Bridges Walk

Loop

Getting There

The Bridges Walk is incredibly easy to find as it begins right in the Nelson CBD. The official starting point is the Millers Acre Centre on Tākaka Way/Halifax Street.

• Buxton Square and the Bridge Street Car Park are both just a short walk from the trailhead.
• Pro Tip: These carparks offer the first hour of parking for free, which is often enough time to complete the loop if you’re moving at a brisk pace! After that, it’s a very reasonable $2.00 per hour.
• Parking fees apply Monday to Friday (8 am – 5 pm) and Saturday (9 am – 1 pm). If you're visiting on a Sunday, parking is generally free.
• If you prefer not to pay at all, free all-day parking is usually available on the city fringes, about a 10-15 minute walk from the centre.

Wildlife Spotting

For a city walk, the Bridges Walk is surprisingly rich in birdlife. The Maitai River acts as a natural highway for native species moving between the hills and the coast.

• Pīwakawaka (NZ Fantail): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed companions. They love to flit around hikers, catching the tiny insects stirred up by your footsteps.
• Tūī: Listen for their complex, melodic whistles and "clucks." You’ll often see them in the kōwhai trees along the river or in the flowering gums of Queens Gardens.
• Kererū (NZ Wood Pigeon): Look up into the larger trees; you might see these heavy-set birds (and hear the distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings) as they feast on berries.
• Mallards: The ducks here are very "people-friendly." If you’re walking with kids, the ducks near the bridges are often eager for a visit, though remember to keep any snacks bird-friendly (peas or oats are much better for them than bread!).
• White-faced Heron: Keep a quiet eye on the rocky edges of the river. These elegant, grey birds can often be seen standing perfectly still, waiting for a fish to swim by.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Bridges Walk is truly a "track for all seasons," but each time of year brings a different flavour:

• Spring: This is arguably the most beautiful time for the Queens Gardens section of the walk. The blossoms are out, the new growth on the willows is a vibrant lime green, and the birdlife is at its most active.
• Summer: The river provides a natural cooling effect. It’s the best time for a picnic on Shakespeare Walk or a post-walk ice cream in the city.
• Autumn: Nelson is famous for its autumn colours. The deciduous trees lining the Maitai turn brilliant shades of gold and orange, reflecting beautifully in the stiller parts of the river.
• Winter: Nelson often enjoys crisp, blue-sky winter days. Because the path is paved, you don’t have to worry about mud, making it the perfect "winter blues" buster.

• Time of Day: Early morning is magical when the mist is still rising off the water, but a twilight stroll is also lovely as the city lights begin to twinkle on the bridges.
• What to Bring: You don't need heavy hiking boots—comfortable sneakers are perfect. Bring a camera for the bridges, sun protection (even in Nelson’s mild sun), and a reusable water bottle.
• Accessibility: This is one of the most kid-friendly and dog-friendly walks in the region. Dogs should be kept on a lead, but they will love the smells and sights of the riverbank.

Local & Regional Context

The Maitai River, or Mahitahi in Māori, has been the lifeblood of this area for centuries. For local Iwi, it was a vital source of food and a pathway for travel. When European settlers arrived, the river became the focal point for the new township of Nelson, which is why you see such a high concentration of historical bridges in such a small area.

The walk also highlights Nelson’s commitment to heritage conservation. As you cross the Nile Street Bridge or the Hardy Street footbridge, you’re walking over structures that have seen the city grow from a colonial outpost to a thriving hub of arts and horticulture. The Queens Gardens, opened in 1892 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, is a classic example of a colonial botanical garden and remains a cherished piece of Nelson’s public land.

After the Walk

One of the best things about an urban trail is that you’re never far from a good flat white or a cold pint. Once you finish your loop back at Millers Acre, you are spoilt for choice:

• Tern Coffee House: Just 500m away on Church Street, this family-run spot is great if you want ethically sourced coffee and a relaxed, cosy atmosphere.
• Victus Coffee & Eatery: Located on Bridge Street (only 300m away), this is a "must-visit" for foodies. Their focus on local sourcing means you’re getting a real taste of the Nelson region.
• The Free House Pub: If your walk has worked up a thirst, head 700m over to this unique pub set in an old Reformed church. They have a fantastic rotating selection of NZ craft beers and a massive "beer garden" vibe.
• Arden Bar & Kitchen: For something a bit more sophisticated, Arden offers incredible seasonal sharing plates. It’s a great spot to sit back and discuss the highlights of your walk over a glass of local Nelson Sauvignon Blanc.
• Speight's Ale House or Lone Star: If you have the kids in tow and need a hearty, reliable meal, both of these are within easy walking distance and offer that classic, warm Kiwi hospitality.

The Bridges Walk is a reminder that you don't always have to head deep into the national parks to find beauty in New Zealand. Sometimes, the most rewarding journeys are right in the heart of town.

Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.

Best time: Year-round

400m away

A contemporary restaurant, wine, and cocktail bar behind a heritage shopfront in central Nelson, offering a seasonal menu of delicious sharing plates with vegetarian options.