Weather and What's On
In June, Nelson and Abel Tasman experience mild winter weather, with average highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and exploring the national park. The region hosts several events in June, including the Nelson Saturday Market, which takes place every Saturday morning.
For a fun and relaxing day out, take the Abel Tasman Water Taxi and spend the day at one of the beautiful beaches in the park. The water taxi costs around $40-$60 per person for a return trip, depending on the destination. Alternatively, you can walk into the park from one of the road ends and enjoy a section of the famous Abel Tasman coastal track for free.
- Nelson Saturday Market: every Saturday morning
- Abel Tasman Water Taxi: $40-$60 per person return
Best Activities for June
June is a great time to explore the beautiful coastline of Abel Tasman National Park. Take a guided sea kayaking tour, which costs around $90-$120 per person, and paddle through the crystal-clear waters, getting up close to the stunning beaches and native bush. Another great option is the Farewell Spit Tour, which costs around $120-$150 per person and takes you to the northern tip of the South Island.
For a more relaxed day out, head to Tahunanui Beach, Nelson's main beach, which offers safe swimming, a playground, and a holiday park. You can also visit the Founders Heritage Park, which showcases Nelson's history and culture, with admission prices around $10-$20 per person.
- Sea Kayaking Abel Tasman: $90-$120 per person
- Farewell Spit Tour: $120-$150 per person
- Tahunanui Beach: free to visit
- Founders Heritage Park: $10-$20 per person
Crowd Levels and Booking Ahead
June is a relatively quiet month in Nelson and Abel Tasman, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. However, it's still a good idea to book ahead for popular activities and accommodations, especially during the school holidays. The DOC campsite at Tōtaranui Beach, for example, can be booked up to 6 months in advance, and costs around $20-$30 per night for a family site.
For water taxi bookings, it's recommended to book at least a few days in advance, especially during the weekends. You can book online or through the Abel Tasman Water Taxi office in Kaiteriteri.
- Book DOC campsites up to 6 months in advance
- Book water taxi trips at least a few days in advance
Practical Tips for Families
When visiting Nelson and Abel Tasman with kids, it's a good idea to pack warm clothing, including jackets and gloves, as the weather can be cool, especially in the mornings and evenings. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy eating at one of the beautiful beaches or parks in the area.
For families with younger kids, consider visiting Kaiteriteri Beach, which is free to access and offers a safe and shallow swimming area. You can also hire kayaks or paddleboards and explore the coastline at your own pace.
- Pack warm clothing, including jackets and gloves
- Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy eating at a local beach or park
- Visit Kaiteriteri Beach for safe and shallow swimming
- Hire kayaks or paddleboards and explore the coastline
- Arrive early at popular beaches to secure parking and a good spot
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