PADDLE TO THE HISTORIC NELSON LIGHTHOUSE

Jo Taylor
Jun 19
5 min read

Updated: Jun 19

I absolutely love this paddle out to the Nelson Lighthouse on the Boulder Bank for so many reasons. The view from the top of this historic lighthouse are absolutely amazing on a clear day. 360 degree views of the Nelson Haven, the boulder bank, Tasman Bay, the Western Ranges, Haulashore Island and looking back into the town of Nelson.

From the top of the lighthouse, you can really appreciate the scale and uniqueness of the boulder bank - the only formation in the world of its kind. If you look into local Māori stories and legends, the Boulder Bank features a lot as it holds cultural significance to Māori people. Spanning 13km long from Glenduan to the end, this natural spit is formed by longshore drift over ten thousand years, building up boulders from the seabed. It is the largest natural reef in the Southern Hemisphere - how cool is that! But it also acts as a natural breakwater to protect Nelson's harbour and port.

The Nelson Lighthouse was the second permanent lighthouse in New Zealand (after Wellington), erected in 1861. The lighthouse was actually made from cast iron in Bath, England and then shipped in parts all the way here. It is now a Category 1 historic place with Heritage New Zealand. The lighthouse is in excellent condition, but the internal staircase is very steep, narrow and low in height so do be careful. You have to crawl through this small gate at the top to get out to the viewing platform. Sitting at 18m high, maybe sit this one out if you don't like heights!

The Kidson family lived at the lighthouse acting as lighthouse keepers for over 30 years. They raised 12 children on the Boulder Bank, who were rowed across the harbour every day so they could attend school. The buildings around the lighthouse where they lived are no more except for the foundations, but photos in the lighthouse show the wonderful house they lived in. John Kidson even imported soil so he could grow a garden on the Boulder Bank.

The lighthouse was critical in helping ships navigate a narrow and curved harbour entrance through the Cut that has a 4m tidal range, and can be quite dangerous. The light was once extinguished in 1942 amidst fears of a Japanese invasion during the war. It was the longest operating lighthouse in New Zealand, decommissioned in 1982 and replaced with a shore based light. I love that you are able to collect the lighthouse key and visit this special spot on your own, and appreciate its beauty and history.

This is an awesome 4km round trip paddle from the Seaford Marine Rescue Centre, heading towards Haulashore Island, then across the shipping lane and along the protected inward haven side of the Boulder Bank. Check the depth of the water along here as it's very tidal with sand features, so you don't catch your fin where it gets shallow. Make sure you pull your board up away from the waterline on an incoming tide when you head off to explore. Take shoes as the bank is very rocky, and then go and explore the Boulder Bank! Expect lots of seagulls, oystercatchers and shags and you might spot some seals over the Cut.

Avoid paddling close to the Port as this is where there will be increased harbour activity and hazards to navigate. You could make this paddle longer by launching from Tahunanui beach instead, but this will need more planning with the tides to make this a successful trip. See notes below for planning this route with the tides.

Once you have soaked up the views, head back the way you came. If you don't want to head here on your own, you can join a guided paddle trip with Paddle Nelson, or take the Nelson Ferry over, or walk along the Boulder Bank from Atawhai.

Route

INFO for paddling to the nelson lighthouse

RATING

Intermediate, as crossing shipping channel in tidal area

ROUTE & conditions

Proceed with caution as this trip requires you to cross the shipping lane into the port, so extra care needs to be taken to make sure there are no boats coming at the time of crossing, as they have right of way.
Total distance depends on the route you choose, but expect around a 4km round trip.
This paddle takes you through the Nelson Haven, which is affected by the tides and can have strong tidal flow especially through the cut (the narrow channel between the Boulder Bank and Haulashore island). The advised route would be to depart 1-1.5hrs before high tide on an incoming tide (pushing into the Port). Head to Haulashore Island, then ferry glide across the shipping lane allowing the tide to push you in towards the lighthouse. When you return, the tide will have turned to an outgoing tide, pushing out from the port. Paddle out to the end of the Boulder Bank, and then ferry glide across, allowing the tide to push you in towards the Nelson Rescue Centre. Be careful when there are spring tides (high, high tides and low, low tides) as the tidal flow will be strong around Haulashore Island and into Port Nelson, especially mid tide - between high and low tide times.
In the summer, the sea breeze picks up throughout the day so the best paddle window is first thing in the morning before the sea breeze picks up. But when it does, it usually a north easterly which will blow onshore, back to land.

WHERE TO PARK & LAUNCH

Park at the car parking in front of the Styx restaurant, 272 Wakefield Quay, Stepneyville, Nelson 7010 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/JqU6ixUitp8xCxvX6Abel)
There is free parking here for 3 hours, and public toilets in front of Styx. Carry your paddleboard to launch in front of the Seaford Marine Rescue Centre on the ramp. Be careful as the ramp can be slippery, and rocky at low tide. This is your egress point, as this is a round trip.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

The perfect spot to finish up your paddle is at The Styx - with great views of the water, delicious food, good cocktails, you can't resist.
And grab yourself a pre-paddle coffee just round the corner from Sublime, 211 Haven Road, Beachville, Nelson 7010

WHERE TO SLEEP

For beach front camping, Tahuna Beach Camp/ Tahuna Holiday Park has the best spot in town for camping, cabins and self contained accommodation. Here you can walk along the dog friendly part of the beach, and up to the Rocks Road end. Be careful launching from here, as this is a more tidal part of the bay, with strong tides in the estuary.

LOCAL INFO

NZ Maritime Law states a requirement to wear a buoyancy aid when paddleboarding (body or airbelt) and have two forms of communication (e.g. phone and whistle).
Check boat traffic on the Shipping Schedule on Port Nelson website to make sure no big ships will be crossing during your paddle.
Check out the conditions in real time online from the Fairway beacon, 5km out from the beach - which gives a great indication of the wind strength and what's to come.
You need the lighthouse key to visit the lighthouse and see the epic views from the top. You can speak to the team at Moana Paddle Nelson or pick the key up from the Gatehouse at the Nelson Port, down Carkeek St, off Vickerman St.