4 minute read
Road Trip - Journey through Nelson
HAVELOCK TO NELSON VIA SH6
1hr - 73km
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© AA Traveller 2021
Leaving Havelock you’ll pass Canvastown, a former hub of the Victorian gold rush, cross the scenic Pelorus River and wind through the pine forests and beautiful Whangamoa Range to the sunshine city, Nelson. This stretch of SH 6 follows two river valleys and crosses two ranges of hills.
If you have time, stop at Pelorus Bridge to at least walk over it and be impressed by the river views. It’s a great starting point for many walking tracks, too. The Pelorus Reserve pathways are wide and wheelchair accessible and half-hour loops extend to four-hour return walks through podocarp forest for those with energy to burn.
Rai Valley, a quiet farming town and gateway to Pelorus Sound, is where to turn off to Okiwi Bay, Elaine Bay and French Pass, if you’re looking to take a detour rich in scenery.
Aoteroa Mural
© Oliver Weber / nelsontasman.nz
HIGHLIGHTS
PELORUS BRIDGE SWIMMING HOLES The water is crystal clear and perfect for summertime dips.Kayak some of the upper reaches or bob down in tubes hired from the campsite.
NELSON’S BOTANICAL HILL A stroll from the city, this 140m-high hill lays claim to the geographical Centre of New Zealand and has a network of pathways to its summit. At its foot is Botanical Reserve, which in 1870 was the site of the country’s first rugby game.
Spooners Tunnel on Great Taste Trail
© George Guille Media
CYCLING TRAILS Nelson’s many great mountain biking opportunities cater for all abilities. Popular trails include Codgers and Dun Mountain. If you prefer flat rides, Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is one of the Great Rides of New Zealand and is family-friendly.
TĀHUNANUI BEACH A stunning kilometre-long sandy beach with safe swimming, crazy golf, a hydroslide, bumper boats,go-karts, model railway, rollerskating rink, playground and mini-zoo Natureland.
Nelson Farmers’ Market
© nelsontasman.nz
NELSON MARKET Fill your bags with tucker and keepsakes every Saturday between 8am and 1pm.
PIC’S PEANUT BUTTER FACTORY TOUR Perfect for families, this 40-minute tour has ample samples and a chance to make your own peanut butter. It’s free, fun and features the world’s largest jar of peanut butter.
NELSON CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM This iconic cone topped building houses an impressive exhibition of more than 160 mint-condition vehicles and includes the most sought after motoring models.
THE SUTER ART GALLERY This public gallery holds works by 19th century landscape painter John Gully, local artists Toss Woollaston and Jane Evans, and many other New Zealand painters, print makers and ceramicists. There is also a theatre and great café, touring shows are regularly hosted.Free to visit.
NELSON PROVINCIAL MUSEUM is home to impressive displays showcasing the cultural and natural history of the Nelson region.
QUEEN’S GARDENS with its giant horseshoe-shaped duck friendly pond, beautiful roses and heritage trees, this is a quiet spot near Nelson’s CBD.
NELSON HAVEN Ferry or kayak through these extensive mud flats, departing Wakefield Quay. When the channel is exposed, a large number of mud crabs rule the roost.
HISTORIC SOUTH STREET This is New Zealand’s oldest fully preserved street. Meander along the cobblestone paths admiring Victorian buildings.
FOUNDERS HERITAGE PARK Visit a replica colonial village. Climb inside vintage fire engines, pop into traditional shops and ring home from a classic red telephone box.
NATURELAND Say hello to all sorts of characters,from meerkats and porcupines to lemur and iguana, as well as birds native to the region. All the residents are on a journey from rehabilitation to their forever home in Abel Tasman National Park..
NELSON SUNSHINE CITY
Church steps crowd at Nelson Buskers festival
© Nelson City Council
One look at the expanse of golden ripples that define Tāhunanui Beach and you’ll understand why so many artists have found success in glass-making here. Watching hypnotic hand-blown glass at an art studio is one of life’s greatest pleasure.
Nelson’s natural habitat is no doubt the inspiration behind much of the city’s high quota of creativity. Upper Trafalgar Street is fully pedestrianised and blossoming with alfresco eateries, more than 20 impressive artworks freckle Nelson’s streets and the Nelson Provincial Museum details the region’s history. For wine aficionados, the region is home to approximately 25 cellar doors and is also dubbed New Zealand’s craft beer brewing capital.
MORE TO DO IN NELSON...
> Nelson Market > Suter Art Gallery > Botanical Hill > Cable Bay Adventure Park > Christchurch Cathedral > Bridge Street shops
Couple browsing art at Suter Art Gallery
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