South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷
Camping Grounds / Holiday Parks
Timing is Everything
The Nelson region has some genuinely lovely camping spots, but the peak NZ holiday season (roughly Dec 27 to late January) turns the best ones into a different beast. Pelorus Bridge campground among the big Kahikatea trees on the river is a cracker at quieter times, but it gets a bit much in the thick of summer. Same story at Kaiteriteri near Abel Tasman. Outside those four peak weeks though, it's one of the better-located spots on this coast. Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve and Marahau Beach Camp are the main options for accessing the park.
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Abel Tasman Canyons
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63 reviews
Kahu Kayaks
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224 reviews
Skydive Abel Tasman
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106 reviews
Golden Bay Kayaks
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29 reviews
Abel Tasman Kayaks
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136 reviews
Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle
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399 reviews
Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures
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84 reviews
Wilsons Abel Tasman
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243 reviews
Golden Bay is Worth the Extra Effort
Over the hill in Golden Bay, my pick is the Collingwood Holiday Park. Wharariki Beach Holiday Park has the location alright, but the service can be hit and miss. There's also a cracking little spot out near Wharariki if you're after something more off-grid. It's a winding gravel road to get there, with campervans coming the other way, so take it easy. Genuinely one of the more premium campsite locations in the region when it's not peak season. If horses are your thing, Hack'n'Stay in Golden Bay does camping with a trekking option attached. Chill vibes, away from the main tourist trail.
A Few Quieter Picks
For something a bit under the radar, Cable Bay Holiday Park is run by someone who's deliberately kept it quiet and genuine. Worth the detour if that's your style. And if you're based near Motueka, Kina Beach campsite just south of town is a good value, laid-back option with views that punch well above its price point.
Camping Grounds / Holiday Parks in Nelson
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Camping Grounds
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