Beyond the gate
Nelson-Tasman is one of New Zealand's most rewarding regions to explore. Three National Parks, award-winning vineyards, wild rivers and dramatic coastline — all within easy reach of Atatū.
VINEYARDS
Award-winning wine on the doorstep
Upper Moutere sits at the heart of one of New Zealand's most celebrated wine-growing regions. These are our favourites — all within a short drive of Atatū.
Neudorf Vineyard
Just down the road — a wonderful spot to watch the world go by over an excellent glass, looking out across the vines and mountain ranges. Picnic baskets available to order, and regular summer music events.
Gravity Winery
A wonderful restaurant with great views, it’s our favourite spot for lunch on a sunny day. Bookings highly recommended.
Moutere Hills Vineyard
Estate-grown wines matched with dishes made in-house using locally sourced produce. Bookings highly recommended.
Flaxmore Vineyard
Wonderful wines and a lovely vineyard walk with views after your tasting. Check the website for opening periods.
Heaphy Vineyard
Tasting of both Heaphy and Kahurangi wines, with a casual restaurant serving olives, breads and pizzas. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Seifried Estate
This is the South Island’s oldest commercial vineyard, and is still family owned. Known for both classic New Zealand varieties and rare European grapes, including Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt, and Würzer—Seifried is the only New Zealand producer of Würzer.
Check the website for opening periods.
NATIONAL PARKS
Three parks, endless options
Nelson-Tasman is the only region in New Zealand bordered by three National Parks. Each one is distinct — and all are within easy reach.
Abel Tasman
40 MIN FROM ATATŪ
Golden sands, clear water, seal colonies and coastal walks. Kayak in and hike back, or take a water taxi to Anchorage and walk home.
Nelson Lakes
1 HR FROM ATATŪ
Some of New Zealand's best hiking, from day walks to multi-day routes. Water taxi to Lakehead Jetty and walk back, around 3–4 hours. Great swimming in summer.
Kahurangi
40 MIN FROM ATATŪ
NZ’s second largest park. Wild rivers, high plateaux, alpine herbfields and coastal forest. From well-marked tracks to untracked wilderness. There's a route for every level.
FISHING & ADVENTURE
World-class fly fishing
The Motueka River has some of the highest Brown Trout numbers of any river in New Zealand. A network of smaller rivers and streams offer everything from challenging backcountry fishing to easy day trips.
Gerald is happy to help arrange a local guide. Licensing information at fishandgame.org.nz
Caves & via ferrata
The Tasman region offers everything from easy cave walks to serious underground adventures including Rawhiti Cave, Te Anaroa Caves, Ōparara Basin and Ngarua Caves.
The two via ferratas on Takaka Hill are free to use and open to anyone with a decent level of fitness. Safety gear can be hired nearby if you don't have your own.
Biking
The Nelson Tasman region is a standout destination for cyclists, anchored by the 200 km Great Taste Trail, a diverse, multi-day route that weaves through vineyards, coastal estuaries, historic towns, and rural landscapes. Riders can tackle it in sections or as a full journey, with a mix of easy to intermediate terrain. For those seeking more technical riding, the region also offers excellent mountain biking, from smooth forest tracks to challenging singletrack and backcountry trails. Whether you’re after a scenic touring experience or something more adrenaline-driven, there’s a ride here to match.