Treasured Pathway Information

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Highlights of Nelson Region

Nelson Information

Hardy European pioneers founded the beautiful city of Nelson, New Zealand in 1842, although this..

Nelson Lakes National Park Information

The Southern Alps find their beginning in Nelson Lakes National Park, 102,000 hectares of mountains..

Abel Tasman National Park Information

It would be hard to imagine a more perfect piece of coastline - clear turquoise waters, golden..

Golden Bay Information

Before you lay eyes on Golden Bay, you'll enjoy an amazingly scenic road journey. The long, slow..

Abel Tasman Coast Track Information

Mostly within the boundaries of Abel Tasman National Park, the Abel Tasman Coast Track combines all..

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The Treasured Pathway is a self-guided scenic drive through Marlborough and Nelson. The journey begins in the port town of Picton, where the inter-island ferry provides a connection between the North and South Islands. You'll follow spectacular Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock. Highlights include lookout points, easy walking tracks and safe swimming beaches.

Beyond Havelock is Canvastown, which began as a tent city in the 1864 Wakamarina gold rush. At Pelorus Bridge there are beautiful forest walks and riverside picnic areas. In Tasman Bay you can turn off to charming Cable Bay, site of New Zealand's first international telegraph cable station.

When you reach Nelson, think about shopping for an artful souvenir. This city is home to many professional artists and crafts people. On Saturday morning, the Nelson market is humming with creative energy.

After the town of Richmond, follow the coast west past apple orchards and craft studios. Rabbit Island is a detour you can make - to get there, you'll cross a bridge over the South Island's biggest estuary. Take a break in Motueka, a town with plenty of character and great cafes.

The trip over Takaka Hill to Golden Bay passes unusual karst landforms, amongst them the Riwaka Resurgence, Harwoods Hole and an interesting collection of lookouts, caves and bluffs. The last section of the Treasured Pathway skirts glorious Golden Bay to the northern tip of the South Island. Takaka township is a fascinating mix of eras, well recorded in the museum. Beyond lies Waikoropupu Springs, the clearest fresh water spring in the country.

Historic Collingwood is the starting point for safaris to the internationally significant bird habitat of Farewell Spit. At the base of the spit numerous walking opportunities reveal the secrets of Puponga Farm Park, including the wildly beautiful Wharariki Beach.

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Highlights of South Island

Queenstown Information

Nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is the..

Milford Sound Information

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by..

Christchurch - Canterbury Information

Float above the plains in a hot air balloon or soak in relaxing thermal pools. Enjoy the excellent..

Fiordland Information

Watch the mountains shake off winter and start to warm up for summer. Waterfalls are invigorated..

Dunedin Information

The city of Dunedin was built with the riches of the gold rush, consequently it has one of the best..

Otago Peninsula Information

Flanking the southern edge of Dunedin's extensive harbour, Otago Peninsula is high and rugged on..

Akaroa Information

An easy drive south-east of Christchurch, Banks Peninsula is the South Island's most interesting..

Doubtful Sound Information

Sometimes called the 'Sound of Silence' Doubtful Sound is the deepest (421 metres) and second..

Tauranga Bay Information

n the coastline about 16km south west of Westport, you will find Tauranga Bay and the Cape Foulwind..

Marlborough Information

Marlborough is full of activities for you to enjoy. No matter your budget and interests, there is..

Hokitika Information

Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It was an..

Central Otago Information

Central Otago is a region touched by history, with a powerful landscape of ancient mountains..

Dunedin - Coastal Otago Information

Dunedin’s legendary gardens at Glenfalloch and Larnach Castle, are a profusion of colour and..

Lake Wanaka Information

Lake Wanaka is a place to take a deep breath and relax. Protected from the outside world by the..

Southland Information

Southland comes to life in spring. Crisp frosty mornings give way to bright sunny days. Bird life..

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Treasured Pathway Information

Highlights of Nelson Region