Richmond Hills

• Nelson
• Walks & Hikes

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The Dellside Reserve in Richmond Hills is home to a diverse range of walking tracks, from simple 30-minute strolls to steeper, tougher treks that offer incredible views over Richmond and beyond.

One of the most popular walks in the Dellside Reserve is the Jimmy Lee Creek circuit. Beginning just north of the Queen Street intersection on Hill Street, Jimmy Lee Creek follows a beautiful valley to a bird hide, where you’ll often see tui, bellbird and fantails feeding. The regeneration of bird life as a result of pest control in the area is apparent, with morepork, kereru, weka and silvereyes fluttering and singing to their hearts content.

After passing the bird hide, the track ascends the hill to Grassy Saddle, a site where potato-growing used to occur. Grassy Saddle offers extensive views over the Waimea Plains and Western Ranges, and a picnic table at the top invites walkers to stop and enjoy them for a while. Descending the hill to the corridors of Wills Gully includes a couple of creek crossings before joining back up to Hill Street.

The Richmond Fire Lookout is another track in the Richmond Hills that is well worth exploring, known for its spectacularly elevated views over Tasman Bay. Beginning at Easby Park, it’s a gentle ascent to the Hang 10 skid site, but a bit of a challenge for the calves as you continue up toward the fire lookout.

Photo credit: www.nelsontasman.nz.