Tasman Bay was named after the Dutch explorer Abel Janzoon Tasman who in 1642 became the first European explorer to discover New Zealand.

While Tasman failed in the mission entrusted to him by his masters - to discover the supposed great southern continent - he did find the beautiful country, which now bears the name derived from his home country of Holland.

The Nelson district is a very popular destination for local and overseas tourists because of its sunny climate, beaches and easy access to three National Parks the most popular of which is The Abel Tasman National Park.