Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
Discover the magical Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, a Hobbit filming location with breathtaking emerald rivers and serene forest walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the magical Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, a Hobbit filming location with breathtaking emerald rivers and serene forest walks.
"Stunning place with beautiful bird song and crystal clear waters perfect for a swim!"
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
Paths can be rooty and rocky, especially on longer trails. Good footwear is essential for comfortable exploration.
🏊♀️ Brave the cold water!
The river is stunningly clear but very cold! A quick dip is invigorating, but be prepared.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hobbit Barrel Scene River
Pelorus River
Stand where dwarves floated in barrels! The emerald waters of the Pelorus River are instantly recognizable from 'The Hobbit'.
Suspension Bridge Views
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
Walk across the suspension bridge for breathtaking views of the Rai and Pelorus Rivers. A must-do for bridge enthusiasts!
+1
Crystal Clear Emerald Waters
Pelorus River
Take a dip in the incredibly clear, emerald-green waters. Perfect for a cooling swim on a warm day, though be warned, it's bracing!
Elvy Waterfall Track
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
A family-friendly forest walk leading to a charming waterfall. Enjoy the lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hobbit Magic & River Bliss
Plan Your Visit: Walks & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
Paths can be rooty and rocky, especially on longer trails. Good footwear is essential for comfortable exploration.
🏊♀️ Brave the cold water!
The river is stunningly clear but very cold! A quick dip is invigorating, but be prepared.
☕ Grab a coffee
A cafe truck is often in the car park offering coffee and snacks. Perfect for a post-walk treat.
🗺️ Check the info board
Find details on walk difficulty, length, and time to help you choose the best route.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
Paths can be rooty and rocky, especially on longer trails. Good footwear is essential for comfortable exploration.
🏊♀️ Brave the cold water!
The river is stunningly clear but very cold! A quick dip is invigorating, but be prepared.
☕ Grab a coffee
A cafe truck is often in the car park offering coffee and snacks. Perfect for a post-walk treat.
🗺️ Check the info board
Find details on walk difficulty, length, and time to help you choose the best route.
📸 Don't miss the bridge
The suspension bridge offers fantastic photo opportunities and views of the rivers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, particularly its crystal-clear emerald waters and the iconic suspension bridge. The 'Hobbit' filming location adds a unique charm. While the water is cold, the walks are generally well-loved, though some find longer trails less defined.
"Stunning place with beautiful bird song. They hosted a rat traps building event for our homeschooling children which was extremely well run."
Charlotte Parish
"Nice spot filled with nature and nice walks. Both longer and shorter walks, there is an information board next to the parking displaying difficulty, length and time for the different routes. Doc campsite for those that want to stay overnight. Water is clear and good for swimming, also a suspension bridge nearby for my fellow suspension bridge lovers!"
Helena Ying Cecilie Wang
"Nice forest walk albeitvthe pathways are festooned with tree roots and rocks. Enjoyed #2 Waterfall. A cafe truck is in the car park - nice coffee + a selection of eats and ices. Good for a short visit."
Paul G Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is located on SH6, about halfway between Blenheim and Nelson. The drive from Nelson takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Yes, Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is along the inland route from Nelson to Christchurch, making it a convenient stop.
Yes, there is a car park available at the reserve, which is also where you'll find the information board and often a cafe truck.
Absolutely! Pelorus Bridge is conveniently located on SH6, making it an easy stop when traveling between Blenheim and Nelson.
SH6 is a well-maintained highway, but always check local road conditions, especially after heavy rain, as some tracks within the reserve can become challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is free. It's a public scenic reserve managed by DOC.
The reserve is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times for general access.
All walks within Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve are free to access.
While there aren't typically guided tours offered, the information board provides details for self-guided exploration.
The Tawa Walk and Totara Walk are generally considered family-friendly and may be suitable for strollers, but some other tracks are more rugged.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular walks include the short, stroller-friendly Tawa Walk and Totara Walk, the Elvy Waterfall Track, and the more challenging Trig K lookout route for panoramic views.
The water is clear and inviting, but it is very cold. Always exercise caution when swimming and be aware of currents.
There are toilets available at the car park. Picnic spots are scattered throughout the reserve, offering beautiful natural settings.
The reserve is known for its beautiful bird song. Keep an eye out for native New Zealand birds in the lush forest.
Yes, the shorter walks like the Tawa Walk and Totara Walk are family-friendly and stroller-accessible, offering a great nature experience for kids.
📸 📸 Photography
The suspension bridge offers iconic views, the emerald river itself is incredibly photogenic, and the forest trails provide opportunities for capturing lush greenery.
Morning light often provides beautiful, soft illumination for the river and forest. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be stunning.
Yes, the Pelorus River is famous for being a filming location for 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'. You can capture the essence of those scenes.
Drone usage is generally restricted in scenic reserves to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check DOC guidelines for specific regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive river and bridge views. A macro lens can be useful for forest details and wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are toilets available, and the car park often has a cafe truck for convenient snacks. 🚗 Day-Trippers
The Elvy Waterfall Track is a good choice for a scenic walk that won't take up too much time. Grab a coffee and a bite from the cafe truck in the car park before continuing your journey. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Walking Trails
For the more adventurous, the Trig K lookout route offers a more challenging, albeit rewarding, hike. This track can take around 4 hours return and may not be well-defined in some sections, especially after rain, but the panoramic views from the summit are described as absolutely breathtaking.
The 'Hobbit' Connection and River Activities
Beyond swimming, the river offers opportunities for simply enjoying the scenery. The suspension bridge provides a fantastic vantage point to admire the confluence of the Rai and Pelorus Rivers, and it's a popular spot for photos.
+1 While not explicitly mentioned for activities like kayaking or rafting, the clear waters and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and appreciating the Purenz landscape. 
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