wander out to the Motueka market on Sunday morning, a smaller, local market.

Or visit one of the galleries or museums in the area. Motueka has a small, fascinating museum while Nelson has a larger one as well as the World of Wearable Arts Museum.

Upper Moutere, Tasman

Hopkiln Accommodation is situated in the historic village of Upper Moutere, formerly known as Sarau, an historical German settlement in the Tasman district near Nelson.

Upper Moutere is located between Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park, so is a great area to base yourself in so you can enjoy all that the Nelson and Tasman regions have to offer.

Hopkiln Accommodation overlooks the Moutere Valley. To the east are views of the Kahurangi Vineyard and to the west, the Moutere Hop Gardens, with a backdrop of Kahurangi National Park's Mount Arthur Range.

Kahurangi National Park is a great area to explore and walks range from lovely day walks through New Zealand native bush to mult-day tramps (hikes) into alpine conditions. Another of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Heaphy Track, is in the Kahurangi National Park.

We're only a relaxed 20 minute drive from the Nelson Airport and Motueka. You can pop over to Mapua and enjoy some of the galleries and restaurants in Mapua. You can be at the golden beaches of Kaiteri or into the Abel Tasman National Park within 30 minutes. The Abel Tasman offers beautiful bay and beach walks as well as the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.

Or you can walk into Upper Moutere township. Pastor Heine's original homestead still stands in the Upper Moutere village, as well as an original settler's cottage. The historic church is a beautiful, interesting building.

Upper Moutere has a range of artisans and crafts people, a general store, café, church, petrol station, the oldest pub in New Zealand (which also serves food), local produce sellers, a fish and chip shop as well as local wineries, so why not enjoy a wine tasting while you're here.

A local guide is also available to take you climbing, abseiling or exploring the Nelson and Tasman regions.

Book a romantic escape, a weekend break or a holiday and relax at the Hopkiln Accommodation, here in the Nelson and Tasman regions.

Some New Zealand Links

Here are some links that may help you plan your holiday while enjoying the Tasman and Nelson regions of New Zealand.

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle Enjoy a water taxi ride in New Zealand's Abel Tasman

Tophouse Historic Hotel Lovely accommodation between Nelson & St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes

Moutere Inn New Zealand's oldest pub with a wide selection of craft beers, local wines & great meals - Winner of the Rural Destination of the Year Award 2011.

Wharfside Restaurant Seaside dining in Mapua, Wharfside offer delicious food.