Nelson Wine Country by Campervan: Vineyards, Craft Beer and the Great Taste Trail

Quick summary: Nelson is one of New Zealand’s sunniest regions, and its wine country is a relaxed mix of small vineyards, orchards, craft breweries and artists’ studios. For campervan and motorhome travellers, it pairs perfectly with Marlborough, around two hours away, and with the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman. The Great Taste Trail, a cycle trail through the vineyards and along the coast, makes it easy to taste without driving.

At a glance
Where	The top of the South Island, around Nelson, Richmond and Motueka
From Blenheim	Around 115 km, about 1 hour 40 minutes
From Picton	Around 110 km via Havelock
Wine areas	Waimea Plains and the Moutere Hills
Signature wines	Aromatic whites, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Best way to taste	The Great Taste Trail by bike, or a tour

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Why visit Nelson’s wine country by campervan?

Because it combines wine with almost everything else that makes a road trip special: sunshine, beaches, national parks, craft beer and a creative, laid-back atmosphere. The wineries are smaller and more spread out than in Marlborough, often family-run, with cellar doors set among orchards and rolling hills. It’s an easy detour from Marlborough, and the gateway to the Abel Tasman and Golden Bay.

What are Nelson’s wine areas?

Area	Character
Waimea Plains	Flat, stony land around Richmond and Brightwater, close to the coast
Moutere Hills	Rolling clay hills inland from Mapua and Motueka, known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

The region is also known for hops and craft beer, with breweries and tap rooms throughout the area.

What is the Great Taste Trail?

A long cycle trail that loops through the Nelson region, linking Nelson, Richmond, Brightwater, Wakefield, Mapua and Motueka. It passes vineyards, orchards, cafés and breweries, with sections along the estuary and coast. The trail is mostly flat and suits all levels, and bike hire companies offer e-bikes, maps and luggage transfers. A short ferry links Mapua with Rabbit Island along the way. See our guide to cycling wine trails.

Where can you park an RV while you ride the trail?

At a holiday park in Nelson, Richmond, Mapua or Motueka, all close to sections of the trail. Many bike hire operators will deliver bikes to your campground or collect you at the end of a section, so you can ride one way and leave the vehicle parked. Choose a base near the part of the trail you most want to ride.

What else is there to do?

• The Abel Tasman National Park, with golden beaches, kayaking and water taxis from Kaiteriteri and Mārahau. See our sister site’s Abel Tasman tours.
• Mapua’s waterfront, with cafés, galleries and a small wharf.
• Nelson’s weekend market, with local produce, crafts and food stalls.
• Golden Bay, over the Tākaka Hill, with Farewell Spit and Te Waikoropupū Springs.
• Craft breweries and cider makers around the region.

Browse our wine tours for tasting experiences across the country.

Where can you stay?

• Holiday parks in Nelson, Richmond, Mapua, Motueka and Kaiteriteri.
• Department of Conservation campsites in the national parks.
• Freedom camping is limited, for certified self-contained vehicles, and only where Nelson City or Tasman District councils permit it.

How do you get there?

From Blenheim, State Highway 6 runs west through the Rai Valley to Nelson. From Picton, Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock is more scenic but narrow and winding. For the full route, see our sister site’s Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay route, and for a loop combining both regions, see our Marlborough and Nelson in 5 days itinerary.

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Frequently Asked Questions