50 - Airport Perimeter Walk

A good walk for aircraft enthusiasts, early morning joggers and those who would like to see more of Nelson's coastline. The airport perimeter track combines great views of the hills behind the city, Tasman Bay, Rabbit Island and Monaco.

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Time: 1 1/2 hours

Area: Nelson Airport

Note: Half of the walk is uneven with an unformed surface. The Nelson Regional Airport Authority permits access around the perimeter but for obvious reasons access to the runway is prohibited and wandering on to the Nelson Golf Club's course at the northern end is also not permitted. Dogs and cyclists are also prohibited.

Start Location: This walk starts about 150m on the left from the last roundabout on the airport entrance road at the humpback bridge which crosses Jenkins Creek.

Download the Airport Perimeter Walk map (160KB PDF)

Route directions

Follow the path along the airport side of Jenkins Creek to get to the southern end of the runway and round to the western coast of the airport peninsula. You'll see a variety of aircraft coming and going from New Zealand's fourth busiest airport.

You will follow the Blind Channel with a pretty outlook over to Rabbit Island. A 30 minute (return) detour to your left will take you out to the end of the peninsula, with views of Monaco and Oyster Island. At low tide beachcombers may choose to clamber down on to the beach beside the western fence. If you miss the turn back onto the perimeter track, you will wind up on Tahunanui Beach. The main track continues along the coast to the golf course, then turns right and follows the fence line to a collection of buildings. Follow the road back to the roundabout which is close to where you started.