Albion Square

In the heart of Nelson City is a lovely and historic area known as Albion Square. Part of this square is an historic reserve looked after by DOC. There are several historic features here that complement the nearby Hardy Street Girls School, an old (1864) post box still in use, the Suter Gallery and the Queens Gardens.

Interpretation panels on both Hardy and Bridge Streets help orient visitors to the square and its features, and provide more detail on its history.

Eves Valley Scenic Reserve

Time: 20 min return

Eves Valley is off Waimea West Road, 27 km from Nelson.

This little reserve in Eves Valley is a regenerating beech-podocarp forest covering 28 hectares. The reserve has many picnic areas, good access to the stream and a scenic 20-minute bush walk.

Camping is prohibited. Fires may only be lit in the fireplaces provided.

Snowdens Bush Scenic Reserve

The reserve is on Waimea West Road, just west of Brightwater, 21 km from Nelson.

Although severely modified, this reserve is an example of a forest type that once covered much of the Waimea Plains. It is dominated by totara, titoki and matai, and since grazing was stopped in 1972, a varied understorey has developed.

This 5.6 hectare reserve is a popular picnic and recreation area, with several paths meandering through the forest.

Camping is prohibited. Fires may only be lit in the fireplaces provided.

Belgrove windmill

The Belgrove windmill is on State Highway 6, 39 km south of Nelson.

The Belgrove windmill was built in 1897 on the Nelson railway line. It was used to pump water to help cool engines beginning the steep climb to Spooners tunnel. When the line closed, amid much protest in 1955, the windmill was left in place because it was also being used for domestic supply. It is one of only two such windmills remaining in the country.

The windmill is beside a busy weighbridge; watch out for logging trucks.

Hope Saddle

Hope Saddle  is on State Highway 6.75 km south of Nelson.

In 1871, a winding, precipitous track was cut through the bush over Hope Saddle. In 1879 the first horse drawn vehicles started using it, as part of the route from Nelson to Westport. At the saddle today, travellers can stop for a while and enjoy the views of forests and mountains. There is a shelter and toilet; interpretation signs and picnic tables are provided at two viewing points.

• Be wary of sudden weather changes.
• If boating in Waimea Inlet, time your trip with the tides.
• Light fires only in designated areas.