- info@pacificjane.com
- Auckland, New Zealand
Nelson to Murchison abandoned homeStart the journey in the quiet corners of the upper South Island and discover where wild meets west with heritage gold mining trails, then indulge in natural hot mineral spas then splurge on scenery that is picture-poster perfect. The start and finish is in sunny Nelson where foodie trails, heritage and scenery add to a glamorous bookends to a New Zealand holiday experience.
State Highway 6 from Nelson to Murchison passing Brigthwater, Wakefield, Murchison
185 km 2 ¾ hours
Take a whistle stop photo moment in Brightwater and perhaps check out the local wineries. It is Nelson after all with its well known wine trails. There are two heritage church’s worth a second look for those interested in New Zealand church architecture.
Brightwater
VISIT DURATION – 40 minutes
Great Taste Trail: Wakefield to Kohatu Spooners Range tunnel is 1.35 km in length and it is a shared tunnel with the Great Taste Cycling Trail. It is an even surface with floor lighting which is triggered by movement. It is advisable you wear a head torch to assist with vision. The tunnel is hand carved. Check Travel Pack Information for details around the tunnel construction and history.
The 1.35 km-long tunnel was completed in 1893. The tunnel closed when the railway was decommissioned in 1955. The tunnel lay mostly unused for 60 years until it was re-opened in 2016 to become part of the Great Taste Trail. There is a story how the local member of Parliament sat on the railway lines, with her knitting in a vain attempt to keep the rail link open. She would be very pleased with the reimagined use of the tunnel and the opportunity of tourism to bring visitor dollars to the local economy.
VISIT DURATION: 2 hours
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