Atawhai: Park Views, Heritage Trails and Coastal Forest

Explore Atawhai through its varied landscapes and historical themes: Tirohanga Whānui Park offers views of the Boulder Bank and Tasman Bay, heritage trails at Wakapuaka Cemetery follow clearly defined historical themes, and the Marybank Walk leads to a reserve designated as a remnant of coastal forest. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on a view, a walk with a named landscape destination, or history.

Views and activities at Tirohanga Whānui Park

The name Tirohanga Whānui Park was proposed by the Ngāti Koata Kaumātua Committee and means “majestic views.” The park offers views of the Boulder Bank and Tasman Bay. The name and landscape thus reflect the same idea: the translation describes the character, while the two landscapes provide specific points of reference.

A description published when the park opened in 2023 lists a large swing, a rope course, climbing bars, picnic tables, benches, a slide, an adjustable-height basketball hoop, a drinking fountain and fruit trees in the park. Check the park facilities again before your trip.

History and views at Wakapuaka Cemetery

Landscape and history also come together at Wakapuaka Cemetery: the cemetery overlooks Nelson Haven, and the Wakapuaka Cemetery Walk takes 1 to 1½ hours. This time estimate provides a practical starting point for planning your day. The heritage trails focus on different historical themes: the Mayoral Memories Heritage Trail offers insights into the history of Nelson City Council from 1874 to 1913; the Notable Women Heritage Trail tells compelling stories about women in Nelson; and the Italian Memorial Walk explores the history of Italian immigration.

A different landscape destination: the Marybank Walk

The Marybank Walk offers a different focus: it leads to a reserve designated as a remnant of coastal forest. This named destination differs from the views of the Boulder Bank and Tasman Bay at Tirohanga Whānui Park. If you choose your outing by landscape themes, you can choose between a designated reserve and two specific scenic features.

Culture and landscape in the wider destination of Nelson City

In the wider destination of Nelson City, historic sites add a cultural perspective. The Nelson Provincial Museum’s Regional Gallery is dedicated to Te Tauihu, the top of the South Island from Tasman Bay to Golden Bay, and explores the region’s history and identity. Albion Square is a historic area in the heart of Nelson City; plaques on Hardy Street and Bridge Street provide information about the square and its features. The Trafalgar Street area has been Nelson’s commercial centre for more than a century.

The Suter Memorial Art Gallery was built in 1899 in memory of Anglican Bishop Andrew Burn Suter. Nelson’s Theatre Royal is New Zealand’s oldest purpose-built theatre still used for its original purpose. It is privately owned and is generally not open to the public; take this restriction into account when planning your cultural activities.

Boulder Bank Scenic Reserve in Nelson City is a rare, 13-kilometre-long gravel bank that protects Nelson Harbour. Tirohanga Whānui Park offers views of the Boulder Bank; the protected area in Nelson City adds its length and protective function to this view.

For the wider travel overview: Nelson.