Paddling near Richmond, Tasman

Richmond sits at the top of Tasman Bay in the Nelson Tasman region, with access to some of the South Island's most varied paddling. The Abel Tasman coastline to the northwest is widely regarded as one of New Zealand's premier sea kayaking destinations, with sheltered water, tidal inlets, granite sea caves, and golden-sand beaches. Inland rivers including the Motueka, Te Hoiere/Pelorus, and Maitai add flatwater and whitewater options for canoeists and kayakers.