Centre of New Zealand Walk

Time: 1 hr 30 min return

Grade: Steep but short (family friendly)

Start: The Botanical Reserve is reached over a footbridge from the end of Hardy Street. You can park your car on Hardy Street East. Get Google Maps Directions

The Centre of New Zealand, on Botanical Hill at the start of the Maitai Valley, is an iconic walk in Nelson Tasman.

The Centre of New Zealand is so named because it was a central survey point in the 1800s. Start the Botanical Hill walk at the Reserve, where the first ever rugby game was played in New Zealand. From here, there are a couple of options to take you to the top where you will enjoy spectacular views over Nelson Tasman.

Inspect the native plants or catch your breath on the platform seating. From the summit, descend via one of Botanical Hill's other tracks. Or you extend your walk further by heading down the eastern side toward Branford Park to the Black Hole swimming hole and return via the Maitai Track. In the summer, take your togs to go for a swim.