Spring in Nelson - The Perfect Time For a Getaway
Here’s our snapshot of Nelson Tasman in springtime - serene beaches, stunning diverse landscapes and wildlife, water activities, tours and much more… Now, let’s dive into why spring is a truly fantastic time to holiday in this special corner of Aotearoa from your stay at Bella Vista Nelson - located just a short stroll to the Tāhunanui Beach, a favourite spot for locals and visitors to enjoy a walk along the beach or partaking in water activities, ON the water, as opposed to IN the water at this time of the year!
What Makes Spring So Great for a Nelson Tasman Getaway?
Spring Has Sprung - Mild, Inviting Weather
In spring, Nelson enjoys crisp, cool mornings, clear days with the evenings are getting longer, it’s a nice time of the year for a stroll along the beach (remember it’s spring so take an extra layer!) at sunset before you decide on what cuisine you fancy for dinner at one of the many restaurants close to your accommodation in Tāhunanui, many within short walk from your room at our Nelson motel.
Nature in Bloom & Fewer Tourists
Spring in Nelson Tasman is a stunning time of the year with forests, farms, vineyards, orchards, and gardens bursting into colour, with native birdsong filling the air and baby lambs dotting the landscape at every turn. Whether you’re cycling, hiking, or just relaxing, you’ll find trails, beaches, activities and life pleasantly uncrowded compared to the busy summer months.
Outdoor Adventures Tailored for Spring
- Three National Parks on our doorstep: With mild weather, calm waters and quiet beaches with lower visitor numbers, it's perfect for scenic hikes, sea kayaking, boat cruises, or chilling on golden beaches at one of the three National Parks – Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Parks. Explore the parks by land, water or air with one of the various tour operators.
- Experience incredible cycling and mountain bike trails: Whether you’re a mountain bike enthusiast or prefer a leisurely bike on a cycle trail, you’ll find a trail or track around Nelson Tasman to suit all preferences. The Great Taste Trail is a popular option that takes you through the countryside with coastal stretches, past orchards and small towns with galleries to stop at along the way for refreshments. Spring flowers brighten the pathways as you meander along the many options on the trail.
- World-class mountain bike paths: You won’t have time to admire the springtime if you are embarking on one of the mountain bike parks, as you will be focusing on that exhilarating downhill run! The trails and bike parks are all easily accessible from your Nelson accommodation, we can provide information to help steer you in the right direction.
- Water activities are perfect in the spring: Calm, clear waters make paddling a joy, you might even spot dolphins or seals on your sea kayak. Or maybe you want something to get the adrenaline pumping with a canyoning trip, not for the faint-hearted! There are boat cruise options to explore the Abel Tasman National Park, if you prefer to sit back, relax and unwind. The scenery is absolutely incredible with golden sand beaches from start to finish.
- Wildlife & Birdwatching: Farewell Spit becomes a paradise for migratory birds in spring - ideal for guided birdwatching trips with over 90 species of birds. Take a tour on the 4-wheel drive bus to a place that is truly unique.
Local Culture, Markets & Festivals in Full Swing
Spring isn’t just about nature - it’s when the region comes alive with a diverse array of events, some of our favourites for you to experience:
- Nelson Arts Festival kicks off with over 45 incredible events across our region! There is something for everyone from stage shows, intimate gigs, theatres and other unmissable moments over 11 days in late October.
- NZ Cider Festival at Founders Park is a festival to celebrate all things cider, with over 100 varieties of cider on offer, the most challenging part of the day is deciding on which ones to sample. There is all-day live music, food trucks and a dedicated kids zone, something for everyone. It’s a must-do on the Nelson calendar in spring, we highly recommend attending this amazing event.
- Moutere Artisans Open Day is an opportunity to visit and sample local produce from olive oils, local wines, cheeses, meats, black garlic, and beers to handcrafted creations. We always come home with a basket full of goodies from the many artisans or something that needs to be hung on the wall!
At a Glance: Spring Highlights in Nelson Tasman
- Mild, sunny days with fresh cool mornings and evenings
- Slower than summer - less people, possibly a beach to yourself
- Spring in full bloom - trees are in blossom, spring flowers are abundant
- Ideal for hiking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, and photography
- Festivals and artisan markets come alive
Springtime in Nelson is a great time of the year to experience everything the Nelson Tasman region has to offer with settled weather, and it’s the shoulder season so it’s not too busy. The days stretch longer, the sun’s out, so plan your spring getaway to our piece of paradise!
Ready to book your spring escape?
The friendly team at Bella Vista Nelson can assist with recommendations, bookings and share local knowledge as we have explored our region so know all the things to see and do whilst you are staying with us!