Beach holiday in Nelson/Abel Tasman?

Question

Is this area a good place to take a beach holiday? I've heard that beaches in North Island are way better but I'm trying to choose somewhere closer to Wellington due to the other half not wanting a long journey to get there. What about the weather there? We are planning on going in mid February!

Or any other suggestions where we can chill/relax/sunbathe on a beach not too far from Wellington? (please dont suggest the harbour!) Many thanx.

Answer 1

Dunno.  But I know the beaches in the eastern areas of the North Island are awesome.

Answer 2

Abel Tasman is gorgeous - clear, blue water, white sands, hidden beaches... it's great! Kaiteriteri is the nearest little town I think, and you can camp at some of the little secluded beaches.

Answer 3

Kaiteriteri would be a super holiday. They have a glorious  golden sand beach and several beaches surrounding in coves on the edge of The Abel tasman national park .I think it would take about 1 hour or less from Nelson and not far from motueka. You will have one of the best climates in NewZealand. Over the hill is Golden Bay. If you want to choose Nelson you can have a day trip to Kaiteriteri. Nelson has  a lovely saturday morning market with such a lot of home made products and you have Tahunanui beach. Very nice but the sand is not as nice as the Abel Tasman area.Then also nearer Picton you have Queen Charlotte sounds which is super for Boaties and walkers.

Answer 4

The weather is great at that time of the year.

Kaiteriteri, Marahau and Abel Tasman would be my best bet - spent years there myself.

Kaiteriteri has a huge camping grounds, but also alot of privately owned accommodation.  Marahau, I've stayed at Abel Tasman Marahau Lodge and it's great, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. http://www.abeltasmanmarahaulodge.co.nz  right next door to http://www.seakayaking.co.nz - Do something different, try a http://sealswim.com !  

A must to walk the track, kayak down there or even water taxi.  If you want huge privacy stay at http://www.awaroalodge.co.nz - at the end of the track, but Water taxis make the trip a few times a day http://www.aquataxi.co.nz - Gorgeous place . . .and must see !!!!

If you want to charter a small plane you can even land right at the lodge.  Airstrips also at Motueka and Takaka.

http://www.motueka.com Offers a booking service for activities, accommodation and transport in Tasman and Golden Bay

If you take a look at the official Nelson tourism website http://nelsonnz.com it has listing for activities and accommodation for Nelson, Golden Bay, Abel Tasman etc for heaps of options.

Holiday Chalets and beach front Accommodation  - http://abeltasman.co.nz  

Have a great trip!

Answer 5

Wellington beach. Kapati coast. Beaches in Nelson are good! Better than most on the north island. Golden sand.

Answer 6

I spent last summer in Motueka and it was fantastic. The weather was just about always hot and we went to the beach almost every day.  Nelson has Tahuna beach.  And there is Golden Bay just over the hill and not to forget the beautiul Abel Tasman National park which is gorgous when the tide is in with white beaches.  And if you wanted to get away from the coast for a day then there is the Nelson Lakes which are about 1 1/2 hrs inland.  The only problem about getting there is the 3hr ferry trip, but that can be fun as long as the weather is behaving it's self.