It may be New Zealand's smallest national park but Abel Tasman National Park is among the most impressive of them all. There’s a myriad of ways to see the park’s mix of sunny beaches, stunning bays and lush greenery — cruising, kayaking, water taxi, snorkelling, swimming, and of course, walking. Along with the beautiful scenery, native wildlife completes the picture. Seals, penguins and gannets can be seen sunbathing and diving (you might even encounter playful dolphins) while the songs of tui and bellbird can be heard reverberating through the trees.

It’s home to the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of the 9 Great Walks, which winds its way around cliffs, headlands, forest and beaches. Hikers take 3 to 5 days to complete the trail in full, staying at huts or camping along the way. Many people take it at their own pace, but guided tours are available too. (Note that the track is not a circuit, so you’ll need to organise transport at either end. There are lots of shuttles and water taxi services in operation.) However, you can choose to take on just part of the trail, as much or as little as you fancy. Kayak tours are another popular option — paddling through the crystal-clear waters and observing everything from a different perspective.

To really appreciate the beauty and magnificence on offer here, it’s best to allow a few days to explore. But never fear; if you’ve only got a day in Abel Tasman National Park, try arranging a day trip with a good mix of boating and track walking.

Abel Tasman National Park can be accessed either from Marahau and Kaiteriteri in the south (about an hour’s drive along the coast from Nelson) or from Golden Bay and Totaranui in the north (about 2.5 hours drive from Nelson).

Located at the most northerly point of the South Island, windswept Farewell Spit stretches for a whopping 35km. Nearly 100 species of birds reside here among the ever-shifting sands — it’s a sanctuary for godwits, curlews, and many more (there’s even a gannet colony here). An added bonus is the historic Cape Farewell lighthouse, originally built in 1869.

On one side of the spit you’ll face the open sea, and on the other, enjoy calm sheltered waters. The Spit Track takes in both sides of the headland. Starting from the car park, you’ll cross farmland, head up through the pines, then descend on the other side to Ocean Beach. Continuing on will bring you to the rocks and cliffs of Fossil Point. 4WD safari tours are a popular way to see the spit, as well.

The Farewell Spit is truly unique — rugged and remote. For the intrepid, walking from end to end will take up most of the day.

At the other end of the spit is Wharariki Beach, a breathtaking natural spot. Here, the caves, sand dunes, and waves are all on a big scale! This particular beach is never too crowded, with the walk there taking you through pastures and manuka groves. Visit at low tide to maximise your time strolling along the sands. For those comfortable on horses, riding along the beach is an unforgettable experience and horse treks are an option.

The route to Cape Farewell is a lovely drive from Nelson in your car. As you travel up over Takaka Hill towards Golden Bay, vistas of mountains, valleys and coast open up before your eyes. The trip does take the better part of three hours, so you may prefer to base yourself in Collingwood or Takaka for overnight accommodation.

The annual World of WearableArt fashion show may be held across the Cook Strait, in Wellington, but it’s in Nelson where you’ll find the permanent collection of avant-garde garments. (Entries are also submitted in Nelson each year, then whittled down as part of the show selection process.)

A local icon, this museum combines two unique but very different attractions. The theatrical World of WearableArt gallery houses dozens of weird and wonderful artistic creations designed to be worn and not just admired. Some are inspired by nature and the outdoors, while others take inspiration from films and popular culture. The entire exhibit changes twice a year; the majority of pieces hail from the most recent season, along with popular exhibits from previous shows. The World of WearableArt was pioneered by local Nelson sculptor Suzie Moncrieff, whose idea has blossomed into an international phenomenon.

Next door, the adjoining Classic Cars museum caters to gearheads, boasting one of the largest private classic car collections down under. The vehicles here have been sourced from all around the world, over the years. Here you’ll find some seriously sought-after motors, many of which have been painstakingly restored.

You’ll also find a cafe with excellent coffee and food, along with a retail store featuring souvenirs such as books, crafts and jewellery. Art lovers will also appreciate the Reflections Art Gallery, which highlights work by contemporary Kiwi artists. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring all there is to offer.

And the museum itself is a sight to behold. It features an aluminium ribbon wall, stretching to six metres high, that is reminiscent of flowing silk. Open daily, the museum is an easy 10-minute drive from the city centre and close to the airport.

If you’re staying in Nelson, Rabbit Island is a convenient 20-minute drive west of the city centre. It is the biggest of a group of sandy islands in the Waimea Estuary, at Tasman Bay. Rabbit Island is also home to rich pine forests, which were planted nearly a century ago.

It’s linked to the mainland, and as you drive over the bridge you may see whitebaiters in action (they favour this particular area of the island!). There’s also a turnoff for Rough Island, where an equestrian park caters for horse riders — cross-country as well as show jumping and dressage. Horses are allowed on the southern end of Rabbit Island’s beach, too.

With soft sands and safe, shallow waters, the beachfront on Rabbit Island is ideal for relaxing family picnics. There are BBQs here available for your use, and there are tables and seats (and, importantly, public toilets) as well. Just be sure to bring your own supplies as there are no shops to buy food from on the island itself. The public reserves are only open during daylight hours.

As the tide ebbs and flows, you’ll see lots of sea birds and waders like herons and shags. And on the back beach, you’ll find a boat ramp as well as a water skiing area.

Keen riders should bring their bikes along. Adjacent to the picnic areas lies a veritable maze of mountain biking tracks to the west where Conifer Park caters for riders of all abilities.

So whether you’re after a laid-back family day out, or an active getaway packed with watersports, horse riding or mountain biking, pack up the car and head out to Rabbit Island.