Covering a large swathe of the South Island, spectacular Tasman borders the wine regions of Marlborough, the city of Nelson and the West Coast Region. With the Tasman Sea glittering to one side, and the Tasman Mountains dominating the skyline in the other, this is a wonderfully wild, rugged landscape, perfect for outdoorsy explorers and wildlife enthusiasts. You’ll find the best places to stay in Tasman nestled amidst vast forests, on clifftops or close to big beaches. Often small and intimate, our selection of top spots offer a plethora of activities for guests of all ages.
Active explorers will delight in discovering the Abel Tasman National Park — the smallest in New Zealand — the Nelson Lakes National Park and the Kahurangi National Park. Spend your days sailing between expansive beaches and craggy coves, kayaking with pods of dolphins, or picnicking on the sand. Verdant landscapes are criss-crossed with hiking, horse riding and mountain biking trails, too. The 60km Abel Tasman Coastal Track, for instance, is the most popular of NZ’s 'Great Walks’. Keen anglers can fish in the region’s many rivers or out at sea, whilst bird watchers will spot all manner of endemic birdlife in the National Parks, marshes and along riverbanks. Consider, too, vineyard tastings, historic walks around towns such as Mapua, and cultural tours to delve into the region’s long Maori heritage.
In addition to offering our favourite accommodation options, many of the best places to stay in Tasman also have terrific restaurants and soothing spas for relaxing after big days of adventure.