Rabbit Island's a fantastic, huge beach which all of the locals go to (I'm from Nelson). Loads of room to spread out for lounging, beach cricket, safe swimming, and huge picnic areas under the pines.

Past Richmond on the road towards Motueka/Abel Tasman.

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There is no denying that Abel Tasman National Park, lying to the west of Nelson is beautiful all year-round, but during the New Zealand winter months of June, July and August it is at its most tranquil and crowd-free. Hike the Abel Tasman Coastal Track and for three days see virtually no-one, experience clear blue skies during the day, and stay in empty, but cosy cabins under the vast star-filled night sky.

Stop off at the Awaroa Lodge for a hot chocolate and a game of Scrabble before wandering down to a wide, white sandy beach free of both sandflies and any human life. Afterwards, rest your weary legs during a trip to the tiny cinema in nearby Motueka. Sofas, chairs, footstools and freshly filtered coffee are the order of the day here.

www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002~Tracks-and-Walks/Great-Walks/Abel-Tasman-Coast-Track/index.asp

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I highly recommend walking along the Maitai River. This river runs from the top of the Maitai Valley to the port where the river goes into the sea. The walk is most pleasant from the Trafalgar Street bridge (which is at the bottom of the main street in town) up to the start of the Maitai Valley and takes about two hours. It goes through some of the residential areas of Nelson and is a great way to see how Nelsonians live as well as being a bit of a nature ramble. The path is paved some of the way and is gravel for other parts of it. It is also used as a bike path but cyclists will generally give way to pedestrians.

Begins at the Trafalgar Street Bridge

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