4 minute read
ROAD TRIP - Havelock to Nelson
Havelock to Nelson via SH 6 1hr, 73km
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.
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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.
HIGHLIGHTS
THE BROOK WAIMĀRAMA SANCTUARY Close to Nelson city you’ll find this sanctuary tucked away. The largest fenced haven for endangered plants and creatures in the South Island, they now offer glowworm and after-dark forest tours.
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.
Pelorus River © Marlborough NZ
CYCLING TRAILS Popular trails include Codgers and The Coppermine Trail. If you prefer flat rides, Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is one of the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, with recently opened new sections including Kohatūand Tapawera.
Cycling in the vineyard near Nelson © Oliver Weber / www.nelsontasman.nz
TĀHUNANUI BEACH A stunning kilometre-long sandy beach with safe swimming, crazy golf, a hydroslide, bumper boats, go-karts, model railway, roller-skating rink, playground and mini-zoo, Natureland.
TUNNEL TO TOWN TOUR Ride through this 1352m tunnel, the longest open to cyclists in the southern hemisphere.
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.
Nelson Saturday Market © Oliver Weber / www.nelsontasman.nz
THE SUTER ART GALLERY This public gallery holds works by 19th century landscape painter John Gully, local artists Toss Woollaston and JaneEvans, and many other New Zealand painters, printmakers 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.
CANYONING Take the plunge on an unforgettable ride canyoning in the Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes national parks.
WINERIES Nelson’s boutique wineries sprawl from the hills to the plains, crafting exquisite wines. Sample the artisans’ handiwork at their cellar doors, stroll through the sun-drenched vineyards and meander through the art galleries on location.
NELSON CITY ARTWALK This new outdoor gallery trail showcases local art from the Suter collection around the streets of Nelson city.
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 totheir forever home in Abel Tasman National Park.
Kākā © Natureland, Nelson
NELSON - SUNSHINE CITY
Hillside walk near Nelson © Oliver Weber / www.nelsontasman.nz
One look at the expanse of golden ripples that define Tāhunanui Beach and you’ll understand why so many artists have found inspiration in this naturally beautiful region. Nelson’s high quota of creatives mean galleries are brimming with talent. Visit the leading Suter Art Gallery, the new Protean Art Gallery or simply stumble upon exhibitions on your road trip.
Browsing art at Suter Art Gallery © www.nelsontasman.nz
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 the craft beer brewing capital of New Zealand.
MORE IN NELSON > Botanical Hill> Cable Bay Adventure Park> Christ Church Cathedral> Nelson Haven> Queen’s Gardens> Nelson Market> Historic South Street
