Nelson Official Visitors - NZOA Annual Scientific Meeting 2013

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Tasman’s Great Taste Trail 175kms (not fully constructed yet): start at nelson i-site, or
richmond. this trail will offer panoramic coastal views over tasman bay and the Western ranges. riders
will pass over boardwalks along the edge of the Waimea estuary, home to a range of internationally
significant bird species, including the white heron. From here the trail crosses to beautiful rabbit island with
13 km of beach and pine forests, and where riders can take a ferry across to mapua Wharf to enjoy cottage
industry shops, cafes and restaurants. the route north-west from mapua leads to the town of motueka. the
southern trail section passes down quiet back roads along the motueka river’s west bank, emerging into
a landscape of sheltered valleys with vineyards surrounded by forest and glacial mountains. From there,
it will pass through dovedale and over to pigeon Valley road, through Wakefield, ending in richmond.
Heaphy Track 78.4km: a remote, multi-day,
ride that has no equal in new Zealand. the track starts
in golden bay and traverses to the West coast through
diverse landscape and vegetation. suitable for bikers
with a minimum of intermediate mountain biking
skills. the track varies from wide smooth flowing
trail to technical and rocky track with steep exposed
sections and frequent creek crossings. a good level
of biking fitness and experience is required. the
track can be ridden over any number of days with
most riders choosing to enjoy it over 2-4 days / 1-3
nights. stunning scenery and plentiful side-trips lend
themselves to keen photographers and riders with the
time to take it all in. Winter ride only.
Rameka intermediate: at the top of the takaka
hill turn off onto canaan rd. Follow the road to
harwoods hole carpark. start from the western fence,
a 10-15 minute ride up a 4Wd track to the signed
entry for the track. this track is a ride of two halves.
the first is technically challenging through bush,
negotiating tree roots, rocks and river crossings. the
second half you can sit back and relax more. one-way
approx. 2 hours. organise transport.
Camping in Nelson Tasman
to keep our region beautiful and accessible please stay only in holiday parks, campervan
for all to enjoy, nelson city and tasman
parks, department of conservation camping
district councils have some rules relating to grounds or other designated spaces and
overnight camping which can be found on please respect the environment. We thank
www.camping.org.nz or by visiting your
nearest i-site, department of conservation
Visitor centre, or holiday park.
you in advance.
*average rain days per month
Climate Average high temp Average low temp rainfall*
oC oF oC oF
Summer Dec-Feb 24 75 12 54 7
Autumn Mar-May 18 64 8 46 7
Winter Jun-Aug 13 55 2 36 8
Spring Sept-Nov 17 63 8 46 9
VISITOR GUIDE 2013 • 9