January 11, 2005
Location Guide - Wakapuaka Sand Flats, Nelson
Location: Wakapuaka Sand Flats
Nearest City: Nelson.
Surface: Hard Sun Baked Estuary Mud. Very fast.
Best Wind: SW
Usable Wind: SW W NW N
Best Time: Anytime except after recent rain. Any surface water makes the top layer of mud very slick, but during summer it only needs one sunny day to dry out.
Size: approx 5 acres
GPS Co-ordinates:
Lat -41.209250
Long 173.332911
Review:
Just 10 minutes North of Nelson, the Wakapuaka Sand Flats are a handy alternative when the tide is high (and so the beaches are out of the question), or when the wind is the predominant SW of the non-summer months. In fact this is the only buggyable area near Nelson where the SW wind is usable.
The area was once tidal and was the tip of the Nelson Haven estuary. It hasn't seen any tide in many years (thanks to a raised road, Boulder Bank Drive, which cuts it off from the water), and the old tidal mud surface is very hard and compact. There is some vegetation around but it is mostly short and stocky and doesn't disturb the wind too much. The surface here is fast and great for racing. In the NW corner of the area are some dirt ramps for the more adventurous or there is a large open area in the middle for speed runs.
The area is well exposed and winds from Southerly, through Westerly and right round to Northerly all hit the sand flats cleanly.
Here is a short video of Murray buggying on the Wakapuaka Sand Flats.
There are no unauthorised vehicles allowed on the sand flats themselves but there is plenty of parking near the gate (see aerial photo) and its only a short walk to the buggy area.
The Nelson Kite Club use this area when there are SW winds on their monthly kite day (which is usually held at the North facing Rabbit Island Beach).
Posted by murrayneill at 09:52 PM | Comments (1)