Nelson
In June 2024, I drove to Nelson at the top of the South Island of New Zealand for a few days on a whim. I was first there in 1980/81 working as a seasonal worker picking fruit. My next visit was about 2003ish. For a long time it was the retirement capital of New Zealand as the climate is generally good all year round. This isn’t so much the case anymore – about it being the retirement capital of NZ that is – the weather is still good most of the year. It sure is much bigger and busier than I remembered it.
The summit of Botanical Hill is the symbolic “Geographical Centre” of New Zealand. However, there are two “real” geographical centres of New Zealand. One is a point in the Spooners Range in Golden Downs Forest, which is still in the Nelson-Tasman region – decided in 1962.
In 2008 Kiwi scientists made a successful bid to the United Nations to recognise what is now known as New Zealand’s Extended Continental Shelf, adding 1.6 million square kilometres of sea floor to our exclusive economic zone – thus moving New Zealand’s Geographical Centre to a location in the Tararua Ranges – north of Wellington in the North Island. Take your pick.
Regardless of where the Geographical Centre of New Zealand is, the top of Botanical Hill does give a splendid view of Nelson and its harbour. Worth the climb up.
There are multiple tracks up to the top with most being wide and not too steep. The tracks start at the far side of the Botanic Sports Field (apparently the site of New Zealand’s first ever rugby game in 1870)
If you want to see a spectacular sunset, go along to Tāhunanui Beach– it is the closest beach to Nelson City with a 1.75km stretch of sand.
If the weather isn’t playing the game, it’s still a nice beach for a stroll. There is parking and you could take either, a picnic or grab Fish N’ Chips to have on the beach. Dogs are not permitted on the two eastern thirds of Tāhunanui Beach, and dog walking is only allowed on Back Beach.
My first evening in Nelson was so lovely that I decided to treat myself to dinner at the Boatshed Café – which has a fantastic view of the sunset over the harbour.
Founders Heritage Park – is a snapshot into a bygone era and way of life. The day I went, there was a Used Book stand in the reception area. There are a couple of streetscapes displaying various shops/trades of the time. Some days you can find people working in these areas.
There is a great Maritime Museum on site with an impressive display of model ships. It reminded me of my Dad. I remember watching him put ships in bottles when I was very young.
I had morning tea/lunch at the café.
I think the park would be very busy during the peak Summer season, although there would be more going on.
The Bristol Freighter – Merchant Buccaneer – after being retired from the Pakistan Air Force, was purchased and flown to New Zealand in 1966 where it was used to deliver mail and freight for a number of years.
The Miyazu Garden celebrates Nelson’s relationship with its Japanese sister city of the same name. The gate is made from old timber recycled from the port. It’s a great place to take a stroll and sit a while to take in the peace and quiet. The gardens are about 350m from the Founders Heritage Park.
A weathered and windswept 30 year old bonsai.
Pic’s Peanut Butter World – This is the best Peanut Butter ever! Tours are available and can be booked on-line. They do fill up fast. A tasting is included at the conclusion of the tour. They make other things besides peanut butter, various nut & seed spreads and New Zealand honey.
My favourite is the Crunchy Peanut Butter.
I had nice lunch at the on-site café.
Nelson Boulder Bank – The Nelson Boulder Bank (the Bank) is a long coastal spit which lies a few kilometres offshore of Nelson City. This is a natural feature – not man-made. The Bank has grown to around 13.5 kilometres long and is considered to be the largest formation of its kind in the world. It shelters Tāhunanui and Nelson City from the elements of Tasman Bay.
The Boulder Bank Lighthouse was the second permanent lighthouse to be built in New Zealand. The pieces were made in Bath England and shipped to New Zealand. The original oil light was first lit in 1862.
How To Get There: You can visit the Boulder Bank on a guided tour with The Ferry or Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures, by private boat or kayak, or you can begin the walk yourself from Boulder Bank Drive near Atawhai. I went over on the Ferry. There are a couple of tour options if you wish to explore other islands in the harbour.
Nelson Boulder Bank Lighthouse
The Road Home
Kawatiri Tunnel Walkway– easy walk with a few stairs – about 20 minutes – 1.5km long There is a good-sized rest stop at the start of the track. A nice place to break the journey, stretch the legs and have a cuppa and/or a snack.
Kawatiri Tunnel Walkway
Lake Rotoroa is the larger of the two glacial lakes in Nelson Lakes National Park. It is, if I remember correctly 16km (?) from the main road. I went as it was such a nice day just to check it out. If boating and kayaking/canoing are your thing, this would be a great place to spend a few days. There are walking trails as well. Bookings are not required – first come, first served in the camp ground.
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