Attractions in the Nelson Region

Day trips to the following locations can be organized from Cedar Grove Motor Lodge

• Motueka - The town of Motueka in the South Island of New Zealand lies close to the mouth of the Motueka River, on the western shore of Tasman Bay. It is, after Nelson and Richmond, the third largest centre in the region, with a permanent population of around 6000.
  The surrounding district has a number of orchards, as well as growing a variety of specialised crops such as hops, and formerly serving as the main centre of tobacco growing in New Zealand. A number of small vineyards have developed in recent years, one (Neudorf) gaining an international reputation.
  Nearby beaches (such as Kaiteriteri Beach and Marahau) are very popular with holidaymakers, and the area around Motueka has one of the country's highest annual sunshine-hour indices.
  Motueka, as one of the nearest towns to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, has become the base of many tourism ventures in those parks, as well as in Nelson Lakes National Park, and in other recreational areas. Extensive limestone cave systems (including Harwood Hole in the Takaka Hill area north of Motueka) attract cavers and rock climbers. Sea kayaking and tramping now attract many thousands of visitors each year.
  
• Kaiteriteri – gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.  Perfect sunshine, clear blue-green waters and genuine golden sand, make Kaiteriteri a dream destination for holidaymakers.
  This seaside resort is well placed, being just 13 km from the busy township of Motueka, and 5 km from Marahau - the main gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.
  Kaiteriteri is 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 quartz and mica, which are washed down to the sea, and finely ground into glittering gold particles of sand.
  
• Abel Tasman National Park - At only 23,000 hectares this is New Zealand's smallest national park, but one of its most famous. Along with the coastal bays, lagoons and sparkling golden beaches of the famous 'Great Walk', the Abel Tasman also contains beautiful Beech forests, bizarre marble 'karst' landscapes and a spectacular system of caves in its lesser known interior.
  
• Golden Bay - is highly regarded as a tourist destination because of the wide variety of attractions it holds.  Golden Bay's natural features include two of New Zealand's most popular national parks, Waikoropupu Springs, Farewell Spit, extensive underground cave systems and easily-accessible mountains.  Beaches in the region can be wild and windy on the remote west coast, while on the sheltered eastern side th golden sands and shallow bays are safe for swimming. Among the other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed are tramping, kayaking, sailing, fishing, horse riding, golf, rock climbing, cycling and mountain biking.  
  
• Nelson Lakes National Park - Nelson Lakes National Park is centred on two beautiful alpine lakes: Rotoiti and Rotoroa. Craggy mountains, tranquil lakes, beech forest, clear streams and pebble ‘beaches’ are synonymous with Nelson Lakes.
  With the Nelson Lakes National Park, there are both short tracks which highlight the forest, lakeshore and glacial features and longer more challenging walks. In summer tracks are suitable for an average fitness level; in winter more experience is required. The walk around the Nelson Lakes is spectacular and the terrain is suitable for most ages. There is something for everyone at Nelson Lakes - boating, fishing, walking, mountaineering, bird watching, swimming in the lake in summer, waterskiing on Rotoiti only.