Boulderbank and Haulashore Island

Boulder Banks are internationally rare. The Nelson Boulder Bank and the Cable Bay beach tombolo are significant local examples. 

The Nelson Boulder Bank stretches 13 kilometres from MacKay Bluff to the man-made Cut in Nelson’s harbour.  The Boulder Bank is a unique and unusual landform, comprised of a rock known as granodiorite which comes from MacKay Bluff.

The Boulder Bank is home to rare coastal plant species, including a native forget-me-knot and several lizard species. Several rare shorebirds, including banded dotterel, red-billed gull and white-fronted tern also breed there.

Sea level rise, disturbance from people and dogs, weed and animal pests threaten this unique environment. A community group is trapping stoats and rats on the Boulder Bank to protect the lizards and shorebirds

Haualshore Island was originally part of the Boulder Bank, but was formed in 1903 by pioneer settlers dredging a channel (The Cut) through the southern tip of the Boulder Bank to improve shipping access to Port Nelson.

The island is home to a colony of pied shags, little blue penguins and a rare skink. Nelson Nature is working with a number of community partners, including Port Nelson, Nelmac and the Boathouse Community Trust to restore native vegetation and plan predator control on the island.

Lighting Fires on Haulashore Island

Open fires are not allowed on Haulashore Island at any time. Gas BBQs and Camp Cookers are allowed at certain times but you must observe the fire rules. Learn more and check the current conditions on Fire and Emergency's Check It's Alright website.