Nelson’s Boulder Bank

The Boulder Bank of Nelson stretches for 13km from The Glen to Nelson.  Boulders from The Glen have been swept along by sea currents over a period of 10,000 years to form this internationally renowned geological feature, one of very few of its type in the world.

The bank originally extended all the way to Haulashore Island but passage into the harbour proved to be difficult to navigate so in 1906 a “cut” was made in the bank to allow safer shipping access. 

It is possible to walk the length of Boulder Bank.  It is an uneven exposed walk but I found it very interesting and I enjoyed the different perspective looking across to Nelson.  Along the way there are the historic baches perched precariously, a wooden “wigwam” and towards the end is New Zealand’s second lighthouse, constructed in 1862.

To access the Bank, drive for approximately 10 minutes from Nelson towards Picton on SH6.  Turn left onto Boulder Bank Drive and continue to the end where there is a carpark.  Unfortunately the Haulashore Ferry is no longer running so its difficult to organise to be picked up at the other end – so for now, you have to turn around and come back the same way.  Remember to take drinking water and wear sturdy shoes!