Sharland’s Bush Reserve is a block of nearly 40 Ha of regenerating native bush surrounded by commercial plantation forestry. It is only a 5 minute drive up the Maitai Valley, so very handy as a ‘fill-in’ tramp. It takes about 3 hours. The walk has been promoted in the “Walk Nelson” handouts for some 25 years, but in recent years the obfuscation of the Forest Manager has created the impression that only members of the mountain bike club could access the Reserve.
However, the new agreement between Nelson City Council and the Forest Owner has finally allowed better access. This tramp was to check out the tracks in the Reserve by following the ‘old’ guidelines – up Supplejack; out to the viewing point on the PAE; down Matai and Rimu; then back along the Sharland’s Creek Track and down ‘Willow Lane’ to avoid road walking.
Sharland's creek route
After a walk of approx. 1.5 km we deviated off the PAE and onto the marked track which crossed Sharland’s Creek and lead into the Reserve via what looked like an old gateway. After negotiating a badly eroded lower section, we were soon onto a typical bush-walking track that lead us steadily upwards through what in summer would be a lovely shady track. Winter leaf -fall made it more open - with assistance from goats! It seemed that the track was little used by bikers. An ‘abandoned’ picnic table showed a long period of little if any use.
An old abandoned picnic table on the tramp
Fortunately, at the top we found a sunny picnic table where we stopped briefly before walking out to the boundary and a viewing point. We had good views over Nelson but the views in other directions were restricted by the tall trees on the adjoining farm. Another large bench seat reflected on a previous life! The descent was via the Matai track then onto Rimu until we reached Sharlands Creek Track which largely followed the stream back towards our starting point.
There were two slips on that track that were relatively easy to negotiate on foot but not on a bike! Soon were back to the track we had ascended, and headed back downhill again. Rather than do the harsh road walk we followed “Willow Lane” a biking track which followed the creek and was much softer under foot. Then a short road walk to the cars. Distance 9 km. 400m Ascent. Time 2.5 – 3 hours. Easy Walking. After a quick lunch beside the Maitai River, we did a quick one hour loop from Branford Park up to the Centre of NZ and return to the car.
The day's trampers
Trampers: Rich; Emma; Yumi; Charles; Linda and Graeme (Leader & Scribe)