Free Tasman Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Tasman with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Tasman
Tasman photo 2
Tasman photo 3
All photos

Explore Tasman’s golden beaches, Abel Tasman National Park, orchards, vineyards, forests and the wild landscapes of Golden Bay.

Tasman occupies the north-western corner of New Zealand’s South Island, stretching from the sheltered shores of Tasman Bay to the wild coastline of Golden Bay and the alpine country of Kahurangi National Park. It is a region of marked contrasts: fertile orchards and vineyards around the Waimea Plains, tidal inlets and beaches near Motueka, limestone landscapes around Takaka, and extensive native forest across the interior. Its broad geography rewards a carefully planned itinerary rather than a hurried drive between a few headline sights.
Read more about Tasman
The region’s best-known landscape is Abel Tasman National Park, where forested headlands, clear coastal water and golden beaches are linked by the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Water taxis provide access to several bays, while kayaking and boat excursions reveal coves that are difficult to reach by road. Further north, Golden Bay has a more spacious, rural character, with Takaka as its main service town and Farewell Spit extending into the Tasman Sea as an important wetland and bird habitat. Access across Takaka Hill is scenic but winding, and weather can affect driving conditions.
Tasman’s inland districts offer a different experience. The valleys around Murchison are shaped by the Buller, Matakitaki and Matiri rivers and are popular for rafting, fishing, walking and other outdoor activities. Kahurangi National Park contains some of New Zealand’s most varied backcountry, from limestone formations and tussock country to beech forest and rugged ranges. Many tracks are remote and require sound preparation, weather awareness and realistic assessments of fitness and equipment.
Settlements provide a gentler counterpoint to the wilderness. Richmond and the Waimea area form the region’s main urban and agricultural centre, while Motueka is a useful base for Abel Tasman and the surrounding coast. Mapua combines a former industrial waterfront with galleries, cafés and artisan businesses, and the Great Taste Trail connects several communities by cycleway. Takaka has a strong arts, food and alternative-culture presence, while small coastal settlements retain links with horticulture, fishing and boat building.
Food and drink are central to the regional experience. Apples, pears, hops, berries, wine grapes, mussels and other produce benefit from the sunny climate and fertile soils, although conditions vary between the coast, plains and uplands. Visitors can combine farm shops, cellar doors, markets and cafés with swimming, walking, cycling and wildlife encounters. Tasman’s appeal lies in the close relationship between productive landscapes and protected wilderness, with each valley, coast and settlement offering a different perspective on the north-west South Island.

When is the best time to visit Tasman?

Best: December–February · 21–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2280
February (best)2370
March2180
April1890
May15100
June12110
July11110
August12100
September1590
October1780
November2080
December (best)2180

Getting to and around Tasman

How to get there

Tasman is most commonly reached by road from Nelson, which lies outside the Tasman District but is the nearest major airport and an important gateway for visitors arriving by air. State Highway 6 links Nelson with Richmond, Wakefield, Motueka and Murchison before continuing south and west; the road to Golden Bay branches through the winding Takaka Hill route. Intercity coach services and regional buses may connect the principal settlements, but services are limited compared with larger New Zealand centres. Travellers arriving from the West Coast can approach through the Buller Gorge, while the nearest major ferry connection is at Picton, outside the region.

Transportation

A car is useful for reaching Tasman’s dispersed settlements, beaches, trailheads and inland valleys, although driving times are often longer than distances on a map because roads are winding and mountainous. Local bus services are concentrated around Richmond, Motueka and the main settled areas, with fewer options in Golden Bay and the Murchison hinterland. Abel Tasman National Park is accessed on foot, by kayak or by water taxi from coastal departure points rather than by an internal public road. Cycling is well suited to sections of the Great Taste Trail, but riders should plan for gaps in services, hills and changing weather.

Top city travel guides in Tasman

The cities of Tasman, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Tasman

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Tasman

Tasman’s attractions range from accessible coastal recreation to demanding backcountry journeys. Abel Tasman National Park is the regional centrepiece, with beaches, forested headlands, tidal inlets, kayaking and the Abel Tasman Coast Track, while boat transfers make it possible to combine short walks with time on the water. Golden Bay offers Farewell Spit, the Aorere Valley, limestone country and the Te Waikoropupū Springs area near Takaka, whose clear waters are protected and not suitable for swimming. Kahurangi National Park provides a larger, wilder setting for experienced walkers, cavers and mountaineers. Inland, Murchison is associated with rafting, fishing, cycling and river landscapes, and the Buller Gorge provides a dramatic route through the region’s western gateway. Around the Waimea Plains and Motueka, orchards, vineyards, farm shops and galleries make rural touring part of the attraction. The Great Taste Trail offers a slower way to explore settlements and productive landscapes, while museums and local heritage displays add context to mining, timber, maritime activity and horticulture. Visitors should distinguish between well-serviced day trips and remote tracks that require navigation, suitable equipment and contingency planning.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Tasman

The coastline of Abel Tasman National Park is Tasman’s most recognisable natural landmark, combining golden beaches, granite headlands, forest and sheltered water in a landscape closely associated with the region. Farewell Spit forms a long, curving projection at the northern end of Golden Bay and is notable for its scale, shifting sands and importance to migratory and resident birds; access to its more sensitive areas is controlled. Near Takaka, Te Waikoropupū Springs are renowned for exceptionally clear water and cultural significance to Māori, and visitors must follow the prohibition on swimming or touching the springs. Takaka Hill is both a prominent geological and geographical threshold between Tasman Bay and Golden Bay, with limestone features visible from the road and surrounding tracks. Inland, the limestone formations and rugged ranges of Kahurangi National Park express the region’s geological variety, while the Buller Gorge marks a dramatic river passage through the western ranges. Historic industrial traces around Golden Bay, including quarrying and mining landscapes, complement these natural landmarks by showing how settlement and resource use have shaped Tasman.

Show more landmarks

Explore Tasman on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Tasman

Tasman’s food culture is closely tied to its productive plains, orchards, coast and small-scale producers. Motueka, Mapua, Richmond and Takaka provide the broadest choice of cafés, bakeries, pubs and contemporary restaurants, while rural areas are better known for farm shops, cellar doors, roadside stalls and seasonal produce. Apples, pears, berries, hops, vegetables and wine grapes are important regional products, and the sunny Waimea and Moutere districts support a growing wine industry. Golden Bay contributes artisan foods, locally produced dairy and a strong market culture, while mussels and other coastal produce connect dining with nearby waters. Menus vary seasonally, so visitors may encounter fruit-based baking, fresh salads, local cheeses, seafood and craft beverages rather than a single defining dish. Farmers’ markets and food events can be excellent places to meet producers, but opening days and seasonal availability should be checked locally. New Zealand standards for alcohol service apply, and drivers should plan carefully when visiting cellar doors or breweries.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Tasman

Nightlife in Tasman is generally social and low-key rather than centred on large clubs. Richmond and Motueka have the widest choice of pubs, bars and evening restaurants, while Mapua and Takaka offer cafés, small bars, live music and creative venues that often suit an early or relaxed evening. Across the region, traditional pubs remain important meeting places, particularly in smaller settlements such as Murchison and Collingwood, and some breweries, wineries and hospitality businesses provide tasting experiences during their published service periods. Takaka’s arts-oriented community can bring live performances and informal evening events, but the programme varies by season. In coastal and rural districts, venues may close earlier than visitors from larger cities expect, and late-night transport is limited. Visitors should arrange a designated driver or taxi plan when travelling between cellar doors and accommodation, rather than relying on extensive public transport after dark.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Tasman

Nightlife in Tasman is generally social and low-key rather than centred on large clubs. Richmond and Motueka have the widest choice of pubs, bars and evening restaurants, while Mapua and Takaka offer cafés, small bars, live music and creative venues that often suit an early or relaxed evening. Across the region, traditional pubs remain important meeting places, particularly in smaller settlements such as Murchison and Collingwood, and some breweries, wineries and hospitality businesses provide tasting experiences during their published service periods. Takaka’s arts-oriented community can bring live performances and informal evening events, but the programme varies by season. In coastal and rural districts, venues may close earlier than visitors from larger cities expect, and late-night transport is limited. Visitors should arrange a designated driver or taxi plan when travelling between cellar doors and accommodation, rather than relying on extensive public transport after dark.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Tasman

Shopping in Tasman is concentrated in the market towns and creative settlements rather than in large retail complexes. Richmond provides the region’s broadest conventional retail choice, while Motueka combines practical high-street shops with cafés, galleries, food outlets and businesses serving walkers, cyclists and coastal visitors. Mapua is known for waterfront galleries, craft studios, artisan food and independent boutiques, and Takaka has a strong selection of locally made clothing, jewellery, artwork, books and natural products. Markets and farm shops are useful for buying seasonal fruit, vegetables, preserves, honey, cheeses, baked goods and wine, especially around the Moutere, Motueka and Golden Bay districts. Craft shopping may include ceramics, woodwork, textiles and contemporary art, but stock and opening days vary because many businesses are small or seasonal. Visitors should distinguish genuinely regional products from generic souvenirs and observe biosecurity rules when carrying food, plants or untreated natural materials onward within New Zealand.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Tasman, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Tasman essentials

Currency and Payment
Tasman uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD), like the rest of New Zealand. Debit and credit cards, contactless payments and mobile wallets are widely accepted in towns, accommodation and established attractions, although small farm stalls, honesty boxes, remote operators and some rural services may prefer cash or have intermittent connectivity. New Zealand banknotes and coins are useful for small purchases. Visitors should not assume that every trailhead, campsite, rural shop or water-taxi operator has reliable card facilities, and it is sensible to carry a modest cash reserve when travelling beyond the main settlements.
Safety
Tasman is generally suitable for independent travel, but its outdoor environment demands preparation. Check weather and track conditions before walking, particularly in Abel Tasman and Kahurangi national parks, where rain, river crossings, steep ground and limited communications can complicate trips. Follow local advice around tidal flats, surf beaches, cliffs and estuaries, and do not underestimate the exposure created by changing coastal weather. Drive patiently on narrow, winding roads and allow for cyclists, farm vehicles and livestock. In summer, protect against sun and carry water; in remote areas, leave an itinerary with someone reliable.
Emergency Situations
Dial 111 anywhere in New Zealand for police, fire or ambulance emergencies. State clearly that you are in the Tasman region and give the nearest settlement, road, track, hut, beach or landmark; emergency services may need precise location information in remote country. Search and rescue operations can involve police, Coastguard, Land Search and Rescue or local rescue teams, depending on the incident. On longer walks, carry a charged phone and consider a personal locator beacon where coverage is uncertain. For non-urgent medical care, ask accommodation providers or local health services for the nearest appropriate facility.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect Māori places, local communities and conservation rules, and follow instructions about fires, dogs, camping, fishing and the removal of natural materials. Do keep to marked tracks, carry out rubbish and use supplied toilets, since fragile coastal and alpine environments recover slowly. Do check tides before exploring estuaries, beaches or Farewell Spit. Do not feed wildlife or approach seals, and never assume that a river, beach or cave is safe because it looks calm. In shops, cafés and rural communities, queue politely, follow New Zealand’s generally informal but considerate etiquette, and ask before photographing private property or people.
Local Tips
Use the region’s distinct bases strategically: Motueka and nearby coastal settlements suit Abel Tasman outings, Takaka suits Golden Bay, and Murchison is convenient for inland rivers and outdoor activities. Golden Bay’s road connection over Takaka Hill can be affected by maintenance or severe weather, so check conditions before setting out. Seasonal produce is a worthwhile reason to explore beyond the main attractions, while the Great Taste Trail links several food and craft stops at a manageable pace. For national-park walks, obtain current information from the Department of Conservation and book huts, campsites or boat transfers where required.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloKia ora[kee-ah or-ah]
GoodbyeHaere rā[high-reh rah]
YesĀe[ah-eh]
NoKāo[kah-oh]
Please/You're welcomeTēnā koa[teh-nah koh-ah]
Thank youNgā mihi[nah mee-hee]
Excuse me/SorryAroha mai[ah-roh-hah my]
How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?[kay teh peh-heh-ah koy]
Fine. And you?Kei te pai. Ko koe?[kay teh pie. koh koy?]
Do you speak English?Ka kōrero koe i te reo Ingarihi?[kah koh-reh-roh koy ee teh reh-oh in-gah-ree-hee?]
I don't understandKāore au e mārama[kah-oh-reh ow eh mah-rah-mah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKa hiahia au ki te kite i te rīki, tēnā koa[kah hee-ah-hee-ah ow kee teh kee-teh ee teh ree-kee, teh-nah koh-ah]
I don't eat meatKāore au e kai mō te mīti[kah-oh-reh ow eh kye mō teh mee-tee]
Cheers!Kia ora![kee-ah or-ah]
I would like to pay, pleaseKa hiahia au ki te utu, tēnā koa[kah hee-ah-hee-ah ow kee teh oo-too, teh-nah koh-ah]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Āwhina![ah-wee-nah]
Go away!Haere atu![high-reh ah-too]
Call the Police!Karanga ki te Pirihimana![kah-rah-ngah kee teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah]
Call a doctor!Karanga ki te tāne rongoā![kah-rah-ngah kee teh tah-neh roh-ngoh-ah]
I'm lostKua ngaro au[koo-ah nah-roh ow]
I'm illKei te māuiui au[kay teh mau-ee-oo-ee ow]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ka hiahia au ki te hoko...[kah hee-ah-hee-ah ow kee teh hoh-koh]
I'm just lookingKei te tirotiro au[kay teh tee-roh-tee-roh ow]
How much is it?E hia te utu?[eh hee-ah teh oo-too?]
That's too expensiveTēnā he nui te utu[teh-nah heh noo-ee teh oo-too]
Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?[kah tah-eh eh koy teh fah-kah-ee-tee ee teh oo-too?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?He aha te wā?[heh ah-hah teh wah?]
It's one o'clockHe tekau mā tahi te hāora[heh teh-kah mah tah-hee teh hah-oh-rah]
Half past (10)Hāwhe i te tekau[hah-feh ee teh teh-kah]
MorningAta[ah-tah]
AfternoonAhiahi[ah-hee-ah-hee]
EveningPō[poh]
YesterdayInanahi[ee-nah-nah-hee]
TodayI tēnei rā[ee teh-neh rah]
TomorrowĀpōpō[ah-poh-poh]
1Tahi[tah-hee]
2Rua[roo-ah]
3Toru[toh-roo]
4Whā[fah]
5Rima[ree-mah]
6Ono[oh-noh]
7Whitu[fee-too]
8Waru[wah-roo]
9Iwa[ee-wah]
10Tekau[teh-kah-oo]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...?[kay he-ah teh...?]
What's the address?He aha te wāhitau?[heh ah-hah teh wah-hee-tow?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu mai (i te māp)?[kah tah-eh eh koy teh fah-kah-ah-too my (ee teh mahp)?]
When's the next (bus)?Kāinga te pahi e whai ake nei?[kah-ing-ah teh pah-hee eh figh ah-keh nay?]
A ticket (to ....)He tīkiti (ki ....)[heh tee-kee-tee (kee ....)]

History of Tasman

Māori settlement and traditional landscapes

Māori communities established settlements and seasonal food-gathering places throughout the north-west South Island before European colonisation. The coast, rivers, estuaries and forests provided fish, shellfish, birds and plants, while inland routes connected Tasman Bay with Golden Bay and the West Coast. Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui, the northern South Island, is associated with iwi including Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama, Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Kuia, among others. Archaeological sites and enduring mana whenua relationships provide important context for understanding the region beyond its later colonial history.

Abel Tasman’s 1642 encounter

Dutch navigator Abel Janszoon Tasman reached the northern South Island in December 1642 while searching for a route towards the imagined southern continent. His ships anchored in the area now known as Golden Bay, where an encounter between the expedition and local Māori resulted in deaths. Tasman did not land, but his voyage gave the region and later national park their European name. The event belongs to the wider history of first contact, in which European mapping and Māori understandings of place met under circumstances that were neither peaceful nor mutually understood.

European settlement and the Nelson Haven economy

Organised British settlement began in the wider Nelson area during the 1840s, and agricultural, timber and maritime activity gradually extended into present-day Tasman. Towns and rural districts developed around river transport, coastal shipping and the cultivation of fertile plains. Surveying, land purchase and settlement altered established Māori relationships with the land, while new roads and farm systems connected communities to Nelson and the port. The region’s present pattern of dispersed towns, productive plains and coastal settlements partly reflects these nineteenth-century developments.

Mining, timber and early industry

Gold discoveries in the Aorere Valley near Collingwood during the 1850s brought prospectors and short-lived settlements to Golden Bay. Other parts of Tasman supported coal, mineral, timber and stone extraction, while sawmilling cleared substantial areas of native forest. Marble and limestone workings around Golden Bay became economically important, and clay deposits contributed to brick and pottery production in the wider region. Although many workings declined, mining and forestry left roads, town sites, quarries and altered landscapes that remain part of Tasman’s industrial history.

Horticulture and the development of Motueka and the Waimea Plains

From the late nineteenth century, Tasman’s mild climate and fertile soils encouraged intensive horticulture, especially around Motueka, Riwaka and the Waimea Plains. Apples, pears, hops, berries and other crops became central to the regional economy, supported by irrigation, packing facilities and improved roads. Agricultural production also shaped migration and settlement, with seasonal labour becoming an enduring feature of orchard communities. Today, the region’s farm shops, packhouses, vineyards and food businesses reflect this long transition from mixed farming towards specialised horticulture.

Conservation and the national parks era

Growing recognition of the ecological value of Tasman’s forests, rivers, limestone country and coastline led to stronger protection during the twentieth century. Abel Tasman National Park was established in 1942 to mark the tercentenary of Tasman’s voyage, and Kahurangi National Park was created in 1996 from protected areas that had previously carried different designations. Conservation has safeguarded habitats for native birds, seals and other wildlife while also creating major walking and recreation opportunities. It has not erased historical land use, and debates over access, tourism and resource management continue to influence the region.

Modern creative, outdoor and food economies

From the late twentieth century, Tasman increasingly combined horticulture and primary production with tourism, outdoor recreation, creative industries and artisan food. The Abel Tasman Coast Track, cycle trails, kayaking, caving and river sports brought international attention, while places such as Mapua and Takaka developed reputations for galleries, craft businesses and independent food culture. This diversification has brought new employment and visitors but also seasonal pressure on roads, accommodation and natural sites. Contemporary Tasman is therefore shaped by both long-established land-based industries and a growing conservation-led visitor economy.

Tasman in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Tasman

The closest regions to Tasman, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

New Zealand
More of the region

Explore more of New Zealand

New Zealand: Discover awe-inspiring landscapes, vibrant Maori culture, and thrilling adventures in a land of breathtaking natural beauty and welcoming locals.

Explore New Zealand
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Tasman, New Zealand

Discover Tasman like never before with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your comprehensive travel companion for exploring Tasman, New Zealand. From famous landmarks to local eateries, plan and book your entire trip effortlessly.

  • History of Tasman and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • 100% free to use with no in-app purchases

Planning a trip to Tasman, New Zealand? Let Evendo be your ultimate travel guide. This 100% free app is designed to help you discover and experience the best that Tasman has to offer. From the awe-inspiring Abel Tasman National Park to the charming town of Motueka, Evendo provides detailed information on all the must-see attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.

Each location on Evendo comes with rich descriptions, captivating images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it incredibly easy for you to plan and organize your trip. Imagine strolling through the vibrant Nelson Market, indulging in fresh seafood at The Mussel Inn, or exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Kahurangi National Park—all seamlessly guided by Evendo.

The app also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, eliminating the hassle of searching multiple sources. With features like the history of Tasman, travel essentials, and curated local tips, you'll feel like a true local. The 'Near Me' feature ensures you always know what's around you, no matter where you are.

Famous attractions such as the Ngarua Caves and the vibrant Mapua Wharf are just a tap away. Evendo covers all your travel needs in one place, making your Tasman adventure unforgettable.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.