The Tasman region has quickly become one of our favourite spots in New Zealand. The golden sand beaches rival our favourite beach back home, the rugged coastline has so much incredible wildlife and the bush here is stunning. Add to that some really cute little towns, the birthplace of craft beer in New Zealand and fishing spots that guarantee a catch, and you have one of the best regions to visit during the warmer months. It was hard to narrow down just 10 of our favourite attractions in the region, but we think we have managed to give you a good spread of things to do in Tasman.
Be sure to check out our Instagram to see more adventures in the Tasman region!
Toka Ngawhā (Split Apple Rock)
There are many different ways you can view Toka Ngawhā (Split Apple Rock). From kayak tours, waka tours, boat tours and a walking trail. Our favourite (and the cheapest) is to simply walk to the beach, where the rock lives in the water.
Māori tradition tells that the rock was split in half by two feuding gods who were fighting over possession of the rock. The issue was resolved by using their strength to split the rock in half.
The walking track down to Towers Bay is a gradual decline to the water’s edge through thick bush. The bay is best accessed at low tide, when you can walk further along the golden sand, admiring the rock from different angles.
Abel Tasman Day Hike
You can’t come to the Tasman region and not walk at least some of the Abel Tasman track. There are heaps of options for smaller walks and day hikes, as well as multi-day hikes on this great walk track. We opted to catch a boat out to Bark Bay and walk back to Mārahau. This took us the entire day, but was well worth the effort! The track itself if well looked after and there are multiple swimming spots along the way.
For more info on this particular section of the track, head to our post all about our Abel Tasman Day Hike.
Fish and Smoke Your Own Salmon
Anatoki Salmon Fishing and Café is a must-do when in the Tasman region. It’s a salmon farm that lets you catch your own salmon, and then they’ll smoke it for you to eat. Grab yourself some fresh baked bread from Tākaka and some cream cheese from the shops before heading out to the salmon farm to catch your dinner!
If you are living your van life dreams, then you can stay the night for free in the grassed car park after catching your dinner. We caught a fish each and got more than two dinners out of it.
Tiff would like to point out that she caught her fish first!
Kayak from Mārahau
One of our favourite days to date in Aotearoa was the day we spent kayaking along the beaches of Abel Tasman national park. From Mārahau there are a few different hire companies that you can use to hire kayaks for half or full days. If kayaking by yourself isn’t your thing, you can book a fully guided tour instead.
We booked through R&R Kayaks and couldn’t fault them. The equipment is well looked after and you are given everything you need. Just bring your own food and water. We spent the day out on the water going to all the beaches, spotting seals playing in the water and swimming in it ourselves.
Janie Seddon Shipwreck
Located on the Motueka foreshore, this shipwreck won’t require you to get wet to view it. Come at low tide and you’ll be able to walk across the muddy beach front to get right up close to this impressive ship.
The ship has served in both world wars as a submarine mining vessel, after the war the ship was purchased to be the first in a fleet of fishing vessels in the Tasman region. After proving to be ineffective at this role, she was laid to rest.
The vessel makes an impressive wreck on the tidal sea floor of Motueka and is well worth walking out to after checking out the Motueka salt water baths.
Peruse Motueka Markets
One of the better markets in the region, the Motueka Markets have it all, from handmade crafts to street food, locally grown produce and a few excellent second-hand clothes stalls. We scored at the second hand clothes stores here, both of us walking away with basically new, brand name, flannel shirts that we had been trying to find for ages in various op-shops around Aotearoa.
Ngarua Caves
If you’ve been following our adventures for a while, you’ll know that we are big lovers of caves. We have explored every cave close to us at home and look out for them religiously whilst we are travelling. We had only heard about Ngarua Caves in passing from a local tour guide, so we didn’t think it would be an overly impressive cave system.
Well, we were very wrong on that front!
This cave is awesome! Filled with history and some very cool bones, you don’t want to miss touring this cave. You’ll also get shown a few Lord of the Rings filming locations on the walk back to the cave entrance. We can’t believe this isn’t on more travel lists, so make sure you don’t miss out on Ngarua caves!!
Wainui Falls
The Wainui Falls are impressive, a towering, cascading, thundering waterfall that is much bigger in person. In fact, this is the largest waterfall in the Mohua/Golden Bay Area. The hike totals 3.4kms return and is rather easy with only a few uphill strolls.
The walk is popular in summer as it’s a great swimming spot. You’ll start off in farmland and then progress to Nīkau palms, Rātā trees and ferns in a beautiful forest walking alongside the river. The water here is cold but worth a quick dip, so be sure to bring your bathers!
Wharariki Beach
One of the coolest beaches on the South Island. The rock formations here are incredible. You’ve probably seen them before in photos, so make sure you don’t miss out on experiencing the beauty in real life.
Try to go at low tide so you can walk the entire length of the beach and get to all the different rock formations. Keep an eye out for seals as you wonder the length of the beach, taking in these impressive cliffs and rock islands from every angle you can manage!
Hit The Bush and Discover Even More Great Spots!
There a so many great short walks in the Tasman region. Our favourites include the Grove Scenic Reserve and Te Waikoropupū Springs.
The Grove is a beautiful short walk through lush forest with majestic rock formations. You’ll get great views over the area and feel like you’ve hiked a long way to get to such incredible bush, but in reality it’s a short and easy walk.
Te Waikoropupū springs has the clearest water you will ever see. This Tāpu location is a must for any visit to the Tasman region and is filled with tranquil places to sit and admire the crystal clear spring water. For more short walks in the region, check out our short walks guide to Tasman here.
Keen for more inspo? Be sure to check out:
- 10 Anxiety Hacks for a Smooth Flight
- Navigating Aotearoa: Essential New Zealand Travel Apps and Websites
- 10 Hidden Gem South Island Photography Spots
Leave A Comment