Tucked in the top north-west corner of the South Island, the Nelson area - which is the sunniest region in New Zealand - is known for its exceptionally beautiful geography including three distinctly different National Parks encompassing beautiful coastal, forest and valley landscapes.

The stunning Abel Tasman National Park boasts golden sands and crystal clear waters and is perfect walking and kayaking territory. It can be visited as part of a 3 or 5 day guided walk, as a day trip from Nelson, or by staying at Awaroa Lodge, a stylish eco retreat in the heart of the National Park itself.

The area has a vibrant arts and crafts scene - there are more than 350 working artists and crafts people living in Nelson, including traditional and contemporary Maori artists.

Marlborough

Situated in the north-west corner of the South Island, sunny Marlborough is known for its idyllic Sounds and as New Zealand's largest winemaking region.

Marlborough is saluted for its Sauvignon Blanc - although its cool climate Pinot Noir and fine Rieslings also win international praise. The area has 65 wineries including Cloudy Bay, Villa Maria and Spy Valley.

The area is also known for the idyllic Marlborough Sounds - sunken valleys which have created a network of clear waterways amidst native forest. The Sounds are home to an abundance of bird and sea life including dolphins and seals. The renowned 71km Queen Charlotte Track is a wonderful way to explore the coves and inlets - or stay at Bay of Many Coves, from where you can explore part of the track.

Wilderness Retreats (3)

	Bay of Many Coves This delightfully relaxed and stylish retreat nestles amidst some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. Catering for a maximum of 34 guests at any time, the spacious one, two and ...
		FROM £70 pppn

	Edenhouse Set in a quiet, picturesque valley with amazing views in every direction, this gracious home (30 minutes from the Abel Tasman National Park) provides exquisite accommodation for just six guests. Two suites in the main house ha...
		FROM £206 pppn

	Maison Grange, Blenheim Located on a Pinot Noir vineyard in the heart of Marlborough, this stylish retreat is a real find! Originally built as a winery, Maison Grange (French for Barn House and affectionately known to the locals as ‘The Barn&rs...
		FROM £98 pppn

South Island Beach Houses (9)

	39 Russell, Nelson This charming and colourful retreat is a real hidden treasure. Nestled into the hillside overlooking Port Nelson and the Tasman Bay, this luxury cottage is creation of New Zealand artist Jane Evans. Both the inter...
		FROM £38 pppn

	Abel Tasman Villa, Nelson This architecturally designed villa-style apartment is set high above Nelson�s harbour with panoramic views out over Tasman Bay to the National Park and stunning mountain ranges beyond. Ideal for two couples, Abel Tasman...
		FROM £63 pppn

	Clifftops Retreat Perched high on the cliffs at Ruby Bay, overlooking sandy beaches, the glittering Tasman Ocean and the sparkling lights of Nelson, this secluded villa offers all the luxury of a five star lodge but with complete privacy � and ...
		FROM £137 pppn

	Last Straw Cottage, Near Nelson This uniquely built straw bale cottage is set in a quiet, picturesque valley on a 16 acre farmlet in Brightwater, just 20 minutes from Nelson. It has all the features of a modern home (TV, video, CD player, washing machine, dr...
		FROM £55 pppn

	Manuka Cottage, Nelson Only three minutes walk from Nelson�s vibrant town centre, this colourful cottage provides a relaxing stay from which to explore the region�s delights. Originally built circa 1890, Manuka Cottage has been restored to provide a...
		FROM £52 pppn

	Old Schoolhouse Vineyard Cottage Nestled in a picturesque setting amongst rows of grapevines, this lovingly restored 1930�s cottage was moved onto its present site on the Kina Beach Vineyard Estate near Nelson in late 1999. Its former existence as an old New ...
		FROM £75 pppn

	Ruby Bay Lodge and Vineyard Cottage, Nelson This privately owned coastal vineyard sits at the top of New Zealand �s South Island . Ideally located between Nelson and the stunning Abel Tasman National Park and five minutes drive from Map...
		FROM £62 pppn

	St Leonards Vineyard Cottages, Blenheim Located in the heart of the Cloudy Bay wine district and only a short drive from Blenheim, these characterful cottages enjoy a rural vineyard outlook. St Leonards consists of five lovingly restored, fully self-contained cottag...
		FROM £46 pppn

	Villa 10 - The Loft Apartment, Nelson Nestled into the hillside above the sea, with spectacular views across Tasman Bay to the mountains of the Kahurangi National Park, is Villa 10. Originally built in 1908, this traditional weatherboard villa has been architectu...
		FROM £50 pppn

Holiday Ideas (5)

	Abel Tasman Track This famous Track, which closely follows the coastline through the sub-tropical Abel Tasman National Park at the northern tip of the South Island, is renowned for its gentle beech forests, deserted golden beaches and glistenin...
		£410 (3 days)

	On the Water with Pete and Takutai, Marlborough Sounds Pete is the skipper of the good ship, Tutanekai, and his wife, Takutai, is the first mate. Theirs is an historic, cultural and personal ecotour of the Marlborough Sounds on a beautiful 70 year old two-masted classic Sounds lau...
		£340 (1 days)

	Private Catamaran Charter, Abel Tasman National Park Cruise the stunning coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park in the comfort of your own spacious catamaran complete with skipper and guide. Departing from Marahau or Kaiteriteri (an hour’s drive from Nelson), this full...
		£305 (1 days)

	Queen Charlotte Track Located in the Marlborough Sounds, at the top of the South Island, this 71km Track boasts stunning coastal views, historic landmarks, native bush forest and an abundance of wildlife. It winds its way around coves, into inlets ...
		£465 (4 days)

	Top of the South, Nelson Discover the stunning and varied landscapes at the top of the South Island on an unforgettable, exclusive full-day helicopter charter with ‘Tasman Helicopters’. Your flight takes in the magnificent coastline of the...
		£695 (1 days)