Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Let’s go local! Kahikatea Track has been closed for quite a while, after severe storm damage washed part of the trail away. It has been newly rebuilt – to the delight of Nelson dog walkers and hill lovers. This is one heck of a leg- and lung-burner, and excellent training for your upcoming races and winter tramping.
Distance: 2km one way
Elevation: +299m
The track starts from Market Road in Bishopdale, where there is a small carpark with a sign and wooden gate. If you’ve walked in the Grampians Reserve before, you know it is STEEP. This trail is no exception, but is quite easy underfoot with minimal ankle-twisting roots and rocks. You’ll pass the track’s namesake: an immense Kahikatea tree that is 36m high, with an 8m circumference and is thought to be about 300-500 years old!
The track continues up the slope and joins Mahoe Track for the final stretch. At the big junction at the top, turn right for the Grampians summit (transmission tower), or turn left for the much lovelier viewing platform. Soak up the views out over the bay, Richmonds and Arthur Range beyond.
The Grampians Reserve is a rabbit-warren of trails, so you’ve got plenty of options of where to head next. Make your way down to Nelson via Fairfield Park or Melrose House, over to the Brook Valley, or back down to Market Road via Tawa Track.
~Emma
