Land Activities

The Walks That Actually Deliver

The walking here is genuinely varied and most of it is really good. In Golden Bay, the Grove Scenic Reserve is an easy stroll that anyone can do - it's like walking through a natural maze of limestone and nikau palms, weirdly enchanting. Wharariki Beach is a walk I'd always make time for, caves, arches, seal pups in rock pools - but try to time it for low tide and pick a low-wind day, it can absolutely howl out there. Over in Abel Tasman, the quieter northern end from Totaranui up to Separation Point is far less busy than the main track sections further south and is genuinely one of the best half-day walks in the region.

Promo code RANKERS - good deal done!

Abel Tasman Canyons

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

5 63 reviews

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle

Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%

4.3 399 reviews

Wilsons Abel Tasman

Promo code RANKERS. Save 15%

4.1 243 reviews

A Bit More Adventure

If you want something a bit more out there, canyoning in Abel Tasman consistently gets rave reviews and is not the kind of thing you'd expect to find tucked into a national park - use promo code RANKERS for 10% off that one, which is a solid saving. Up on Takaka Hill, the walk to Harwood's Hole is easy enough for families and the forest around it has this slightly eerie, primeval feel to it. Don't skip the side track to Gorge Creek lookout either - better views and a nicer lunch spot than the hole itself.

For horse trekking, Golden Bay is a pretty special setting for it. Hack n Stay gets consistently good feedback and has proper chill vibes - horses are well looked after and you can camp there too. The Pupu Hydro Walkway near Takaka is another one worth knowing about - the hand-carved water race alongside the steep rock face is genuinely cool, and there's a swim at the top if you want it.