Nelson Tasman Settlement Support

A Partnership between Department of Labour and Nelson City Council

Local parks and reserves

The Maitai Valley

Where Nelsonians go to cool off in swimming holes and to picnic in parks. You can also play golf, explore the walks and visit the Maitai Dam.

The Boulder Bank

A 14.5km long natural breakwater of large granodiorite boulders with a historic lighthouse built in 1861. The Boulder Bank is accessible from Boulder Bank Drive, off SH6 just past Atawhai, or by boat from the waterfront.

Queens Gardens

A classical Victorian ornamental park, Queens Gardens features outstanding specimens of many unusual trees. See the exotic Huangshi Chinese Garden within. Located just outside of the central business district heading east, entry off Bridge or Hardy Streets.

Isel Park

A six hectare woodland garden with historic Isel House as its centrepiece, Isel Park is at its best in spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom. Located on Main Road Stoke, across from Countdown.

Broadgreen Park and the Samuels Rose Garden

Picnic in the shade of the trees, enjoy the roses and tour the Broadgreen Historic House all at the same time, located on 276 Nayland Road, Stoke.

Fairfield Park

Fairfield Park is located at the top of Trafalgar Street and has an early settler graveyard and two historic homesteads across Trafalgar, Melrose House and Fairfield House. Behind Fairfield House, walkways traverse the woodland.

Miyazu Japanese Garden

Named after one of Nelson’s sister cities, Miyazu in Japan, the Gardens are a traditional Japanese stroll garden with boulders, ponds, and stepping stones. Beautiful cherry blossoms bloom in spring. Located off Atawhai Drive near Founders Heritage Park.

Further afield

Popular picnic areas a short drive away include beaches at Glenduan, Cable Bay, Rabbit Island and Ruby Bay and river picnic grounds in the Aniseed and Lee Valleys.