Richmond – Local History and the Great Taste Trail

Two sections of the Great Taste Trail start in Richmond and differ in route and length.

Church and local history in Richmond

Holy Trinity Church is also known as “the church on the hill” and occupies a prominent central position in Richmond’s townscape. Since it was built in the late 19th century, it has been the centre of Anglican worship in the region. Its significance is historical, social and spiritual. In this way, its role as a landmark is combined with its longstanding importance for worship.

The former Richmond Lock-up is located within Washbourn Gardens. Its historical value lies in its status as an important testament to the history of policing in Richmond and the wider Nelson District. Alongside the church’s history, it represents another aspect of the town’s past.

Two sections of the Great Taste Trail

The Great Taste Trail can be compared more precisely by route type and length. The coastal section from Richmond to Māpua is 15 km long; the rail trail section from Richmond to Brightwater is 10 km long. The coastal section is therefore five kilometres longer. The different route types make for a clear comparison, although length alone does not determine which option is right for you.

The Great Taste Trail is suitable for walkers and cyclists. It includes sections graded 1 and 2, as well as some sections graded 3. The route runs, among other places, from Nelson via Richmond, Brightwater and Wakefield to Tapawera. When making your choice, you can consider route length, route type and the stated difficulty grades as separate points of comparison. As route details may change operationally, check them again before setting out.

Washbourn Gardens and Begonia House

A morning stroll or a lunchtime picnic are good ways to visit Washbourn Gardens. Another distinctive feature within the gardens is Begonia House, which houses more than 200 potted begonias and hanging baskets. Richmond thus brings together different themes, from the historic lock-up within the gardens to the garden and plant features found there.

Regional context: Tasman District

The wider destination of Tasman District offers further nature and cultural experiences. Te Waikoropupū Springs are New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs and also the largest cold-water springs in the Southern Hemisphere. For local Māori, they are a taonga and wāhi tapu, a place of great cultural and spiritual significance.

The Pupu Hydro Scheme is also part of Tasman District. Today, it is a working museum and is considered the earliest known hydroelectric power station supplying public electricity in Nelson and Marlborough. These examples broaden the regional perspective to include natural and technological history; they are on a different scale from Richmond’s church, gardens and trail sections.

Discover more destinations: Wakefield, Mapua, Upper Moutere, Mahana, Ngatimoti, Saint Arnaud, Takaka, Nelson Lakes National Park

For the wider travel overview: Tasman District.