Top things to do in Nelson in winter

Follow the Great Taste Trail

Pedal through a flavour-filled paradise on Nelson's Great Taste Trail, a scenic cycling route that leads to food, wine and art. While the trail is quieter in winter, with the Māpua ferry only operating on weekends, the scenery is fresh and green as you bike between cafes, pubs, breweries and galleries at your own pace. Choose a day trip or commit to the full 174km loop. You can hire e-bikes and comfort bikes in Nelson, Māpua or Kaiteriteri.

Hike the Abel Tasman National Park

Make the most of Abel Tasman National Park's stunning coastal track on a half or full-day hiking adventure. Water taxis can zip you deep into the park, letting you access spectacular trail sections like Torrent Bay to Bark Bay, Bark Bay to Anchorage or Onetahuti to Awaroa Bay. Alternatively, you can embark on a there-and-back hike from Mārahau. The well-maintained track wanders through native forest to beaches, coves, rock formations and wildlife sightings.

Stay in an Abel Tasman beachfront lodge

Get a total Abel Tasman National Park experience by staying at Wilsons' beachfront lodges at either Torrent Bay or Awaroa. These absolute-beachfront lodges offer a comfortable stay with ensuite rooms and delicious food. Best of all, expert hosts will help you plan magnificent adventures in the national park - including kayaking, hiking and fur seal watching.

Multiple trails for mountain biking

Winter mountain biking in Nelson Tasman is a best-kept-secret for keen riders. While some other regions battle mud and wet conditions, Nelson Tasman offers fantastic riding throughout the cooler months, with good traction around corners and less sweat on the uphills. From the advanced tracks of Codgers in the heart of Nelson city to the beginner trails of Kaiteriteri MTB Park, there are more than 15 locations for epic or easy-going mountain biking. A range of mountain bikes are available for hire, including premium dual-suspension models.

Be amazed by Te Ramaroa Light Festival

Winter nights are bright and beautiful at Nelson's Te Ramaroa Light Festival, when the city transforms into an enchanted wonderland of illuminated art. Local and national artists weave their magic throughout central Nelson, creating a captivating tapestry of light. Interactive displays bring historic laneways to life, while dramatic projections dance across Piki Mai/Church Hill. Free to see, this community-crafted biennial celebration turns the darkest nights into a brilliant showcase of creativity.

Have a thrilling day in Cable Bay

Whatever your age, there's a right-size thrill waiting for you at Cable Bay Adventure Park. Zoom down one of the world's longest flying foxes at speeds up to 100kmph, explore scenic trails on quad bikes or mountain bikes, or battle it out on the newly expanded paintball field. For a gentler kind of excitement, meet friendly farm animals, feed tame eels or stroll along the river. E-bikes and mountain bikes can be hired on-site.

Watch the stars at Wai-iti Reserve Dark Sky Park

Experience the magic of the Milky Way at Wai-iti Reserve, just south of Wakefield. This historic 135-hectare recreational reserve is an official Dark Sky Park (recognised by Dark Sky International), which means there's minimal light pollution to spoil the stargazing experience. Bring your own binoculars or telescope and use a star map app on your phone to identify planets, stars, constellations and galaxies.

Admire the region's grandeur from a helicopter

Soar above Nelson Tasman on a crystal-clear winter's day to see snow-dusted mountains, ancient forests, golden beaches and the glittering ocean in a breathtaking non-stop panorama. Your helicopter flight reveals Abel Tasman's stunning coastline, the intricate maze of Marlborough Sounds and the rugged beauty of Kahurangi National Park. With winter's crisp air offering exceptional visibility, nothing stands in the way of an outstanding aerial adventure.

Glide through glowing waters on a paddle board

Let Nelson's night-time waters enchant you on a totally lit paddle boarding safari. As dusk falls, your illuminated paddleboard creates an ethereal glow beneath the water while you glide past Tāhunanui Beach and Fifeshire Rock. Expert guides keep you safe as you discover marine nightlife and watch Nelson's city lights twinkle along the waterfront. Winter-weight wetsuits are provided, so you'll stay cosy.

Dine out at the edge of the ocean

Fresh seafood meets spectacular views at Nelson Tasman's best water's edge restaurants. Savour locally-caught fish at The Boat Shed Café in Nelson or enjoy classic fish and chips at Jellyfish Restaurant in Māpua. For brunch or lunch on the coast, try Brick Eatery or The Styx.

Leap for joy with Skydive Abel Tasman

Tick skydiving off your bucket list with a spectacular skydive over Abel Tasman National Park, where mountains meet the ocean to completely blow your mind. Choose from three thrilling heights: 10,000ft for first-timers, 13,000ft for the full experience or the ultimate 16,500ft jump with oxygen masks for maximum adrenaline. Your experienced tandem master ensures you're in safe hands while you soar above views of golden beaches, turquoise bays and dramatic mountain ranges.

Enjoy the snow at Rainbow Ski Area

Surround yourself with winter magic at Rainbow Ski Area, where pristine slopes rise to 1,760 metres in the heart of Nelson's mountains. Rainbow offers well-groomed trails for beginners, a choice of blue trails for intermediates, and epic powder runs and chutes for advanced skiers. Snowboarders love Rainbow's terrain park for thrilling jumps and drops, all set against spectacular alpine views.

See the glow-worms at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

Step into a world of nocturnal magic at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, where the sheltered banks are home to thousands of glow-worms.  Naturally lit by the worms' bioluminescent display, this after-dark winter tour offers a unique peek into the sanctuary's nocturnal world. Keep your ears alert for calls of ruru (morepork) and other night-loving creatures. This 90-minute adventure begins at 6.30pm.