Maitai Valley Forest Walk
Follow the Maitai River from the city into native forest, passing the dam reservoir and continuing through tranquil beech forest on the valley floor.
- 1
Maitai River Domain
The riverside domain at the city edge is a popular spot for picnics and swimming in the clear Maitai River, which runs green and cold from the hills above.
- 2
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
New Zealand's largest predator-free urban sanctuary, enclosed by a 17-km fence, protects kiwi, tuatara, and rare native birds from stoats and rats.
- 3
Maitai Dam & Reservoir
The dam reservoir provides Nelson's water supply — the surrounding native forest is now a protected water catchment area of kahikatea and rimu.
- 4
Beech Forest Track
Above the dam, the valley opens into beautiful red and silver beech forest, the forest floor carpeted in moss and alive with the song of native birds.
- 5
Rocky River Section
The upper river runs over smooth boulders in a series of cascades and clear pools — ideal for swimming on warm Nelson days, the water cold and crystal clear.
- 6
Valley Fern Gully
A side gully dripping with native ferns — crown ferns, hen and chicken ferns, and the climbing rata vine draped over ancient fallen logs — leads back to the main track.