NELSON - KAITERITERI, 
 
The Nelson region is the north western half of the top of the South Island: the beautiful country lying between the northern edge of the Southern Alps with a great sweep of beaches.
 
Nelson’s trademark is the diverse culture that has bloomed in this area of rich resources and easy climate. There is always something happening in the Nelson region, and you can count on encountering original characters amongst a vital network of artists and craftspeople, farm and orchard settlements, Maori marae, alternative communities and adventurers. Friendly folk happy to share their good life with you. 
 
Kaiteriteri is a seaside resort with glorious sunshine, crystal clear blue-green waters and genuine golden sand, situated just 13 km from the busy township of Motueka, and 5 km from Marahau - Kaiteriteri is the main gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.
 
Kaiteriteri has one of the best beaches in the South Island, due in no small part to the wonderful colour of its sands. These come from the weathering of ancient granite rocks, releasing crystals of mica and quartz, which are washed down to the sea, and finely ground into glittering gold particles.

Kaiteriteri has a general store.  At nearby restaurants you can dine on fresh seafood and local produce.  Rambles include Withell’s Walk and Kaka Pah Point Walk at the end of the beach. They offer a view across the bay that encourages you to go and explore the more secluded coves and hideaways around the coast.

The close proximity to the most popular Abel Tasman National Park, makes it very tempting to join a launch cruise or hire a kayak to experience this incredibly beautiful coastline. The tourist operators at Kaiteriteri and Marahau offer great flexibility in planning park visits, then rendezvous with a water taxi for the return. Some highlights of a visit to the park are Falls River, Shag Harbour and the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, which is famous for its fur seal colony, plentiful fish and seabirds. Nature trails and side paths to such features as Cleopatra's Pool help visitors immerse themselves in this peaceful world.

  
Away from the coast there are interesting places to explore from Kaiteriteri. The Takaka Hill road leads to the Ngarua Caves, which are known for their wonderful stalactites and stalagmites. Harwood’s Hole off the Canaan Road, is a vertical shaft 176 metres down and incredibly clear water wells up through Pupu Springs. The surrounding area is full of startling granite outcrops and limestone formations. 
 
South and west of Nelson, three national parks jostle for your attention. From the alpine beauty of the Nelson Lakes, through the spectacular wilderness of Kahurangi, to the golden beaches and warm water of the Abel Tasman, all skill and energy levels are catered for. St Arnaud offers skiing, mountain climbing and tramping; the Heaphy and Wangapeka tracks stretch across to the West Coast; and the whole Takaka area is riddled with caves.

Nelson has a variety of excellent cafes and restaurants, many of which are of international standard and offer the best of fresh local produce.  These include delicious fresh seafood, berry fruits as well as pip and stone fruits and New Zealand's unique "kiwi fruit".

There are a number of delightful and interesting vineyards in the area.  Five of these are award winning and offer wine tasting, lunches and snacks in beautiful surroundings.

Vineyards include:

Denton Winery 
Glover's Vineyard 
Kahurangi Estate 
Moutere Hills Vineyard 
Neudorf Vineyards 
Seifried Estate
Rimu Grove Winery

Spencer Hill Tasman Bay

Himmelsfeld Vineyard

Sunset Valley Vineyard