The Tasman region of Aotearoa is well known for the Abel Tasman multi-day hike through the Abel Tasman National Park. It’s a stunning few days’ hike through lush bush with many beaches and watering coves to stop and enjoy. However, not all of us like the idea of hiking for more than a day straight. We love a day hike but let’s be real. Sometimes you want to get out there but not have to spend the entire day hiking to your destination. Here is a list of the best short walks in Nelson/Tasman regions so you can experience the beauty of the bush here without having to hike for days and have all the hiking equipment to camp under the stars.
Don’t miss out on these regions just because the more intimidating hikes aren’t for you. Alternatively, you can use these short walks as a way to gear up for the longer hikes available in the region. The choice is up to you! Either way, you’ll want to check these out.
Be sure to check out our Instagram to see all of our favourite walks and hikes!
Wainui Falls
A there and back hike with a huge reward! 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!
Labyrinth Rocks
An easy yet fun 1.1km walk through a natural rock labyrinth! You’ll find many a dead end in the natural limestone canyons here. You’ll also stumble across many hidden figurines, which are just as fun for adults and kids alike to find in the maze. Less of a hike and much more a short walk with a sense of childlike fun and wonder. We did this on Easter and it felt like an egg hunt just without the chocolate eggs!
The Grove Scenic Reserve
Another limestone wonder in the region. The Grove is another short walk with a huge reward. You feel instantly transported from farmland into ancient bush with plenty of rātā trees and Nīkau palms. There are towering rock formations along the entire trail leading you to a natural rock lookout over the surrounding farmland. You’ll hear plenty of birds and see a few Piwakawaka (fantail birds) as you wander along this 1km km easy trail.
Sentinel Hill, Cable Bay
This one is short but steep! A 1.9km there and back hike to get incredible views out over Cable Bay and towards Whakatū (Nelson). This track is part of the Cable Bay walkway, a much longer day hike if you feel like going further. The hardest part is definitely getting to Sentinel Hill, but it is a magnificent spot to watch the waves roll in and have a little picnic on the hill as the sun goes down. The hike is through farmland with sheep grazing in the paddock. It’s steep and not shaded, but if you don’t go in the middle of the day, then it’s not too bad. Just be sure to pack plenty of water and some snacks to enjoy once you make it to the top!
Toka Ngawhā (Split Apple Rock)
There are many 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. Another there and back walk this one is only 0.6km long, but it is a bit of a workout to climb back up from the beach.
Kaiteriteri Beach
Make sure you time this walk along the beach for low tide. The golden sand and turquoise blue water of the beach are inviting any time of the year but the water is rather cold. Tiff would swim here year round, but Nathan definitely wouldn’t! Start out from the town and walk along the beach until you reach a walkway leading up the cliff to the Kaiteriteri lookout. No shoes required for this walk. It’s an easy 1 km walk enjoying the pristine waters and views from the lookout.
Lewes Cove
Another stunning beach close to Kaiteriteri, this one is more secluded and worth venturing to, even if you aren’t getting into the water. It’s a short 1km return walk to this small and rocky beach. It’s a steep climb down and back up, but as always, the views are worth it. This one has some really cool rock formations to the left of the beach and we didn’t encounter another human whilst we were here.
Te Waikoropupu Springs
The largest freshwater springs in Aotearoa, New Zealand and the largest cold water springs in the southern Hemisphere, the crystal clear water of Te Waikoropupu Springs, is not to be missed. An easy 1km walkway around the surrounding bush and springs will leave you breathless with wonder. The walk itself is very easy on a well-formed track with board walked sections. It is fully accessible to wheelchairs and prams. Be sure to read the boards at the start of the walk, telling you the history of this Tāpu (sacred) area and how to respect it whilst you visit.
Wharariki Beach
Another incredible beach that you really want to visit at low tide to get the most out of the walk. To get to the beach, you’ll walk across farmland and then through some coastal forest before reaching some sand dunes and then the beach itself. It’s a 2km there and back walk that can easily turn much longer depending on how much of the beach you choose to walk along once you get there. Be sure to explore the unique rock formations and keep an eye out for seals!
As Always, Leave No Trace is Super Important
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