The Treasured Pathway

Marlborough Nelson Heritage Highway

The Treasured Pathway is an innovative heritage highway that links some 80 heritage sites across the top of the South Island, from Picton to Puponga at the base of Farewell Spit. In addition to the main pathway there are nine side trails which explore special areas such as the Marlborough Sounds, and Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks. In Golden Bay the main pathway sites include such natural treasures as the fascinating Harwood’s Hole, Waikoropupu Springs, Wharariki Beach and Farewell Spit along with various historic areas.

The four side trails in Golden Bay guide visitors:

• into the beautiful glacial Cobb Valley in Kahurangi National Park;
• to the golden sands of Totaranui and the northern portion of Abel Tasman National Park;
• up past the goldmining relics in the Aorere Valley to the famous Heaphy Track;
• to the tranquil Kaihoka Lakes and Whanganui Inlet (Westhaven) with its marine reserve.

To get the most from your visit to Golden Bay a copy of The Treasured Pathway guidebook by Simon Noble contains practical details on the main pathway, side trails, facilities available, and fascinating stories behind the heritage features. It is available from Visitor Information Centres, Department of Conservation offices and bookshops in Marlborough and Nelson for $24.95 or direct from the publisher,Nikau Press, PO Box 602, Nelson.

A free brochure on the Treasured Pathway is also available from Visitor Information Centres and other outlets servicing visitors. More information is available on the Treasured Pathway internet site: www.treasuredpathway.co.nz

The Treasured Pathway was launched in December 1997, after five years' careful planning by the Top of the South Scenic and Heritage Trails Trust. The trust is a unique joint initiative of the three local councils -Tasman District Council, Nelson City Council, Marlborough District Council and the Department of Conservation. It is also supported by the regional tourism organisations, iwi, businesses servicing visitors and a wide range of community organisations.

The Treasured Pathway is achieving widespread recognition as a fascinating way to experience the natural and human heritage of Nelson and Marlborough. It was the winner of the Visitor Attraction Award in the 1999 Nelson Tasman Tourism Awards.

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