Farewell Spit
Farewell Spit, is New Zealand's longest sand spit (25 km) and a nature reserve. It is an internationally-renowned bird sanctuary with over 90 bird species recorded in the area. Every spring, thousands of wading birds arrive from the northern hemisphere. Other birds range from black swans to sparrows. Penguins also breed in the area.
The caves, islands, and arches of Wharariki Beach, where seals breed, are among the most dramatic in the country. Behind are constantly shifting dunes and a series of lakes and swamps. The vegetation is diverse, with some very rare plants.
Te Waikoropupu Springs
The world's purest water can be found at Te Waikoropupu Springs, near the Golden Baytownship of Takaka. They contain some of the clearest water ever measured and are set in a reserve that protects gold workings, regenerating forest and a fine patch of mature bush.
To Maori the area of Te Waikoropupu is a taonga or treasure and a waahi tapu, a place held in high cultural and spiritual regard.
The Grove
The Grove Scenic Reserve in Golden Bay is a small bush reserve characterised by rata trees growing out of curiously-shaped limestone outcrops. Nikau palms are also a feature of the reserve.
The track winds through the narrow canyons in the limestone ending up at a dramatic lookout offering views of the surrounding countryside, Golden Bay and the backdrop of the Kahurangi Park.
Abel Tasman Memorial in Golden Bay
Just past Tarakohe the road rises to a hilltop car park at the Abel Tasman Memorial. The marble plaque remembers Dutch Explorer Abel Tasman, who in 1642 was the first European to enter Golden Bay.
Three hundred years later, Abel Tasman National Park was officially opened, with the Queen of the Netherlands as Patroness. Strong links with the Dutch community locally, and with the Dutch Royal Family persist.
Centre of New Zealand
From the Botanic Reserve, the walk to the Centre of New Zealand will take 20-30 minutes, following any of a number of paths. At the top take a seat (you might need it!) and enjoy the stunning view and pick out the features of Nelson's geography from the information panels.
While this is not exactly the geographical centre of New Zealand, it is pretty close, and in the early days of European settlement in New Zealand, independent surveyors made isolated surveys that were not connected up. In the 1870s, it was decided to connect these up by a geodetic survey (one that takes into account the curvature of the earth) and John Spence Browning, the Chief Surveyor for Nelson was the only surveyor with the practical experience to do the job. Because he was located in Nelson he was instructed to begin the job here.
South Street
Nelson's oldest street is a historic site consisting of 16 working-class cottages built between 1863 and 1867. There is no admission cost to visit the street. Location is off Nile Street in Nelson City
