Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
There’s something pretty special about heading into the hills for the weekend - so finding a good weekend two day, one nighter is essential!
You leave the car behind, swap your usual routine for a pack, and spend the weekend somewhere that feels a world away from everyday life. And here in Nelson Tasman, we’re lucky enough to have some seriously epic places to do exactly that.
From remote alpine plateaus and limestone landscapes to mountain huts, crystal-clear lakes and rugged valleys, there’s no shortage of overnight adventures to choose from.
So, if you’re looking for your next overnight hike easily accessible from Nelson, here are 10 adventures that absolutely deserve a spot on your list.
Some are cruisy overnighters. Others are big, committing missions that will test your legs. Pack your sleeping bag, grab your tramping boots and let’s get into it!
1. MT OWEN, KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
- Kahurangi National Park
- 24km
- +2,000m elevation gain
At 1,875m, Mt Owen is the highest peak in Kahurangi National Park, and this is one seriously impressive overnight adventure.
The route climbs from Courthouse Flat through changing landscapes before reaching Granity Pass Hut. From here, you're into classic alpine terrain, with limestone formations, tussock tops and huge views in every direction.
The summit is the real reward. On a clear day, the views stretch across the Kahurangi ranges and beyond.
It's a big climb, but splitting the trip over two days makes it much more manageable — and there's something pretty special about waking up in the mountains before heading for the summit.
2. TABLELAND CIRCUIT, KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
- Kahurangi National Park
- 30km
- +1,400m elevation gain
The Tableland Circuit is a Nelson Tasman classic and a brilliant introduction to overnight tramping.
Starting from Flora Car Park, the route winds through the spectacular Tablelands, taking in mountain views, limestone formations, rocky shelters and beautiful alpine landscapes.
There are several options for where to spend the night, including Salisbury Lodge and Balloon Hut, making it easy to tailor the trip to your group.
The circuit can also be combined with an optional Mt Arthur summit, making this one of those trips where you can easily add a little extra adventure if the weather is playing ball.
3. THOUSAND ACRE PLATEAU, KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
- Kahurangi National Park
- 40km
- +2,000m+ elevation gain
If you want to get properly off the beaten track, Thousand Acre Plateau should be high on your list.
Just north of Murchison, the route heads into the southern part of Kahurangi National Park before climbing steeply from Lake Matiri towards the huge open plateau.
And when we say huge, we mean it. Once you're above the bushline, the landscape opens into vast tussock-covered tablelands with massive views towards the Needle and Haystack peaks.
This is proper backcountry country, with boggy sections, steep climbs, small basic huts and plenty of opportunities to camp.
The plateau is also a fantastic place to spend a couple of nights and use as a base for exploring the surrounding peaks. We also have a more recent post on Poor Pete's Hut, which makes a great shorter introduction to the Thousand Acre Plateau.
4. FENELLA HUT, KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
- Kahurangi National Park
- 26km
- +940m elevation gain
Tucked away deep in the Cobb Valley, Fenella Hut is one of those places that feels a long way from civilisation — and that's exactly why we love it.
The walk into Fenella is relatively gentle, following the Cobb Valley through beech forest before gradually opening into alpine country.
The hut itself is pretty special, sitting in a beautiful basin surrounded by rocky outcrops and clear alpine tarns. There's even a gorgeous little tarn just behind the hut if you're feeling brave enough for a swim!
For those wanting to extend the adventure, there are plenty of options beyond Fenella, including Lake Cobb, Waingaro Peak and Kakapo Peak.
It's a great option if you're looking for a proper overnight adventure without needing to tackle thousands of metres of elevation in a single day.
5. MT FISHTAIL, RICHMOND RANGES
- Mount Richmond Forest Park
- 27km
- +2,100m elevation gain
Mt Fishtail is made for an overnight adventure.
At 1,641m, this distinctive mountain is named for its twin summits, which give it that unmistakable fishtail shape from certain angles.
The route climbs through Pine Valley before getting seriously steep as you head towards Fishtail Hut. The tiny four-bunk hut sits just below the summit and makes a great base for exploring the tops.
But if the weather is good, we'd recommend taking your tent and camping up on the saddle.
The summit is the perfect place for sunrise, with 360-degree views across the Richmond and Kaikōura Ranges and towards Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku.
You can do Mt Fishtail as a day hike (a very big one!), but honestly, why rush it?
6. IRON HILL, KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
- Kahurangi National Park
- 18km
- +1,000m elevation gain
Iron Hill is one for those wanting a quieter Kahurangi adventure.
This remote corner of the park delivers everything we love about backcountry tramping — open alpine landscapes, rugged ridges, big views and plenty of space to escape the crowds.
The route takes you into the Cobb Valley and towards the alpine tops, where the landscape becomes increasingly wild and exposed.
It's the sort of trip where you'll want to be comfortable with navigation and prepared for anything the weather can throw at you.
If you're after solitude, wild landscapes and a night under the stars, Iron Hill is well worth adding to your list.
7. MOLE TOPS, NELSON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
- Nelson Lakes National Park
- 26km
- +1,800m elevation gain
Want to escape the crowds? Head to the Mole Tops.
Starting near Murchison, the route climbs through beautiful beech forest before breaking out onto the open tops.
Once you reach the Mole Saddle, the landscape changes dramatically. Suddenly you're surrounded by rolling tussock, alpine tarns and massive views across Nelson Lakes, the Travers Range and towards Kahurangi.
You can stay at tiny Mole Hut or, even better, carry your tent and find your own spot beside one of the many gorgeous tarns.
It's a brilliant one-night adventure, adventurous day trip or even trail-running mission.
8. BALLROOM OVERHANG, WEST COAST
- West Coast
- 18km
- +400m elevation gain
Looking for something completely different?
Ballroom Overhang is one of the most unique overnight adventures on the West Coast.
Starting at Fox River, the route winds through lush West Coast rainforest and crosses the river multiple times. Think lots of river crossings, jungle-like vegetation and plenty of swimming spots along the way.
After around two hours, you'll arrive at the huge limestone Ballroom Overhang — an incredible natural shelter with plenty of spots to pitch your tent.
This is definitely a summer adventure, when river levels are lower and the weather is warmer. Bring sandals or river shoes for the crossings and a walking pole for extra stability.
9. LAKE ANGELUS, NELSON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
- Nelson Lakes National Park
- 24km
- +1,800m elevation gain
Few places in the Nelson Lakes National Park are as spectacular as Rotomaninitua / Lake Angelus.
Perched at around 1,600m and surrounded by rugged mountains and alpine tarns, Angelus Hut is one of those classic New Zealand backcountry destinations.
The most popular route is via Pinchgut Track and Robert Ridge — a steep climb followed by an exposed alpine ridge with huge views across Nelson Lakes.
For something a little different, there are alternative routes including the Cascade Track, although these are more challenging and require greater care with navigation and river crossings.
And if you're heading up in winter, this is a completely different beast. Snow, ice and avalanche hazards mean proper alpine skills and equipment are essential.
10. DIAMOND LAKES LOOP, KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
- Kahurangi National Park
- 26km
- +1,337m elevation gain
The Diamond Lakes Loop is another absolute gem tucked away in the Cobb Valley.
Starting near the Sylvester Hut track, the route heads towards Iron Lake before climbing through an incredible rocky landscape towards the ridge.
From the tops, you'll get spectacular views down into the Cobb Valley and across towards the surrounding mountains and lakes.
This is a proper backcountry adventure, with sections of navigation, slippery speargrass, scree and some tricky tracks in the mix.
Eventually you'll reach beautiful Diamond Lake, where there are camping spots beside the water. Spend the night here before making your way back out via Lake Lockett and the Quarry.
It's remote, rugged and a little rough around the edges — basically everything you want from a proper Kahurangi adventure.
WHICH OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE WILL YOU TACKLE FIRST?
You don't need to travel across the country to find your next big adventure. Some of the best are right here in our backyard.
Check the forecast, check the track conditions, tell someone your plans and make sure you have the right gear for the conditions.
And if you're heading out for an overnight mission, pop into see us and we'll help you get sorted.
Happy adventuring!
