Nelson Creek Walks (various)

Out and back

While the track is well-defined, do be prepared for some rough, steep, and occasionally overgrown sections. It’s a "real" bush walk, so a reasonable level of fitness will definitely make the experience more enjoyable.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Nelson Creek area is a "choose your own adventure" destination. If you aren’t up for the full climb of Callaghans Track, or if you have little ones in tow, there are other gems to explore:

• The Tailrace Walk: This is a gentle, 900-metre return stroll (about 20 minutes). It’s an easy introduction to the area’s history, showcasing old gold workings and impressive tailraces set amongst red and silver beech trees.
• Colls Dam Walk: Perfect for families or those with accessibility needs, this 1.1km loop is wheelchair accessible from the Gows Creek carpark. It offers a lovely view over the historic Colls Dam and is a great way to see the scale of the tailings left behind by the miners.
• The Suspension Bridge: Even if you don't do the full hike, walking across this bridge is a must. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and gives you a bird's-eye view of the creek.
• Historic Mining Relics: Throughout the walks, you’ll see shafts, tunnels, and stacked stone walls. These are silent monuments to the thousands of miners who flocked here starting in 1865.

Getting There

Finding the Nelson Creek Recreation Area is straightforward. From Greymouth, head northeast on State Highway 7 towards Reefton. When you reach the small settlement of Ngahere, take the turn-off toward Nelson Creek.

The recreation area is located directly opposite the iconic Nelson Creek Hotel. There is a large, well-maintained parking area with excellent facilities, including a spacious picnic area, toilets, and a playground for the kids. It’s a very welcoming spot to base yourself for the day.

Wildlife Spotting

The West Coast bush is teeming with life, and the Nelson Creek area is no exception. As you move from the open picnic areas into the dense podocarp forest, the birdsong becomes noticeably richer.

• Tūī and Bellbird (Korimako): These are the most common vocalists you’ll hear. Their liquid, bell-like notes echo through the beech trees year-round.
• Fantail (Pīwakawaka): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed to join you on your walk. They love to flit around hikers, catching the insects stirred up by your footsteps.
• Kererū: Keep an ear out for the heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of wings. These large native wood pigeons are often seen perched in the kāmahi or rimu trees.
• Kākā: While rare, these large, charismatic forest parrots are occasionally spotted in this area. If you hear a harsh, screeching call that sounds a bit like a prehistoric bird, look up!

Tip: The best time for bird watching is early morning or late afternoon when the forest is most active. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, but often just standing still for five minutes is the best way to see the local residents.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Nelson Creek walks are beautiful in any season, but each brings its own flavour:

• Spring: This is when the forest is at its most vibrant. New growth is everywhere, and the birds are particularly active and vocal.
• Summer: The deep shade of the podocarp forest provides a cool escape from the West Coast sun. It’s the best time for a post-hike picnic by the river.
• Autumn: The light is often softer, making it a dream for photographers looking to capture the textures of the moss and the old stone workings.
• Winter: While it can be damp, the West Coast winter often brings crisp, clear days. The mossy forest feels even more lush and "emerald" when it’s wet.

• Start Time: Aim to start your walk in the morning. This gives you plenty of time to explore the various side tracks and ensures you aren't rushing back before the light fades in the deep bush.
• Gear: Even though this is a "moderate" walk, the West Coast weather is famously unpredictable. Always carry a waterproof jacket, regardless of how the sky looks when you leave the car.
• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or boots are highly recommended for Callaghans Track, as it can be slippery and rough in places.
• Safety: The area is dotted with old mining shafts and tunnels. For your safety, stick to the marked tracks. These old workings can be unstable and are often hidden by ferns.
• Kids & Dogs: This area is very kid-friendly, especially the Colls Dam and Tailrace walks. However, please note that dogs are not permitted in this area to protect the local wildlife.

Local & Regional Context

Nelson Creek (originally known as Fern Flat) was once a bustling hub during the gold rush of the mid-1860s. At its peak, the valley was home to over 1,200 miners. The landscape you see today—the deep channels, the mounds of tailings, and the tunnels—is entirely man-made, a testament to the transformative power of the gold fever that gripped New Zealand.

The area is also culturally significant as part of the wider West Coast (Te Tai Poutini) region. While the gold mining history is the most visible, the forest itself is a remnant of the vast ancient ecosystems that Māori utilized for centuries before European arrival, gathering food and materials from the rimu and beech forests. Today, the recreation area is managed with a focus on preserving both its natural beauty and its industrial heritage, making it a unique outdoor museum.

After the Walk

After you’ve conquered the climb to the lookout and explored the historic tailraces, there is no better place to refuel than the Nelson Creek Hotel. Located just a stone's throw (0.1km) from the trailhead, this is a classic, "real deal" West Coast country pub.

Known for its warm, rustic atmosphere and friendly locals, it’s the perfect place to grab a cold drink and a hearty meal. They offer classic pub fare that is exactly what you crave after a hike. If the sun is out, their large covered beer garden is a fantastic place to relax and swap stories about your walk. It’s the kind of place where hikers, locals, and travellers all rub shoulders, making it a true West Coast experience.

Whether you're there for the history, the birds, or the mossy forest views, Nelson Creek provides a memorable escape into the heart of the Coast.