The Boulder Bank is the world's largest natural breakwater at 12km long
2
The Cut is the main Harbour Entrance for Nelson. It was formed in 1906 when the Boulder Bank was cut through, forming Haulashore Island at
the same time. It was widened in the 1960's and today still needs to be dredged regularly to stop the currents etc. depositing debris to close
the gap and re-form the Boulder Bank to it's original length.
3
Haulashore Island was formed when the Boulder Bank was cut to form a new Harbour Entrance in 1906. Today, it is City Council owned
reserve and there is a small ferry available to take day-trippers over to the Island. Overnight camping is permitted, but not encouraged as
there are no facilities on the Island.
4
This stretch of water is the old, natural entrance to Nelson Harbour, but it is full of submerged rock reefs, many of which are very clearly
visible either just under the water, or else totally exposed, especially at low tide. It is very shallow for all vessels and in the late 1800's, there
was more than one sailing ship which came to grief here trying to enter the Harbour, which led them to create the present day entrance in
1906.
On the shoreline on the right hand edge of the photo, is the spot where the first European settlers for Nelson first landedn in 1842.
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