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Tasman
7.3 km
2 hours
300 metres
If you find yourself in the beautiful Tasman region, just a short drive from Motueka or Nelson, you are likely looking for that perfect "middle ground" adventure. You want something that gets the heart pumping and rewards you with those legendary South Island vistas, but perhaps you aren't quite ready to commit to a full day in the backcountry of Kahurangi National Park. Enter the Dicker Ridge Track.
This 7.3-kilometre loop is a local favourite for a reason. It perfectly captures the essence of the Tasman landscape: a blend of industrious working farms, quiet pine plantations, and pockets of resilient native bush, all topped off with a ridgeline view that will have you reaching for your camera every few minutes. Whether you are walking the dog, taking the kids out for some fresh air, or exploring on two wheels, the Dicker Ridge Track offers a quintessential slice of New Zealand rural beauty.
The journey begins in the charming Tasman village. Because parking is restricted on the narrow Dicker Road, your walk actually starts with a gentle warm-up as you head away from the village centre. As you wander up the road toward the farmstead at the end, you’ll feel the pace of life slow down. The air smells of salt from the nearby bay and the earthy scent of the surrounding orchards and paddocks.
Once you reach the official start of the track at the farmstead, the terrain shifts. This is a working farm, and there is something uniquely "Kiwi" about walking through active grazing land. You might find yourself being watched curiously by a flock of sheep or a few cattle. The track is well-signposted, but it is essential to respect the landholders who allow public access here; always leave gates exactly as you find them and stay on the marked path.
The "moderate" difficulty rating comes into play as you begin the ascent toward the ridge. It’s a short, steep climb that will definitely wake up your glutes, but the gradient is manageable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. As you climb, the pine plantations offer some dappled shade, though you’ll also pass through areas of regenerating native bush where the manuka and kanuka are beginning to reclaim the hillside.
Reaching the ridge is the "lightbulb moment" of the trek. The world suddenly opens up. To the east, the deep blue expanse of Tasman Bay glitters under the New Zealand sun. To the west, the rugged, often snow-capped peaks of the Mt Arthur Range stand like silent sentinels over the region. The track follows the spine of the ridge, offering a relatively flat and incredibly scenic stretch where you can truly soak in the 360-degree views. It’s an easy-to-moderate circuit that takes about two hours, making it the perfect morning outing before the afternoon sea breeze kicks in.
Parking is available in Tasman village on Aporo Road, opposite The Tasman General Store. From there, walkers can proceed up Dicker Road (note: parking is restricted on Dicker Road itself) to the farmstead at the end, where the track officially begins.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
0m away
A genuine general store and cafe located directly on Aporo Road, offering freshly roasted coffee, delicious cabinet food, local products, and fuel. A popular stop for cyclists on the Great Taste Trail.
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Loop
The undisputed crown jewel of this track is the panoramic views. While many walks in the region are tucked away in deep forest, the Dicker Ridge Track gets you up high quickly. The contrast between the rolling green farmland in the foreground and the jagged, ancient marble mountains of the Mt Arthur Range in the distance is spectacular.
For those who enjoy a bit of variety, the trail’s connection to the Great Taste Trail is a significant highlight. You can easily integrate this loop into a much longer cycling journey through the Tasman district, using the ridge as a scenic detour from the main coastal route.
Another highlight is the sense of peaceful isolation you find once you’re on the ridge. Despite being so close to the village, the sound of traffic disappears, replaced by the wind whistling through the pines and the occasional call of a distant farm dog. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, especially during the "golden hour" when the light hits the bay and turns the mountains a soft shade of purple.
Finding the trailhead is straightforward, but parking requires a little bit of local knowledge. Head to the Tasman village on Aporo Road. You will see the Tasman General Store, which serves as a great landmark. Park your vehicle in the village area opposite the store.
From the store, it is a pleasant walk or cycle up Dicker Road. Please note that you should not attempt to park on Dicker Road itself; it is narrow, serves local residents and farm machinery, and parking is restricted to ensure everyone can move safely. Follow the road all the way to the very end where you will find the farmstead and the clear signage marking the start of the Dicker Ridge Track.
The Tasman region is a haven for birdlife, and the mix of farm, pine, and native bush along this track means you’ll likely hear the birds before you see them.
The most common companion on your walk will be the Pīwakawaka (Fantail). These tiny, energetic birds love to follow hikers, flitting around to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps. Their chattering song and distinctive fan-shaped tails are a constant delight.
Keep an eye (and ear) out for the Tūī and the Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon). The Kererū is particularly easy to spot due to its large size and the heavy "whoosh-whoosh" sound of its wings as it flies between trees. If you are lucky, you might hear the melodic, bell-like chime of the Korimako (Bellbird) echoing from the pockets of native bush.
High above the ridge, look for the Kāhu (Swamp Harrier). These large birds of prey are often seen circling on the thermals over the farmland, hunting for small mammals or insects. Their effortless gliding against the backdrop of the Mt Arthur Range is a sight to behold.
The Dicker Ridge Track is a true year-round destination, but each season brings its own flavour:
The land you are walking on is steeped in the history of the Nelson-Tasman region. Long before the arrival of Europeans, the wider area was significant to local iwi, who utilised the rich coastal resources of Te Tai o Aorere (Tasman Bay).
In more recent colonial history, the Tasman area became famous for its horticulture. As you look out from the ridge, you are seeing one of New Zealand’s most productive fruit-growing regions. The transition from native forest to the "productive" landscapes of orchards and pine plantations is a story written into the very hillsides of Dicker Ridge.
The Mt Arthur Range (part of the Arthur Range) that dominates your western view is geologically fascinating. It contains some of the deepest cave systems in the Southern Hemisphere and is made of ancient marble and karst, which gives the peaks their distinctive grey, weathered appearance.
One of the best things about the Dicker Ridge Track is its proximity to some of the best hospitality in the region. Once you’ve finished your loop and made your way back down to the village, you have two fantastic options:
Whether you're looking for a quick morning exercise or a scenic addition to a day exploring the coast, the Dicker Ridge Track delivers a high-reward experience for very little "admin." It’s accessible, beautiful, and finishes right next to some of the best cake in the Tasman District. What more could you want?
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Circus approximans
New Zealand's largest bird of prey, the kāhu (Swamp Harrier) is often seen soaring slowly over open country, wetlands, and farmlands.
Best time: Year-round
500m away
An award-winning cafe known for its tranquil gardens, delicious food (including a popular pan-fried fish), and unique attraction of tame eels that visitors can feed. It also offers quirky 'Boot' accommodation.