heck of a walk but worth it! make sure you put your sneakers on and wear your warm clothes. we did it with a pram and a 6 year old and they loved it! so you can do it with a pram.
heck of a walk but worth it! make sure you put your sneakers on and wear your warm clothes. we did it with a pram and a 6 year old and they loved it! so you can do it with a pram.
Did this walk on a very sunny and clear spring day. Was a lot steeper then we thought and our youngest (4 yr) only made it 2/3 of the way - which was a good effort. You certainly get a sweat on. The view is definitely worth, took a lot of photos. Walk down was a lot easier. Not recommended for those without a basic level of fitness.
Easy walk from a botanical reserve (apparently field that held the first rugby match in NZ - it is claimed) near Nelson, South Island. We had an outstanding view of the valley and shoreline (although it was foggy and overcast). Hike was easy even for us over 60 year olds. Recommend it to be able to say you been in the Centre of NZ - although there is some rumors that it is really not in the exact centre, but any way it was a fun hike - roundtrip - 60 90 minutes depending on skill.
Before I walked up the Centre of NZ I looked up how long it should take. If you allow 30-60 minutes for a round trip depending on your fitness level you'll be okay. It is steep in parts so it is not suitable for people with mobility problems.
Once you get to the top the views on a good day are wonderful.
Any solid so sport shoes are suitable in winter and sandals in summer would be fine.
While taking the opportunity to explore Nelson, my host directed me to the Centre of New Zealand. If you live in the hills in Nelson, you can enjoy the many beautiful views out to the Tasman Sea from your window. But if you do not, hiking to the Centre is the next best thing.
I started my trek late in the afternoon and was expecting a leisurely 30 minute walk. The entrance to the trail is known by the locals but can be a bit of a challenge for tourists. If in doubt, ask folks in the area as you get close to the park. They were happy to help me on my way.
The trail is a bit steep at times and even though I had been walking and running regularly - I could tell I was in for a workout. As you proceed up the trail you will come to points where you can choose different trails. One leads to a sports area and the other to a garden.
There are some flat sections of the trail where you can stop and catch your breath. You will also encounter a narrow footbridge which was only a minor issue when I was moving aside for some hearty souls that were jogging the trail.
When I finally made it to the top I was not disappointed, Great views out to the Tasman Sea and into the Maitai Valley. As I was enjoying the view the sun began to head down, which while it can make for a lovely image, can present a problem as there are no lights on the trails and the trees can shroud the area in darkness fairly quick.
While the top of the trail is not technically the centre of New Zealand, as you stand tall looking out over the sea and the town, you probably will not care.
Follow the signs and well-graded track through trees and shrubs to the lookout point with interpretation panels and dial.