Nelson/Tasman Off The Beaten Path

  New Zealand fur seal basking on Tonga...
by JohanIsWeg
 
  • New Zealand fur seal basking on Tonga Island
      New Zealand fur seal basking on Tonga...
    by JohanIsWeg
  • Wharariki Beach
      Wharariki Beach
    by vtveen
  • Pupu Springs: crystal clear water
      Pupu Springs: crystal clear water
    by vtveen
  • young seals at Wharariki Beach
      young seals at Wharariki Beach
    by vtveen
  • Takaka Hill
      Takaka Hill
    by vtveen
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Pupu Springs

by vtveen

Pupu Springs is New Zealand's largest freshwater spring (the official name is Waikoropupu Springs; in Maori waikoropupu means "bubbling water"). The water is coming from the Takaka River and is absolutely crystal clear and the colours are amazing. The springs are situated in a scenic reserve with a short loop track on a board walk along the spring and over some streams. We also saw some divers in the spring. But we don't know if it is allowed, so please first make some enquiries.Pupu Springs is situated 7 km's north west of the village of Takaka along highway 60.; north west of Kaiteriteri and Motueka.

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Golden Bay and Wharariki Beach

by vtveen

Leave Kaiteriteri to the north over a very scenic road to Takaka Hill. On your way to the top (972 m) panoramic views of both Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and later some lookouts of Takaka Valley.Takaka is the place for a cup of coffee or tea. What do you think of the famous Wholemeal Cafe ? ?It is almost impossible, but it will even be more quiet when you drive along Golden Bay to Collingwood and Puponga. Beaches and beaches as far as you can see. Puponga has a visitor information centre and is starting point for (guided) tours to Farewell Spit.Take the gravel road for 6 km to a car park. Put on your walking boots and follow the track to Wharariki Beach through grassland, climb over some gates and you will reach the dunes. Suddenly you are on the last (or first) line of dunes and a splendid beach is waiting for you. During our visit a strong wind was blowing the white sand and it was...

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Buller Gorge Swingbridge

by vtveen

Although not the most original swingbridge we found in New Zealand, it was rather nice to visit the Buller Gorge Swingbridge. It is for sure the longest of the country with a length of 110 metres and it is 17 metres above the Buller River. Most 'dangerous' during the crossing is the moment when we had to pass other visitors; the bridge is rather narrow and started to swing real seriously !!On the other side of the river is a loop walk along remnants of the gold mining activities, which took place on this area. Most interesting is the so called White's Creek Faultline: where the Murchinson earthquake of 1929 caused a displacement of 41/2 metres height.We walked back over the bridge, but it is possible to take the Comet Line; the first commercial long distance flying fox in New Zealand. Visiting the Buller Gorge Swingbridge is a nice stop on the way between the West Coast and Abel Tasman...

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Abel Tasman - discoverer of New Zealand

by vtveen

For 'Dutchies' a must see activity, for other people perhaps an off the beaten path tip.Abel Tasman was born in a small village in the Netherlands called Lutjegast in 1603. He was a famous discoverer, who was engaged in several trips in the Dutch Indies and the north-western Pacific. On an expedition from Batavia to the "South Land" in 1642 he discovered Tasmania.He sailed further east till sighted unknown land on 13 December. He anchored in the so called "Murderers Bay". The land was named "Statenland", but later changed to New Zealand. The Dutch were not made very welcome and the Maori's killed four seamen. Tasman continued to the North along the west coast of New Zealand to its most northern point. Tasman named it Cape Maria van Diemen, after the name of the wife of the Governor-General of the Dutch Indies (Antonio van Diemen), who dispatched Tasman on several voyaces.There are two...

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Takaka & Murderes Bay

by pepples46

it was here on this Coast , where Abel Tasman..the dutch explorer had his only contact with the Maori People..4 of his crew where killed, A.T. never set foot on this Island...the Bay was later named ..Murderes Bay, if you ask me, pretty aweful name for such a beautiful spot

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The Centre of New Zealand

by Morepork

This Piccy is not really OFF the beaten path but is a pleasant spot on the outskirts of Nelson & is reputed to be The Centre of New Zealand. If you look beyond the trees & slightly to the left is the actual spot.Delightful place.

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Unique Places in Nelson/Tasman

Top 3 Hotels in Nelson/Tasman

DeLorenzo's Studio Apartments Nelson  Nelson

 1 Review and 40 Opinions  Steer clear if you expect clean, ironed sheets. On turning bed down, we found un-ironed, and... 

 Hotels in Nelson

Riversong Cottages  Murchison

 8 Opinions

 Hotels in Murchison

Flag Inn Alpine Lodge  Saint Arnaud

 1 Review and 34 Opinions  The Alpine Lodge is hard to miss in St. Arnaud - the fact that it is the only Hotel there may have... 

 Hotels in Saint Arnaud

78 Hotels in Nelson/Tasman
 
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Reviews and photos of Nelson/Tasman attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Nelson/Tasman sightseeing.

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Off The Beaten Path: Cities in Nelson/Tasman
  1. Nelson Off The Beaten Path
  2. Abel Tasman National Park Off The Beaten Path
  3. Takaka Off The Beaten Path
  4. Kaiteriteri Off The Beaten Path

More Cities in Nelson/Tasman

 

Questions and Answers

JohanIsWeg profile photo

Q:  It seems to me there are quite a few tramping and kayaking options for someone with limited time. The question is: which is the... 

Kakapo2 profile photo

A: For your walk you do not only have to choose the most picturesque parts but also consider that you have low and high tide sections between Totaranui and Awaroa Bay and... 

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