Matai River Pathway

As you stroll along the riverbank, you’ll easily forget that it weaves through Nelson City because the hustle and bustle couldn’t seem further away. The soft sound of the flowing river creates a tranquil setting for lunchtime picnics, riverside dining, a casual snooze, or a stroll with a friend. Stunning sculptures and murals intrigue those who have time to admire the landscape, while a network of swimming holes further up the river provides welcome relief on a hot summer’s day. As you reach Nile Street, the wide, graded path transitions to muddy, narrow and undulating terrain that is not conducive to prams or wheelchairs. How to get there: The walkway can be accessed from many locations along the river; however, the most common is at the river mouth adjacent to Rutherford Park (by the Trafalgar Centre), in Millers Acre carpark, or Riverside Pool.