Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Living in Nelson Tasman, we're pretty spoilt when it comes to hiking. From alpine ridges and rugged mountain summits to coastal tracks and golden beaches, there is an epic day hike for just about everyone.
So, if you're looking to get out and explore a little more of our backyard, here are 10 day hikes in Nelson Tasman that deserve a spot on your list.
Some are big, grunty missions with thousands of metres of elevation, while others are shorter but still pack a serious punch when it comes to views.
Grab your boots, pack plenty of snacks and pick a good weather window — let's go!
1. ST ARNAUD RIDGE, NELSON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
- Nelson Lakes National Park
- 13km return
- +1,200m elevation gain
If you want a proper mountain day with spectacular views, St Arnaud Ridge is one to add to the list.
Starting from Lake Rotoiti, the track climbs steadily through beautiful beech forest before breaking out onto the tops. The further you climb, the better the views become, with Lake Rotoiti sitting below and mountains stretching out in every direction.
The climb to Parachute Rocks is already a decent workout, but continue upwards and you'll reach the St Arnaud Range. It's a serious climb, but the views from the ridge make every sweaty step worthwhile.
It's also a fantastic winter mission when conditions are right — just make sure you're prepared for alpine conditions.
2. MT PEEL, KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
- Kahurangi National Park
- 18km return
- +1,400m elevation gain
For a big Kahurangi adventure, Mt Peel is hard to beat.
Reaching around 1,650m, Mt Peel sits above the Cobb Valley and offers incredible alpine scenery. The route takes you through changing landscapes as you climb from the valley towards the open tops.
This is a serious day out, with 18km and 1,400m of climbing, so you'll want an early start, good fitness and a solid weather window.
The scenery is classic Kahurangi — rugged mountains, tussock tops, rocky ridges and that wonderful feeling of being properly out in the backcountry.
3. MT RICHMOND, RICHMOND RANGES
- Mount Richmond Forest Park
- 15km return
- +1,500m elevation gain
Mt Richmond is one of those hikes that locals know is going to hurt — but is absolutely worth it.
The mountain sits deep in Mount Richmond Forest Park and the route involves a serious amount of climbing. Expect beautiful beech forest, steep ridges, alpine terrain and some scrambling as you get closer to the summit.
On a clear day, the views are next level, stretching across the Richmond Ranges and towards Tasman Bay.
This isn't one for a casual Sunday stroll. With 15km and around 1,500m of elevation gain, you'll want to be comfortable with long, steep mountain days and have the right gear for rapidly changing conditions.
4. WHARARIKI BEACH LOOP, GOLDEN BAY
- Golden Bay
- 7km loop
- +200m elevation gain
Not every epic hike needs to involve climbing a mountain!
The Wharariki Beach Loop is one of Golden Bay's absolute gems. This coastal walk takes you through farmland and coastal landscape before arriving at the spectacular Wharariki Beach, with huge sand dunes, cliffs, caves and offshore rock formations.
It's an especially good option when you want something scenic without committing to a massive alpine mission. But you need to time it with low tide to walk the loop along the beach.
And of course, there's plenty of time to explore the beach, take photos and keep an eye out for seals along the coast.
5. MT LODESTONE, KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
- Kahurangi National Park
- 7km loop
- +700m elevation gain
Short, steep and absolutely worth the effort — Mt Lodestone is one of our favourite bang-for-your-buck hikes.
The track starts from Flora Car Park and climbs through beautiful beech forest before opening up towards the summit. There are a few steep and scrambly sections, but the climb is rewarded with 360-degree views across Kahurangi, Mt Arthur and Tasman Bay.
At around 1,462m, the summit is a pretty special spot — and if you're willing to get up early, this is a seriously good sunrise mission.
Just keep an eye on conditions, especially in winter, and remember that the road to Flora Car Park can require a 4WD when conditions are icy or snowy.
6. GORDON'S KNOB, RICHMOND FOREST PARK
- Richmond Forest Park
- 13km return
- +800m elevation gain
Looking for a big mountain day without heading too far from Nelson? Gordon's Knob is a great option.
The route climbs from Inwood Lookout through beech forest before reaching the open tops. From there, the landscape changes dramatically as you follow the ridge through tussock towards Gordon's Knob.
On a clear day you'll get huge views across Tasman Bay, the Red Hills, Lake Rotoiti and the Inland Kaikōura Ranges.
It's a fantastic place to pack a lunch, find a sunny spot on the summit and soak it all in.
Just be aware that navigation can become tricky in poor visibility, so this is definitely one to save for a good-weather day.
7. CABLE BAY WALKWAY
- Nelson
- 9km
- +770m elevation gain
One of Nelson's classic coastal hikes, the Cable Bay Walkway is a must-do for locals and visitors alike.
The track climbs hard from Glenduan before settling into beautiful native bush and rolling farmland. Once you're up high, you'll be treated to stunning views across Cable Bay, the boulder bank and Pepin Island.
We recommend walking from Glenduan through to Cable Bay so you get the best of the views along the way.
It's a great workout without needing to drive deep into the backcountry — and even better, you can finish the adventure with a well-earned coffee and treat at Cable Bay.
8. BEN NEVIS, RICHMOND FOREST PARK
- Richmond Forest Park
- 11km return
- +1,125m elevation gain
Ben Nevis is a fantastic sunrise mission and one of our favourite Richmond Range summits.
At 1,619m, this is no small hill! The route climbs along Gibbs Spur towards the summit, with the landscape opening up as you gain altitude.
The views from the top are the real reward — especially if you time it for sunrise. Watching the first light spread across the surrounding ranges is pretty hard to beat.
You'll need a 4WD to reach the start of the track, so make sure you've got the right vehicle and check access conditions before heading out.
9. OBSERVATION BEACH, ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
- Abel Tasman National Park
- 19km return
- +400m elevation gain
For something completely different, head to the coast and explore Observation Beach in the Abel Tasman.
Starting from Marahau, the track follows the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline, with golden beaches, native bush, turquoise water and plenty of opportunities for a swim along the way.
Observation Beach is around 8.5km from Marahau, making it a 19km-ish return day if you're walking there and back.
It's a long day, but the elevation gain is relatively modest compared with some of the mountain missions on this list.
And if 19km sounds like a bit much, there are plenty of transport options in the Abel Tasman — you can always make the journey one-way with a water taxi or kayak.
10. MT ARTHUR, KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
- Kahurangi National Park
- 17km return
- +1,000m elevation gain
And finally, we couldn't make a list of Nelson's best day hikes without including Mt Arthur / Tū Ao Wharepapa.
At 1,795m, Mt Arthur is one of the highest peaks in Kahurangi National Park and is visible from Nelson on a clear day.
The hike takes you from Flora Car Park through beech forest before reaching Mt Arthur Hut and then continuing towards the summit. The landscape changes dramatically as you reach the alpine zone, with limestone formations, tussock, caves and rocky terrain.
The summit section is exposed, so pick your weather carefully. But get a clear day and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views across Kahurangi, Tasman Bay and the surrounding ranges.
It's a big day, but one that belongs on every local tramper's list.
WHICH ONE WILL YOU TICK OFF FIRST?
From coastal walks to serious alpine missions, Nelson Tasman has an incredible variety of day hikes right on our doorstep.
Whether you're after a short and steep summit, a long mountain mission or a cruisy coastal adventure, there's always another trail to explore.
Just remember — mountain conditions can change quickly. Check the forecast, tell someone where you're going, take the right gear and know your limits.
And if you're heading into the hills, pop into MD Outdoors and we'll help you get sorted for your next adventure. 🥾⛰️
Happy adventuring!
