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Luxury Nelson and Abel Tasman Tours made for you

Sun drenched coastlines and stunning national parks

From the thriving art scene of Nelson, to the country’s smallest national park, this region has a lot to offer

New Zealand’s sunniest region has a diverse geography ripe for exploring from golden sand beaches to dense forests, the clearest fresh water lake in the world and secluded, enticing rivers. At the heart of it all is a creative, easy-going city deemed one of New Zealand’s most liveable.

The area boasts a thriving art scene with galleries and stalls to explore throughout Nelson city. Each weekend one of the country’s best markets is held just off the main street, selling everything from freshly picked cherries in summer, wood crafts, regional wines, fresh produce, vintage ware, every cuisine you can imagine and sublime coffee. It’s well worth a visit to get a taste of the laidback life lead by Nelsonians.

The region’s biggest attraction is the Abel Tasman National Park, the country’s smallest national park that frequents the front pages of tourist brochures with its dream-like golden sand beaches, emerald green waters and friendly fur seal population. Hike, boat or kayak into one of its many beaches and coves. The main gateways to the park are the small seaside town of Kaiteriteri which has boomed with extravagant houses of the rich and famous and the more rustic, low-key settlement Marahau.

While the Abel Tasman is the star of the region, Nelson area offers endless outdoor pursuits from swimming or fly fishing in its numerous and secluded rivers, to excellent hiking trails particularly in Nelson Lakes where you can head in over several days to reach what has recently been recognised as the clearest freshwater in the world at the Blue Lake.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our Nelson and Abel Tasman specialists

Kayak to secluded coves

Explore Abel Tasman National Park. Embark on hikes, boat rides or kayak to one of its many beaches and coves.

Fly fish on the world's clearest lake

Go hiking and fly fishing in Nelson, where you’ll find the clearest freshwater in the world at the Blue Lake.

Browse Nelson's weekend markets

Peruse the markets of Nelson, where you’ll find wood crafts, regional wines, fresh produce and vintage ware.

A word from one of our experts

Abel Tasman may be New Zealand’s smallest national park, but its landscapes are among the country’s most diverse. I recommend kayaking around the golden coast’s emerald waters, watching for dolphins and New Zealand fur seals. Or enjoy a guided walk along the southern section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, where swathes of coastal forest cascade down into the sand.

Rosanna Convey Travel Designer

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Whatever you want from your New Zealand tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Luxury accommodation in Nelson and Abel Tasman

There are many incredible places to stay in Nelson and Abel Tasman. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

  • Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

  • Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

  • Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our New Zealand example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

15 days From $54,586

Ultimate New Zealand

Spend two weeks experiencing the best New Zealand has to offer, from incredible scenery and lush winelands, to astounding stargazing, quaint village life, luxu…

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Where to go in New Zealand

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When to visit

New Zealand is a good choice year-round, with each season offering its own highlights. Temperatures stay generally mild, ranging from around 10–15°C (50–59°F) in winter to 20–25°C (68–77°F) in summer. December to February is one of the best times to visit, with warm summer weather that’s ideal for the beaches of the Bay of Islands, coastal walks in Abel Tasman National Park and cruises on Milford Sound.

Hiking and sightseeing

December – February

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New Zealand travel guides

Plan your trip to New Zealand

Whatever you want from your adventure in New Zealand, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”

We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…

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My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…

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We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…

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Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!

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We had a wonderful trip planned through Jacada. We enjoyed the venues and the excursions. This is a beautiful place we'd recommend to anyone who wants to go on a new adventure.

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Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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