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HomeRoad TripsOceaniaNew ZealandBlenheim to Abel Tasman N.P.
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Blenheim to Abel Tasman N.P. Road Trip

Blenheim - St Arnaud - Nelson - Motueka - Abel Tasman N.P.

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Road conditions Road conditions
Comfort Comfort
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Blenheim to Abel Tasman N.P. Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km253 h/stage1.0

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Blenheim to Abel Tasman N.P. Road Trip in New Zealand?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 81EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 496EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 577EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 319EUR eat & more 324EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 693EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 855EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 351EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 473EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 968EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,319EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 165EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 444EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,119EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Blenheim to Abel Tasman N.P. Road Trip Itinerary

Experience the beauty of New Zealand on a road trip from Blenheim to Abel Tasman N.P.! This 157mi route is full of amazing sights and unique attractions, perfect for a 3-day journey. The best time to make this trip is during the summer months, when the days are longer and the roads are in excellent condition. As you drive, you'll pass through the picturesque towns of St Arnaud, Nelson, and Motueka. Enjoy the spectacular views of rolling hills, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes as you make your way to Abel Tasman N.P. Be aware that some of the roads can be narrow and winding, but overall the route is safe and suitable for all drivers. This road trip is sure to provide you with a lifetime of memories, but it does come with a high budget. However, the stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and unique attractions make it well worth the cost. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and set off on an unforgettable journey from Blenheim to Abel Tasman N.P.!
number of days 3 number of days
route length 253 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Blenheim

Distance 253 km Driving time 4.0 h Pace: fast 75.9 kWh Airports WLG , BHE
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Blenheim, situated in the sunny Marlborough region of New Zealand's South Island, is the perfect starting point for the road trip named "Blenheim to Abel Tasman N.P. Road Trip". This charming town is home to a variety of attractions, from wine tours and vineyard restaurants to historic sites and nature reserves. Visitors can explore the Wither Hills Farm Park, a unique park with trails and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, or visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a fascinating museum dedicated to New Zealand's aviation history. Nature lovers should visit the Marlborough Sounds, an area of awe-inspiring and tranquil beauty, or take a cruise on the Pelorus River to spot the rare Blue Duck. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Wellington Airport (WLG) with car rental services available. Blenheim is a vibrant town that offers something for everyone, and is the perfect starting point for a road trip to Abel Tasman National Park.

1 Blenheim - St Arnaud

Distance 100 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 29.9 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options camping sites
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Welcome to the amazing road trip stage between Blenheim and St Arnaud! The drive is only 62 mi and takes less than 2 hours, so you can take your time and enjoy the picturesque landscapes and scenic road. Along the way, be sure to stop in Blenheim to explore the renowned Marlborough Wine region and taste some of the delicious local wines. Then, take a stroll around the historic Whitechapel Estate and admire its beautiful gardens. After that, head to St Arnaud and take a boat trip on the stunning Lake Rotoiti. Don't forget to take a picture of the stunning alpine scenery of the Nelson Lakes National Park, and take a break in the pleasant lakeside campsite. Lastly, visit the charming St Arnaud village and explore the hiking trails around the area. There's so much to see and do in this beautiful part of New Zealand! More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage - so make sure to check it out and plan your journey accordingly. Have a great trip!

2 St Arnaud - Nelson

Distance 87 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: fast 26.1 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Get ready for an unforgettable road trip starting in St Arnaud, New Zealand and ending in Nelson! This drive will take you through some of the most beautiful places in the country, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the scenery along the way. The total distance is 54 miles and can be covered in less than two hours. As you drive, look out for the historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and scenic roads that make this journey so special. In St Arnaud, visit the historic Church of St John the Baptist. Further down the road, you'll find the stunning views from the top of the Mt Robert Scenic Reserve. And as you approach Nelson, make sure to check out the beautiful Lake Rotoiti. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Nelson - Motueka

Distance 49 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 14.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Welcome to the scenic road trip stage from Nelson to Motueka! This 30mi stretch will take you less than 1 hour to drive, and is a great way to explore the stunning landscapes of the area. Along the way, make sure to keep an eye out for interesting historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and more. You'll find plenty to explore, from the rugged Tasman Bay coastline to the lush rolling hills of the interior. Plus, you'll also have the chance to visit the Abel Tasman National Park, which offers plenty of outdoor activities and sights to take in. So, don't miss out on this short but sweet stage of your road trip. And don't forget, more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

4 Motueka - Abel Tasman N.P.

Distance 18 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: modest 4.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Motueka to Abel Tasman National Park! This 11mi journey will take you less than an hour, but it is packed with amazing sights and attractions. Get ready to see some of the most breathtaking landscapes in New Zealand! As you drive along the winding roads, make sure to take in the incredible views. You’ll be able to admire the lush green forests, crystal clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains. You can also explore historical sites and take in the charming scenery of the South Island. Be aware that some sections of the road are very winding, and others are narrow. But don’t worry, you’ll get to your destination in no time! You’ll be able to explore Abel Tasman National Park and its stunning beaches, lush forests, and incredible wildlife. We encourage you to make the most of your journey and take your time. There are plenty of attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. For more information, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

  Abel Tasman N.P.

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Abel Tasman National Park is a stunning destination located on the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a great place to end your road trip from Blenheim, with breathtaking coastal scenery and plenty to explore. The park is known for its golden sandy beaches, lagoons, and unique wildlife. It is the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning scenery. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is a popular walking track, winding along the coast of the park. It is the perfect way to experience the park, with its stunning views of the coast and its abundance of wildlife. There are also kayaking tours available, allowing you to explore the park from the water. The Abel Tasman National Park also offers a range of activities for the more adventurous. Hiking and mountain biking are popular, as well as diving and sailing. The park is also home to some of the best rock climbing in the country, with some of the most challenging routes in the national park. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Nelson Airport (NSN), located just a short drive away. If you are looking for a unique way to finish your Blenheim to Abel Tasman N.P. road trip, then Abel Tasman National Park is the perfect destination. With its stunning scenery and abundance of activities, you are sure to have a memorable experience.

Blenheim to Abel Tasman N.P. Road Trip at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on a captivating 3-day Road Trip spanning approximately 157 miles from the wine-rich region of Blenheim to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand. This journey is a treasure trove of awe-inspiring vistas and distinctive attractions that promise an unforgettable adventure.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

Starting from Blenheim, known for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, the route includes picturesque stops at St Arnaud, a gateway to the alpine hikes and clear waters of Lake Rotoiti; Nelson, a creative arts hub with a vibrant café culture; and Motueka, the perfect base for exploring nearby vineyards and orchards. The trip is adorned with breathtaking views of verdant rolling hills, dense native forests, and idyllic lakes. Abel Tasman National Park is the crown jewel of this trip, celebrated for its golden sandy beaches, sculpted granite cliffs, and accessible coastal hiking tracks like the famed Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Best Time to Go:

The ideal time to embark on this Road Trip is during New Zealand's summer months, from December to February, when you can enjoy the longest days, the warmest weather, and the best road conditions for travel.

Potential Risks:

While the roads can be narrow and winding, particularly as you approach the national park, they are generally well-maintained and safe. It's important for drivers to remain attentive and cautious, especially during peak tourist seasons when traffic increases.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

Prepare for a trip that may be higher in budget, but the investment is more than justified by the enriching experience of New Zealand's spectacular landscapes, the country's renowned hospitality, and the unique opportunities the trip presents. For those interested in viticulture, a visit to one of Blenheim's many wineries is a must. Additionally, art enthusiasts will appreciate Nelson's World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum, which combines fashion and vintage automobiles in a unique display.

A good choice for:

The journey from Blenheim to Abel Tasman National Park is an opportunity to forge lifelong memories surrounded by the incredible natural beauty of New Zealand. From sipping local wines under the Marlborough sun to kayaking in the crystal-clear waters of Abel Tasman, this Road Trip is a magnificent quest for any traveler seeking adventure, relaxation, and inspiration from one of the world's most picturesque landscapes.

Facts for safer driving in New Zealand

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 110 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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