Ruby Coast

The Ruby Coast stretches along the western coast of the Nelson region and features dramatic clifftop scenery, secluded beaches, and excellent coastal walks. The area is less crowded than Abel Tasman but equally impressive for those seeking rugged coastal beauty and solitude.

Things to do

• Coastal Walk to Separation Point — A moderate 3-4 hour clifftop walk offering panoramic views of the Tasman Sea and opportunities to spot fur seals and seabirds from the headland.
• Explore Puponga Beach — A secluded golden sand beach backed by steep cliffs where you can search for semi-precious stones and enjoy complete solitude away from tourist crowds.
• Kayaking along the Ruby Coast shoreline — Paddle beneath towering cliff formations and explore sea caves while watching for dolphins and the occasional penguin in the sheltered bays.
• Visit the Collingwood Heritage Museum — Learn about the area's gold rush history and early European settlement through displays of local artifacts and photographs from the 19th century.
• Hike to Pillar Point — A shorter 1-hour walk leading to dramatic rock formations and one of the best sunset viewpoints on the western coast.
• Fishing at local river mouths — Try for snapper, flounder, and whitebait at the Heaphy or Kohatu river estuaries during the appropriate seasons with proper licensing.

Food to try

• Fresh Collingwood whitebait — A seasonal delicacy (September-November) fried whole with a light batter, highlighting the area's traditional small-scale fishing heritage.
• West Coast blue cod — Freshly caught and simply pan-fried or grilled, showcasing the pristine marine environment of the Tasman Sea.
• Collingwood Bakery pies — Traditional savory pies filled with locally-sourced meat and vegetables, popular with hikers and locals fueling long coastal walks.
• Nelson craft beer and local cider — The nearby Nelson region is renowned for its craft breweries and apple ciders that pair well with fresh seafood at local cafes.
• Roasted West Coast mussels — Harvested from clean local waters and prepared simply with garlic and butter at waterfront establishments in Collingwood.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect for Māori heritage — The area holds significance for Māori and visitors should be respectful of sacred sites and take time to learn about local iwi history at visitor centers.
• Leave No Trace on walks — The Ruby Coast's appeal lies in its pristine isolation, so visitors are expected to pack out all rubbish and stay on marked tracks to preserve the landscape.
• Check tide times before beach exploration — Many secluded beaches are only safely accessible at low tide, and locals recommend obtaining tide tables from Collingwood visitor information.
• Limited facilities and services — Collingwood is a small village with limited shops and fuel stations, so visitors should stock supplies before heading into remote areas of the coast.