Discover Appleby

When planning a trip to Appleby, Höglund glass art, public art and a shared walking and cycling path are useful points of reference. The wider Tasman District adds broader landscape and cultural themes.

Glass art and public art in Appleby

The Höglund Glass Gallery in Appleby features a constantly changing exhibition of glass art by Höglund. Glassblowing demonstrations are also offered at Höglund Art Glass. As times may vary, call before your visit.

A free graffiti wall is located beside the Appleby Overbridge on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. This means different art forms sit side by side in Appleby: a changing display of glass art and a graffiti wall as a distinct public artwork.

Paths and orientation at Appleby Bridge Recreation Reserve

A shared walking and cycling path runs through Appleby Bridge Recreation Reserve. It forms part of a connection to Tasman’s Great Taste Trail and the Waimea West Shared Pathway towards Brightwater. This makes a specific route connection part of Appleby’s appeal when choosing where to stay, alongside its art venues.

The current management plan for Waimea/Waimeha River Park lists Appleby Bridge Recreation Reserve as a Level 1 entrance, or primary entrance. A 2010 plan for Waimea/Waimeha River Park also included part of the reserve. These details refer to different time periods: the area was included in the 2010 plan, while its designation as a primary entrance is the current classification.

Tasman District: regional landscapes and routes

The wider destination of Tasman District opens up a broader view of the landscape: the coast includes more than 700 km of open coastline and estuary shorelines. The district also has more than 14,300 km of rivers and streams, as well as 81 lakes, mountain lakes, wetlands, aquifers and springs. These figures describe the regional setting, not Appleby alone.

The Great Taste Trail is part of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail. Its coastal route runs from Nelson to Richmond, Richmond to Māpua, Māpua to Motueka, and Motueka to Kaiteriteri. The rail trail route runs from Richmond to Brightwater, Brightwater to Wakefield, and on to Tapawera. This lets you distinguish between a coastal route and a rail trail route. The trail offers wide views across Tasman Bay, the Waimea Estuary and the Western Ranges. Check for current track closures before setting out.

The Abel Tasman Coast Track requires different planning: it can be walked year-round, but is busiest between October and April. You can walk the entire track or take a water taxi or kayak between different locations. There are four huts and 18 campsites along the track; both must be booked in advance year-round. Before planning, check booking options as well as tides, weather and track notices.

The Pupu Hydro Scheme is another cultural attraction in Tasman District. It is now a working museum and the earliest known hydroelectric power station supplying public electricity in Nelson and Marlborough. A Department of Conservation track provides access to its penstock, water race and headpond. This extends the region’s cultural focus from Appleby’s glass art to the history of hydroelectric power.

Discover more destinations: Stanley Brook, Hope, Kaiteriteri, Pohara, Onekaka, Tasman

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Tasman.