The Destination
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At the top of the South Island, you’ll discover a place that has something for everyone. Whether you are here for adventure, the outdoors, exploring the stunning natural landscapes – it’s all on offer. Relax on the best beaches in New Zealand, or discover the culture and arts scene for which Nelson is famous. Soak up the best food and wine – Nelson has it all, within a stone’s throw from our doorstep.
The adventures
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With three National Parks at the top of the South Island, there are plenty of walks, mountain bike tracks, and stunning sights to see.
The popular Abel Tasman National Park entices visitors with its clear, sheltered coastline, turquoise waters, and Tonga Island Marine Reserve.
The diverse landscape of the huge Kahurangi National Park, to the west of the region, offers remote adventure in an unspoiled environment, including one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’, the Heaphy Track.
Nelson Lakes National Park to the south offers an alpine landscape with majestic mountains and lakeside walks. It is home to the famous Rotomairewhenua / Blue Lake, a small lake in the northern reaches of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Sacred to local Māori, it has the clearest natural fresh water in the world.
All three parks are within a 90-minute drive from Nelson City, alternatively, you can opt for a scenic helicopter flight and view the amazing landscape from the air.
The beaches
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Nelson Tasman is one of the few places in New Zealand where you’ll find good temperatures all year round for water-based activities. The sea here is, of course, warmer in summer, but calmer and more predictable during winter, autumn, and spring. From Cable Bay to Tahunanui Beach, to Kaiteriteri Beach, and over the Takaka Hill to Golden Bay, there are plenty of options if you love to be on or near the water.
The food & wine
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Benefiting from a sunny, maritime climate, the picturesque valley vineyards of Nelson Tasman yield some of New Zealand’s most freshly scented, intensely flavoured sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir. Winery tours and cellar door experiences are a great way to savour the extraordinary wines created from both the rolling hills and the picturesque plains of the region.
Award-winning restaurants and cafes are dotted around the region, many of which love showcasing seasonal, regional produce on their menus. Offering everything from fine dining on the waterfront, to traditional Kiwi style comfort food in the heart of the city. Nelson Tasman is the perfect destination for foodie lovers, all year round.
Credit: www.nelsontasman.nz
The culture
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Nelson is well known for its ground-breaking artists and artisans that thrive amongst our community. The weekend community markets in both Nelson and Motueka showcase their wonderful talents. Follow the art trails to visit local artists in their studios throughout the Nelson-Tasman region.
Some things to do
Explore the Abel Tasman by Catamaran
Beachs, Bays and Seals Kayak
Full Day Sailing Adventure
Wine, Beer or Art Trail Tour
Relaxing Golfing Getaway
Explore Nelson by Helicopter
Guided Fishing for Trophy Trout
Guided Mountain Biking
Hiking and Exploring
Out of the ordinary cycle tours
Quad Bike Tours
Waka Abel Tasman Cultural Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Pīhopa Retreat is approximately 60 kilometres from Abel Tasman National Park, making it an ideal base for exploring one of New Zealand’s most iconic National Parks. The drive from Nelson City to the park entrance takes around 45 minutes to an hour. The team can help arrange sailing, helicopter tours, water taxis, guided walks, and day trips into the park.
The retreat is perfectly placed for some of New Zealand’s finest experiences. Abel Tasman National Park is within an hour’s drive for sea kayaking, coastal walks, and water taxi trips. The Nelson and Tasman regions are renowned for world-class food, wine, craft beer, galleries, and local markets. Guests also have access to three national parks within easy reach: Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes, and Kahurangi.
Nelson and the surrounding Tasman region is one of New Zealand’s most rewarding places for a luxury holiday. It has more sunshine hours than almost anywhere else in the country, a world-class food and wine scene, and landscapes that range from golden beaches to mountain lakes. As a base, Pīhopa offers the perfect combination of total comfort and easy access to the best of the region.
For luxury accommodation in Nelson, Pīhopa Retreat is the standout choice. Voted #1 Hotel in New Zealand by Condé Nast Traveller UK readers and holding a perfect 10/10 on Booking.com, it sits within five minutes of Nelson City centre on a historic estate with 5.5 acres of private gardens.
Pīhopa Retreat is approximately 10 minutes by car from Nelson Airport. The retreat team can help arrange transfers, or guests are welcome to hire a car and explore at their own pace. Complimentary taxis are offered for dining out in the evenings, so many guests find they need a vehicle less than expected once they have arrived and settled in.
Pīhopa is an excellent base for the Top of the South Island. Nelson City itself has an outstanding arts and food scene, and within easy reach are Abel Tasman National Park, the Marlborough wine region, Golden Bay, and Nelson Lakes National Park. For travellers doing a broader South Island journey, Pīhopa makes for a memorable starting or finishing point.
Pīhopa offers a range of curated packages that bring the very best of the region to your door. Highlights include a private heli-tour over Kahurangi National Park – as featured on TVNZ’s Lap of Luxury – and the Heli-Cruise Abel Tasman package, which combines a private cruise along the golden beaches and turquoise bays of Abel Tasman National Park with a gourmet lunch at Awaroa Bay, followed by a private helicopter flight high into the mountains. Luxury private guided tours and sailing trips can also be arranged, along with wine touring, classic car experiences, yoga weekends, and winter skiing at Rainbow Ski Field. The team tailors each package to the guest, so whatever you are hoping to experience in the region, the conversation starts well before you arrive.
