Nelson
Trip Start
Sep 03, 2007
1
106
220
Trip End
Jun 17, 2009
Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
Monday, April 21, 2008
The river was quite wide and had a good flow on it and as we ran into the gorge, we passed along the cliff faces, which were sometimes undercut by the road. We wanted to see some of the interior of the 'Victoria Forest Park' and so followed a great circular route round the mountain passes and through the dense forests. The day slowly brightened and as the cloud patchily cleared, we could see a fresh sprinkling of snow dusting the mountain tops. The scenery here is continuously stunning everyday.
We eventually returned to the Buller Canyon and then headed north on the 'Motueka Valley highway', until we reached the 'Tasman Bay' and the city of 'Nelson'
Hwy 69 near Springs Junction
. Built around the edge of the bay, Nelson is one of the largest cities in the north and is the gateway for the 'Kahurangi National Park' on the north coast. The area round it is vineyards and fruit growing and it is reputed to have the best climate in New Zealand, as one local proudly told me.It is the two week school holidays and as Nelson is quite a seaside centre, we had a bit of difficulty finding a motel for two nights, but eventually found one. A quick shopping session and then supper.
Distance driven 359 Km 223 miles
Tuesday 22nd April
A bright but breezy day and we drove out to explore Nelson. The city is quite old but has many modern buildings, especially those built on the slopes overlooking the bay. There are many renowned sea food restaurants and we decided to treat ourselves and booked a meal at the 'Boat Shed Café'. Most eateries are 'cafes' as opposed to restaurants but this does not reduce their culinary skills.
Maruia Falls
In the city we parked near the river and went to climb 'Botanical Hill', where the geographical centre of New Zealand is located. This was a bit of a grueller but was worth the effort, with some great views of Nelson and the Tasman Bay.
Back in town it was time to look around the shops and see the 1960's cathedral.
Suppertime and the Boat Shed, which was an original boat builders, erected on stilts above the blustery quayside. The specialities here are Crayfish (or spiny lobster) and Paua, a giant abalone, which has a fabulous mother of pearl type shell. We ordered one of each and enjoyed a delicious meal whilst the wind whistled round the café and the sea gulls struggled to make any progress. An easy day.
