Local attractions

Vistara is the ideal accommodation base to explore the attractions of the local Nelson and Motueka regions. You can explore the attractions of the area, including Abel Tasman and Nelson Lakes National Parks.

Day trips from Vistara:

Excellent day trips from Vistara include the Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks, with fine mountain and coastal bush walks. Abel Tasman Launch cruises, Water taxis, and Kayaking are all within easy reach from Vistara and we can take care of your bookings. A wonderful scenic drive over Takaka Hill leads to you Golden Bay.

Abel Tasman National Park:

Abel Tasman is New Zealand's smallest National Park. It protects 23,000 hectares of simply beautiful bush and the most natural stretch of easily accessible coastline in New Zealand. Regular and on-demand bus and boat services are available. The world famous coastal track opens up the park's intimate estuaries, golden sand beaches and forested headlands.

Nelson Lakes National Park:

Nelson Lakes National Park encompasses 102,000 hectares of the northernmost Southern Alps. The park offers a quiet experience of tranquil beech forests, craggy mountains, clear streams, fields of tussock and lakes both big and small. A network of short walks explores the glacial features and forests. Longer tracks climb up through beech forest to viewpoints high above Lake Rotoiti.

Kahurangi National Park:

Kahurangi National Park is the classic national park: huge, wild and rich in the plants and animals that make New Zealand unique. Its 452,000 hectares include most remaining natural lands in the South Island’s north-west. Motueka, Takaka, Karamea, and Murchison are the park's gateway towns. 20 minutes drive from Vistara, the Flora Carpark offers access to a network of tracks ranging from short strolls to multi-day hiking trips.

Golden Bay:

Glorious Golden Bay encompasses the northern tip of the South Island. Takaka is a fascinating mix of eras and beyond lies the clearest fresh water in the world at stunning Waikoropupu Springs. Historic Collingwood is the starting point for safaris to the internationally significant bird habitat of Farewell Spit. At the base of the spit numerous walking opportunities reveal the secrets of Puponga Farm Park, including the spectacular Wharariki Beach.

Horseback Adventure:

A guaranteed challenge through our powerful mountain environment, bounding Kahurangi National Park. Journeys from one to three days or in December a ten day adventure through the Rainbow to Lake Tenison exploring beech forests, rocky mountain passes and golden tussock country. Small personalised groups. Champion horses. Wholesome homebaked food. Swim horses bareback. Western Ranges Horse Treks specialise in providing well schooled free moving horses for advanced riders but are also experienced in catering for the complete beginner.

Wine & Craft:

The Nelson province is one of New Zealand's main fruit producing areas and various craft industries also abound. Here the sun shines over 2400 hours annually.