Go WILD at Natureland! Located next to the beautiful Tahunanui Beach in Nelson, Natureland Zoo enables visitors to meet exotic, native and domestic animals in a fun, family friendly setting. Visitors can enjoy the antics of monkeys, meerkats and a porcupine. A wide range of endangered native fauna is on display including kea, the world's only alpine parrot, and a range of interesting forest birds such as tui, kereru, kakariki and more. Visitors can also view some of New Zealand's stunning native reptiles including the pre-historic tuatara as well as colourful geckos. You can also help feed some of the firendly domestic animals and get up close to a number of different species including kune kune pigs, rabbits, goats and more. A small aquarium contains a range of interesting creatures and the exotic bird aviaries are home to a range of different birds. Scheduled animal feeds and keeper presentations occur throughout the day giving you an opportunity to meet the dedicated staff members.
We are the only kayak company in the Abel Tasman to specialise in family kayak trips. It's simply a fabulous way to explore a stunning environment in peace and tranquility and it makes a fantastic and fun experience for the whole family. We are also the only kayak company to operate from Kaiteriteri Beach – the most sheltered area of the Abel Tasman and a perfect starting point for families and less-experienced kayakers. The coastline that we cover is not only sheltered but also compact. However the area retains all of the features associated with kayaking in the Abel Tasman - as well as the awesome Split Apple Rock!
Aqua Taxi gets you and your family closer to the Abel Tasman Coastline. Our purpose built boats are fast and fun and can get you to those out of the way places. We’ve got more departures, more flexibility and more freedom; designed for you to get what you and your family want from the Abel Tasman. We hold a marine mammal permit which allows you to respectfully view seals, penguins and occasionally dolphins up close and personal.
Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi provides water taxi trips, sea shuttle services, guided tours and seal watching cruises in Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand.
Bring the family and join these playful and curious creatures at close-quarters in their own environment. Our low-impact, eco-friendly swim allows these beautiful animals to respond in their own way. The trip includes a return Aqua Taxi ride from Marahau to Tonga Island and a guaranteed one hour snorkelling experience with the seals. With small group numbers, your experience will be engaging and personal.
We cater for beginners to experienced riders and our treks explore different aspects of our unique, 1000acre farm. While we do offer a variety of longer rides, we recommend our 1 hour Scenic Farm Trail if you’re with children. This is a gentle adventure ideally suited to families and beginners. Children over 7 will love the trip and we’re happy to lead the young ones until they gain confidence to ride alone. WE recommend that children under 6 years take our 20 minute led pony ride. This is available for those up to the age of 10. We’ll ride to the pond to see the ducks and geese and meet other delightful farm animals.
PriceAdult $7, Child $5 (12-18yrs), Family Pass $15, Under 12's free
Hours7 days, 10am – 4.30pm except Christmas day and Good Friday
Minimum AgeIdeal for all ages
Founders Heritage Park is a replica historic village containing many of the old historic buildings and artefacts of Nelson. Special attractions include Dr Bush's Windmill, the Port Nelson Exhibition, vintage and horse drawn vehicles, fire engines and a working train. The short-track train gives rides on weekends and holidays. There are also livery stables, museum, old church and bakery. There’s a café, organic brewery, children’s playground and fun maze to visit, and toilets are provided at several locations.
Our sailing and launch trips are proving to be ideal family outings, with something for everyone, young and old. Take this opportunity to explore the stunning coastline of Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park on one of our Sailing Catamarans or Launches. Scheduled trips run daily, from a few hours for those short on time, to overnight or multi-day adventures into the National Park. Our Skipper and Crew take care of all the boaty stuff, so your family gets to relax and enjoy all the extras we provide, like kayaking from the boat, swimming, beach walks, fishing for your tea, snorkelling, watersports or just sunning it on deck!
Touch the Sea Aquarium has been specifically created to allow a close up experience of New Zealand sea and shoreline life. Kids just love it!
They can learn about the magic of the underwater world in the ‘deep sea’ education room, touch an inquisitive fish, admire the ever graceful ray, or experience the thrill of a shark close up. The ‘touch pools’ allow them to get their hands wet and feel the textures of the marine life.
The aquarium will leave you and the kids with a lasting impression and a new appreciation of ocean life.
Our shop on site also has a great range of ocean themed gifts, toys, and keepsakes.
