Driving Route : Chetwood Forest - Dimrill Dale Itinerary

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Day 3 : Collingwood to Nelson

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Collingwood - Marahau	0.75 hr	57	36
Marahau - Motueka	0.25 hr	17	11
Motueka - Nelson	0.75 hr	49	31
Totals for Day	1.75 hrs	123	77

Collingwood - Marahau

57 km (36 miles)
Approximately 0.75 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway/Arterial

Takaka is the main centre for the northwest corner of the South Island. It has an interesting local community of artisans, growers and alternative lifestylers.

From here you can discover Pupu Springs, Wharariki Beach, old gold-mining works, the bird sanctuary on Farewell Spit and the walking tracks of the Kahurangi National Park.

State Highway 60 will take you up the river valley to Upper Takaka. If you're in the mood for adventure, follow the side road to Harwood's Hole—New Zealand's biggest cave.

Enjoy the views from the top of Takaka Hill, then discover ancient moa (extinct giant flightless bird) bones in Ngarua Caves before you wind down the hill to the coast. Just before the Marahau turn off, a sign on the right points to Riwaka Valley, a picturesque picnic area.

Marahau is often called ‘the Abel Tasman Village’, because it's where many people begin their explorations of the Abel Tasman National Park. You can hire kayaks, swim with seals or catch a water taxi to one of the park's amazing beaches.

Marahau - Motueka

17 km (11 miles)
Approximately 0.25 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway/Arterial

The Coast Track in the Abel Tasman National Park is the most popular ‘great walk’ in New Zealand. The track takes you past pristine golden sand beaches and calm turquoise waters. Travel on foot or in a sea kayak.

The short trip to Motueka takes you past the road to Kaiteriteri Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The picnic area in the Riwaka Valley is another scenic detour—you can walk to the source of the Riwaka River.

In the horticultural town of Motueka you can indulge your love of fresh fruit and vegetables, and feed your imagination with local arts and crafts.

Because it's so close to the Abel Tasman National Park and the Kahurangi National Park, Motueka is an ideal place to prepare for hiking adventures.

Motueka - Nelson

49 km (31 miles)
Approximately 0.75 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

In the horticultural town of Motueka you can indulge your love of fresh fruit and vegetables, and feed your imagination with local arts and crafts. Because it's so close to the Abel Tasman National Park and the Kahurangi National Park, Motueka is an ideal place to plan and prepare for hiking adventures.

The road to Nelson hugs the coast, which makes it easy to browse beaches as you go. The Waimea Inlet and the villages of Mapua and Ruby Bay are particularly irresistible. Art and pottery studios, vineyards and excellent cafes are other local distractions.

The city of Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. From here you can organise yourself an eco-adventure or become immersed in the local creative culture.

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Motueka District, Nelson:
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