Grampians Walkway

Grampians Walkway begins at the uphill end of Collingwood St, in central Nelson. The upper section of Collingwood St is steep and narrow, and parking is for residents only. The best places to park are on Collingwood St downhill of Brougham St, or on upper Trafalgar St.

Grampians Walkway is entirely within Grampians Reserve, which is managed by Nelson City Council.

Above Collingwood St, the walkway zig-zags at a steady gradient up the steep hill slope through mature exotic trees. At the top of the ridge, Hinau Track connects on the left (leading to Brook Valley) and after a short flat section the uphill continues through sweeping zig-zags. Along here you will enjoy one of the best vantage points for viewing central Nelson. You’ll reach a four-way intersection with Ponga Track connecting on the left and Ronaki Track on the right.

The walkway then climbs through a small pine plantation before flattening out along a wide grassy corridor, eventually meeting Grampians Summit Road and Kānuka Track (the latter is signposted with a map). While Summit Road veers left, follow the walkway as it takes a direct route up the ridge to Grampians Saddle.

From the saddle, the lookout platform is a short detour to the right, as are the beginnings of Mahoe and Mamaku Tracks. The walkway follows the sealed Summit Road for the final few hundred metres to the transmission tower at the summit (completed in 1970). Trees block most of the view from the tower, so the lookout platform remains the best vantage point.

There are multiple options for the return leg depending on how far you want to go (see map for options). Grampians Walkway continues on the other side of the summit, descending down a grassy spur, then turning left and re-entering the bush to connect with Kānuka Track. You can follow the easy-going Kānuka Track left to connect back with Grampians Walkway at the summit ridge, otherwise follow Kānuka Track to the right and connect with Kahikatea Track and Tawa Track.