Wakefield and Pelorus Bridge

On our way out of Nelson we stopped by the South Island's oldest church.  Built in 1846, now most of the original timber has been replaced in the last century and a half, but it still stands.










A wooden headstone.  Or should it be headboard? 


We then spent a day with a couple that Jonathan had met on the forums and had introduced us to the couple who helped us on the North Island. They had also done a Sprinter van conversion themselves, so we got to compare builds. It is really nice getting to know the locals.

From there we headed northward to Pelorus Bridge Reserve; located at the main crossing of the Pelorus River, which feeds into Pelorus Sound.  Originally plotted for a town/settlement in the early 20th century, it was not sold for agriculture or development. The town never happened, and by that time, the surrounding forest had been completely obliterated by logging, and replaced by stands of knotty pine, eucalyptus, and farm pasture.  This made Pelorus Bridge appear precious as the last remaining tract of native riverside forest in the region.  It is home to the only colonies of bats in the region as well.

On the ridge in the distance you can see the start of the timber plantations. 






The forest is a mix of beech species, Podocarps (conifers) and ferns. The NZ conifers are quite unique, many producing small, unusually-shaped cones. Some of which are quite massive, growing over 30 meters tall.








The understory is filled with ferns.  With 6 species of giant ferns, NZ is known for them.  The largest species grows to 20 meters tall.