Grampians Walkway is the most popular track on Grampians. Beginning at the uphill end of Collingwood St on the edge of central Nelson, the walkway climbs the ridge to the TV repeater station at the summit (390 m). It is great as a return trip and it can also be combined with other Grampians tracks to create a longer circuit. The walkway involves a reasonable amount of climbing, though spectacular views of the central city and Tasman Bay are on offer.
| Length: 4.8 km return to summit; 5.5 km return to summit via Kānuka Track on return leg | Time Required: Allow 1-2 hr |
| Trail Type: Walking track | Uses: Walking and trail running |
| Physical Difficulty: Moderate | Primary Direction: Either |
| Start Elevation: 55 m | Max Elevation: 390 m |
| Dog Access: Dogs are permitted but must be on leash | Links to: All other Grampians tracks |
| Length: 4.8 km return to summit; 5.5 km return to summit via Kānuka Track on return leg |
| Time Required: Allow 1-2 hr |
| Trail Type: Walking track |
| Physical Difficulty: Moderate |
| Uses: Walking and trail running |
| Start Elevation: 55 m |
| Max Elevation: 390 m |
| Links to: All other Grampians tracks |
Grampians Walkway begins at the uphill end of Collingwood Street, in central Nelson (see Access tab above).The upper section of Collingwood Street is steep and narrow, and parking is for residents only. The best places to park are on Collingwood Street downhill of Brougham St, or on upper Trafalgar Street.
The first section of the walkway is best described as a ‘grunty zig-zag’, as it makes its way up the steep hill slope through well-spaced plantings of mature exotic trees, to the trig at the top of the ridge. After a short respite from the uphill, the walkway climbs again, straight up the ridge; here you will enjoy one of the best vantage points for viewing central Nelson. Ronaki Track connects on the right, and the walkway climbs again through a small area of pine plantation, before flattening out again on a wide grassy corridor and meeting Grampians Summit Road and Kānuka Track. You can continue up the walkway to the lookout platform and the summit. There are multiple options for the return leg, depending on how far you want to go (see map for options).
