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Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Home Destinations Australasia New Zealand Nelson, Marlborough & Abel Tasman

Nelson, Marlborough & Abel Tasman

Marlborough basks in year-round sunshine, providing perfect conditions for walking, mountain biking, sea kayaking and vineyard explorations.

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Crossing the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands is like entering a new country and arriving into Marlborough by sea or air, the intricate detail of the Marlborough Sounds is spectacular.

For centuries, Marlborough has offered safe harbour to travellers. First to Maori traders and war parties; then to European explorers, such as Captain James Cook and Dumont D’Urville; and now to visitors seeking glorious landscapes and exceptional food and wine.

Split Apple Rock Abel Tasman
Split Apple Rock, Abel Tasman, New Zealand

Exploring the area

To the west is the city of Nelson and the stunning Tasman Bay region. Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest National Park and offers idyllic golden beaches which can be easily explored by sea kayak, on foot or by boat. Also, a wonderful area to discover a diverse range of marine and birdlife; during November and December, you’re most likely to spot visiting dolphins and orcas playing in the waters.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Vineyard, Marlborough, New Zealand
 

Wine Tasting by Bike

Cycle between the vineyards of Marlborough sampling award-winning pinot noir before stopping for a crayfish lunch.

Suggested Holiday Idea

View over French Pass, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
 

Marlborough Sounds

Board the ferry and cross the Cook Strait through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. Cruise through 150 kilometres of coastline with forested hills sloping down to sandy bays and tiny islets.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Abel Tasman
 

Kayaking in Abel Tasman

Sea kayak in the crystal clear waters of the Abel Tasman National Park, following a coastline of golden beaches and lush rainforest.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Group tour
New Zealand
The Remote Sounds of New Zealand’s South
Slip into the furthest reaches of Fiordland on an intimate expedition cruise aboard an 18-guest yacht. Over 10 days, explore the great sounds and seldom-visited inlets, from Milford and Doubtful to remote Dusky and George Sound. 
Departing 16th July 2026
10 days from £4,465pp
Heritage Explorer viewed through trees, Heritage Expeditions, Fiordland, New Zealand
View Cruise
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New Zealand – Luxury Honeymoon
Discover both North and South Islands in style. This is the perfect honeymoon for intrepid newlyweds. With a theme of pure indulgence throughout, this holiday to New Zealand achieves the perfect balance of adventure and pampering.
16 days from £15,950pp
Rahimoana Villa, Infinity Pool, Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea
Idea
New Zealand
Ultimate New Zealand Self-Drive
This 21-day self-drive itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to the great outdoors of New Zealand and covers highlights of both the North and the South Island. Wildlife tours, Maori life, scenic flights, glacier adventures, overnight cruises and more.
21 days from £6,495pp
Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea
Idea
New Zealand
New Zealand – South Island Self-drive
The most dramatic of New Zealand’s two islands, this self-drive holiday explores the South Island in-depth, taking in the best of the magnificent scenery and wildlife on offer.
16 days from £5,795pp
Llupins, Lake Tekapo
View Holiday Idea

Need Inspiration?
Browse our New Zealand holiday ideas.

Our New Zealand experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Group tour
New Zealand
The Remote Sounds of New Zealand’s South
Slip into the furthest reaches of Fiordland on an intimate expedition cruise aboard an 18-guest yacht. Over 10 days, explore the great sounds and seldom-visited inlets, from Milford and Doubtful to remote Dusky and George Sound. 
Departing 16th July 2026
10 days from £4,465pp
Heritage Explorer viewed through trees, Heritage Expeditions, Fiordland, New Zealand
View Cruise
Idea
New Zealand
New Zealand – Luxury Honeymoon
Discover both North and South Islands in style. This is the perfect honeymoon for intrepid newlyweds. With a theme of pure indulgence throughout, this holiday to New Zealand achieves the perfect balance of adventure and pampering.
16 days from £15,950pp
Rahimoana Villa, Infinity Pool, Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea
Idea
New Zealand
Ultimate New Zealand Self-Drive
This 21-day self-drive itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to the great outdoors of New Zealand and covers highlights of both the North and the South Island. Wildlife tours, Maori life, scenic flights, glacier adventures, overnight cruises and more.
21 days from £6,495pp
Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea
Idea
New Zealand
New Zealand – South Island Self-drive
The most dramatic of New Zealand’s two islands, this self-drive holiday explores the South Island in-depth, taking in the best of the magnificent scenery and wildlife on offer.
16 days from £5,795pp
Llupins, Lake Tekapo
View Holiday Idea
View all holiday ideas View all cruises

Need Inspiration?
Browse our New Zealand holiday ideas.

Our New Zealand experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Group tour
New Zealand
The Remote Sounds of New Zealand’s South
Slip into the furthest reaches of Fiordland on an intimate expedition cruise aboard an 18-guest yacht.…
Departing 16th July 2026
10 days from £4,465pp
Heritage Explorer viewed through trees, Heritage Expeditions, Fiordland, New Zealand
View Cruise
Idea
New Zealand
New Zealand – Luxury Honeymoon
Discover both North and South Islands in style. This is the perfect honeymoon for intrepid newlyweds.…
16 days from £15,950pp
Rahimoana Villa, Infinity Pool, Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea
Idea
New Zealand
Ultimate New Zealand Self-Drive
This 21-day self-drive itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to the great outdoors of New Zealand and…
21 days from £6,495pp
Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea
Idea
New Zealand
New Zealand – South Island Self-drive
The most dramatic of New Zealand’s two islands, this self-drive holiday explores the South Island in-depth,…
16 days from £5,795pp
Llupins, Lake Tekapo
View Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Bay of Many Coves £££££

  • New Zealand
  • Boutique

Bay of Many Coves is an elegant waterfront retreat, nestled within 52 hectares of native bush, on the shores of a hidden cove, deep in the Marlborough Sounds. The 11 contemporary bungalow apartments blend effortlessly with their surroundings, all with views across the aquamarine bay. Facilities include a small heated outdoor pool plus a day spa as well as a wonderful restaurant serving fresh seasonal produce with award-winning wines from the region.

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Raetihi Lodge £££££

  • New Zealand

Raetihi Lodge is nestled amidst native bush in a secluded bay in Marlborough Sounds. The 14 charming rooms are located either on the hillside, overlooking the gardens or with sea views. Take to the peaceful waterways with complimentary use of kayaks and fishing rods or explore nearby trails on foot or by bike. Alternatively relax in the sauna, spa pool or indulge in a massage.

View Property


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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Clare Diving in Indonesia
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Clare Wiggins

My love for Asia began with living there. Based in Vietnam and then Malaysia, I also explored the surrounding regions before eventually finding my way back home via China and the Trans-Siberian railway. At Steppes Travel, I get to share that love for Asia every day, helping clients experience the places I know best as if they were locals themselves.

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