Trust us once we say your ft aren’t going to thoughts placing within the exhausting work on these spectacular tracks.
Nelson is likely one of the most beautiful areas in all of New Zealand (and we’re not even exaggerating). From its to-die-for seashores to its extraordinary nationwide parks, exploring Nelson is one of the simplest ways to spend your well-earned break. But if you wish to take your appreciation for Mother Nature to a complete ‘nother degree then lacing up your climbing boots and hitting these prime trials is the right method to do it.
Whether you fancy taking in the great thing about Abel Tasman or making an attempt the difficult St. Arnaud Range Track, these Nelson walks is not going to solely go away you breathless (actually) but additionally take your breath away.
Difficulty: exhausting (extraordinarily difficult)
Distance: 17.3km return
Duration: 5-7 hours
When wanting up on the Nelson skyline, likelihood is you’ll catch an eyeful of Mt. Arthur (Tu Ao Wharepapa) because it’s one of many highest peaks within the surrounding area.
Not solely is it one of many highest, nevertheless it’s additionally the most effective mountains to climb. Enter the Mt. Arthur Summit Track.
Don’t be fooled. This observe isn’t for the faint of coronary heart (or for the not-very-fit). With a distance of 17.3km return, this observe will take you 5-7 hours to finish and is a whole problem and a half. Despite the size, this observe is greater than definitely worth the effort with varied landscapes and notable stops alongside the way in which together with marble outcrops, grassy areas filled with alpine shrubs, the Horseshoe Basin, and Gordon’s Pyramid.
Difficulty: reasonable – exhausting
Distance: 60km return
Duration: 3-5 days
All of the Nelson walks on this record are assured to depart you with unforgettable views and restricted house in your cellphone’s digital camera roll however maybe none extra so than the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Promising to take you previous glowing seashores and forests filled with native bush, and to fascinating pure spots equivalent to Cleopatra’s Pool and Falls River, this observe (positioned within the Abel Tasman National Park) has slightly one thing for everybody.
Now, the Abel Tasman Coast Track isn’t a brief one, however you’ll be able to select to stroll solely a portion of the path for those who additionally fancy spending time enjoyable on the golden sandy seashore. To stroll the entire thing, it’ll take you between 3 to five days so be ready for in a single day stops and ft you’ll wish to put up instantly. There’s nothing fairly like strolling this observe although so belief us once we say it’ll be the most effective belongings you ever do.
WALK THE ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Difficulty: reasonable
Distance: 20km return
Duration: 8+ hours
You’d suppose that as a result of Lake Rotoiti is one among 16 lakes within the Nelson Lakes National Park that it’d be simple to miss however only one glimpse of its pristine waters and the encircling panorama is sufficient to know that’s not the case. Whether you’re making the trek in summer season with ideas of stopping alongside the way in which to swim within the lake or favor trudging previous frosty beech forests in the course of winter, this circuit is filled with fascinating sights.
Perfect for all ages and talents, Mother Nature is at her finest on this 20km observe with manuka and kanuka bushes scattered all through. You may even make a cease on the breathtaking Whisky Falls for a sight of cascading water you’ll always remember.
Difficulty: reasonable – exhausting
Distance: 10.5km return
Duration: 4-5 hours
We promise there’s a stroll on this record that isn’t bodily demanding however the St. Arnaud Range Track isn’t one among them. It could also be remarkably steep in some areas however the stunning sight of crimson, silver, and mountain beech bushes lining the trail provides the observe a magical ambiance that’s greater than price breaking a sweat over.
With a panorama formed by glacial exercise 1000’s of years in the past, hike previous crystal clear lakes and thru deep valleys, passing blooming alpine fields as you go, in your method to the highest for an unparalleled view of a number of nationwide parks together with Mount Richmond Forest Park and Kahurangi National Park.
Difficulty: simple
Distance: 2km return
Duration: 20 – 60 minutes
Okay, so this stroll won’t truly be the centre of New Zealand however with Nelson’s beautiful geography unraveling earlier than you, it definitely feels prefer it. Perfect for all ages and health ranges, that is a type of Nelson walks that you just can’t miss because of the peaceable environment you’ll end up in whereas finishing the 20–60-minute journey.
Slowly however steadily make your means from the Botanical Reserve in the direction of the highest of Botanic Hill for breathtaking views of Nelson’s fascinating panorama, stopping to work together with historic info panels alongside the way in which for a cultural expertise like no different. Steep however quick, this stroll is iconically New Zealand so no journey to Nelson is full with out it.
Difficulty: simple
Distance: 7.2km return
Duration: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Nelson is bursting with unforgettable landscapes and the Maitai River is a lot extra than simply one other one among them. Snaking its means by means of the town centre and out in the direction of Tasman Bay, the Maitai River Walkway guarantees to offer hours of leisurely enjoyable from the various swimming holes you’ll be able to dip in alongside the way in which to the grassy areas alongside the observe that makes for an ideal lunch spot.
While it is likely to be one of many simpler Nelson walks on this record, the Maitai River Walkway is unquestionably breathtaking the place it counts because of the numerous mixture of city and pure environment, you’ll come throughout in your 2 and a bit hour journey. You don’t even should stroll it in case your ft are screaming ‘no more’ with the trail additionally used as a well-liked biking route.
Difficult: simple – reasonable
Distance: 8km return
Duration: 2-3 hours
Naturally shaped over 10,000 years in the past from particles as a result of varied landslips off of the Mackay Bluffs, the Boulder Bank (Te Pokohiwi) observe follows a pure spit of boulders and is likely one of the finest Nelson walks for those who’re after a sight that goes above and past.
Not solely will this observe offer you an intense exercise (we love thigh burn), nevertheless it’ll additionally offer you an perception into the fascinating pure historical past of the world with a Nineteenth-century lighthouse located alongside the observe. Climb up the winding inner staircase for a mesmerising view of Nelson’s cityscape you’re unlikely to ever neglect.
Whether you’re an skilled hiker on the lookout for a problem or only a newbie who needs to spend extra time exterior, these Nelson walks are positive to be your favorite a part of your New Zealand getaway.