The Grampians Tracks

• Nelson
• Walks & Hikes

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The Grampians are a prominent group of hills that form the backdrop to Nelson City. Home to a network of tracks that vary in length and difficulty, the Grampians is popular with walkers if not for their diversity but also for their central location.

A potpourri of vegetation scatters The Grampians landscapes, with regenerating native, grassy scrubs and pine trees complementing mahoe, mamaku and tawa trees.

The perfect balance of challenge and reward, the Grampians trails tend to zigzag up the slopes of a hill, emerge at a grassy spur and continue steeply to a ridge. Reaching a maximum height of 390m, a TV transmission tower from the 1970s adorns the summit. However, those who don’t want to climb to the top can still enjoy spectacular scenery over Nelson City and Tasman Bay from the Grampian Saddle. From the summit (or the saddle), you can return to base via the Kānuka, Kahikatea or Tawa tracks, zig-zagging back down under the canopy of lush native forest.

Melrose House is located at the main entrance, at the beginning of the Grampians Walkway and is the ideal spot to rest the calves and refuel after your walk.

How to get there: The Grampians Tracks can be accessed from multiple entry points around Nelson City, including Upper Collingwood Street, Market Road and Blick Terrace.

Photo credits: (1-3) Nelson City Council, (4) Giselle Purcelle.