An enjoyable walk around Nelson

Today we went for a circular walk around central Nelson, with the main focus on the Maitai River.   

The Mahitahi or Maitai River as it is now known, flows from the hills and through the centre of Nelson.  Maori have lived here for centuries and the river and surrounding countryside was a very special place for them.   

When the first English settlers came here in the 1830s, they built Nelson upon the swampy river flats, before spreading out into the surrounding countryside.

Now the river, with its accompanying paths, is a popular walking/cycling and picnic area.   We parked beside the river and started walking towards the mouth of the river, keeping an eye out for cyclists who also use the narrow path.

The river is also popular for whitebait enthusiasts, who patiently wait with their nets, in order to catch the tiny fish as they come in on the tide.  The fish are hopeful of bypassing the nets, so that they can make their way up river.

There were men with nets on both sides of the river in the photograph below, but it would appear that the sun, or trees or long grass obliterated them.

A kingfisher, I think, also waiting for the shoals of whitebait to come up river.  Dinner time.

A statue of a lady holding a native bird.

The river changed into a wide tidal estuary as we came nearer to the mouth, which is called Nelson Haven.

Walter and Margaret standing on the newly developed board walks.  This area has been replanted with native plants and trees.

Lunch at the River Cafe, included the usual delicious New Zealand fare.  Walter and Margaret ordered giant sausage roles, and I ordered a sour dough roll filled with marinated vegetables and cottage cheese.  All washed down with plain cold water, which is always available in restaurants and cafes here.

From the look of my fat stomach, in the photograph below, I think I have perhaps done a little too much eating of delicious food in the week that we have been here.

After lunch we walked back up the main street, Trafalgar Street, stopping to look in the tourist centre, and Farmers department store, plus indulging in a very large ice cream each, Hokey Pokey for me, and Salted Caramel for Walter and Margaret.

The view up Trafalgar Street, looking towards Christchurch Cathedral, hidden behind the trees.

We turned into a side street for the walk back to the car.

The wooden Trinity Church, built in a typical New Zealand style, with its carved roofline and doorway.   It has been sold and is no longer a church.  It is currently being used for concerts and plays.  The accoustics are excellent.

Nelson Central Primary School, a beautiful wooden building, painted light blue and white.

Our final stop was at the hand made soap shop, where I bought more organic soap, having spent time and money there previously.  Such luxury.

And so that completed our walking tour of central Nelson.  Very enjoyable in the spring sunshine.