Nelson is a fabulous place to base yourself to explore the wider region.

Below are 5 day trips that will introduce you to people and places that make this region so unique and unforgettable.

1. Mapua Wharf – spend a leisurely a day at Mapua Wharf browsing an eclectic collection of shops and galleries and refuelling at the waterfront restaurants, bars and cafés. Feeling energetic? Hire a bicycle on the wharf and take the Mapua Ferry over to Rabbit Island and cycle part of the Tasman Great Taste Trail.

2. The Abel Tasman National Park – although the Abel Tasman deserves more than a day to do it justice, it can still be experienced in a day trip.  Drive to Kaiteriteri and hop on one of the sea shuttle services which cruise up to Totaranui and back stopping at golden bays along the way to pick up and drop off passengers. In summer, leave the car behind and board The Crusader right from the wharf in Nelson which cruises to Kaiteriteri to connect with other services.

3. Appleby – the flat and fertile soils of the Appleby Plains are responsible for much of the region’s fresh produce: grapes, tomatoes, lettuce, pumpkin, berry fruit, onions, cut flowers and more are grown in the fields here. Look out for fresh fruit and flower stands with “honesty boxes”, pick up some fresh berries and pop in to a winery or two for a tasting and don’t miss Hoglund Art Glass and the Grape Escape for some retail therapy.

4. The Upper Moutere – in the hills above Mapua is the small settlement of Upper Moutere and the oldest pub in New Zealand. The village and surrounding countryside is home to a variety of artisans and craftspeople producing wine, sheep cheese, mushrooms, olive oil and strawberries. These Moutere Artisans are well worth a visit.

5. Golden Bay – there’s only one road in and out of Golden Bay, over a steep and winding hill, which is perhaps what keeps this region so special.  It would be easy to spend a week here, but at least a day trip will give you a taste for the next trip!  Check out the beautiful views over Tasman Bay from the top of the hill, explore the limestone Ngarua Caves, browse the shops and boutiques in Takaka, check out Te Waikororopupu Springs, the largest freshwater springs in NZ, and after browsing a couple of art and craft galleries refresh yourself with a home brewed ale at the Mussel Inn.