3 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey through Nelson
Havelock to Nelson via SH 6 - 1hr, 73km
Leave Havelock and 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.
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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.
Sculpture at Art Expo Nelson © Art Expo Nelson
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.
Ben Clegg & Enfys Bellamy’s ‘Rainbow in the Dark’ in Queen’s Gardens, Nelson
Light Nelson/Daniel Allen
NELSON’S BOTANICAL HILL
A short 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.
CYCLING TRAILS
Nelson is increasingly becoming well known for its many great mountain biking opportunities and can easily cater for all abilities. Popular trails include Codgers and Dun Mountain. For those preferring it flat,Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is one of the Great Rides of New Zealand, is family-friendly.
Cycling through Spooners Tunnel © George Guille Media
TĀHUNANUI BEACH
A stunning kilometre long sandy beach and its neighbouring activities offer something for all the family – beach games, safe swimming, crazy golf, a hydroslide, bumper boats, go-karts, model railway, roller-skating rink, extended playground and mini-zoo Natureland.
NELSON MARKET
Time your trip to coincide with the weekend, and there’ll be opportunities to meet local artisans at the ever-popular and eclectic Saturday Market.This is the place to find a genuinely original souvenir from your trip.
Nelson Market © www.nelsontasman.nz
PIC’S PEANUT BUTTER FACTORY TOUR
Perfect for families, this tour reveals how peanut butter is made, complete with delicious smells and samples and kids have the opportunity to make their own. Tours take 40 minutes.
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 artist Tosswill Woollaston and the late Jane Evans, as well as many others. There is also a theatre and great pond-side café, touring shows are regularly hosted and it’s free to visit.
NELSON PROVINCIAL MUSEUM
This 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 tranquil spot near Nelson’s CBD.
NELSON HAVEN
Ferry or kayak through these extensive mudflats, departing Wakefield Quay. When the channel’s exposed, a large number of mud crabs literally do call Nelson Haven, their haven.
Sunset Bubbles Lantern Celebration, Nelson © Caroline Crick/Nelson City Council
NELSON - THE SUNSHINE CITY
This city bathes in 2500 hours of annual sunshine so it’s real nameshould be Nel-SUN.
Nelson Must-Do's
> Nelson Market
> Suter Art Gallery
> Botanical Hill
> Cable Bay Adventure Park
> Christ Church Cathedral
> Bridge St shops
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, one of the most publicised events being the weekly Nelson Market where local artists and craftspeople sell original work. Discover the region’s history at Founders Heritage Park and The Nelson Provincial Museum, or for wine aficionados, the region is home to approximately 25 cellar doors and is also dubbed New Zealand’s craft beer brewing capital.
Alfresco dining, Trafalgar St, Nelson © Barry Peck
Main Image: Nelson pottery artist Katie Gold © Oliver Weber
