Easy Access Walks of the South Island of New Zealand
Until now if I wrote a description of a walk or gave tramping advice, I always had in mind trampers who are fit or at least can walk on rough terrain. But not everybody is that lucky and people with different disabilities also love nature and want a chance to experience it. Luckily, DoC have provided many walks that are suited for such people. Some of the walks have wide walkways suited for wheelchairs and facilities in convenient places. Here I will describe some easy access walks of the South Island.
Bellbird Walk at Nelson Lakes National Park
It is a short gravel surfaced walk taking about 15 minutes to complete located at Kerr Bay, St. Arnaud. One of New Zealand’s “Mainland Islands”, the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project is a sanctuary in Honeydew beech forest and excellent for bird watching. Extend your walk to Honeydew walk (1.2km/ 45 min) which is wheelchair assisted.
Tawa Walk, Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
This is gravel and boardwalk surfaced walk located on SH6 (State Highway 6) between Blenheim and Nelson. It takes about half an hour to complete. From the cafe, walk through one of Marlborough’s last river-flat forests, which has towering beech, rimu and kahikatea trees and plenty of birds.
Totara Path, Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
This is another short walk located near the Tawa Walk. It takes about 15 minutes to complete walking on grave surface with gentle slopes. You’ll walk through podocarp, broadleaf and beech trees. A magnificent ancient totara tree is a feature.
Waikoropupu Springs Walk, Golden Bay
This walk is located 9km north of Takaka. It will take you about 35 minutes to complete its 750 meters of gravel surface and boardwalk. This is New Zealand’s largest natural spring and a sacred place for Maori. The water of Pupu Springs are crystal clear, and you can see to a huge depth through. Have in mind that toilets there have no handrails.
In my next post I will continue writing about easy access walks, so come back soon!
Related posts:
