The forest contains a mixture of beech and other broadleaf species, as well as mature podocarps such as rimu, kahikatea and tōtara towering over the canopy.

Several easy walking tracks connect the camping ground, picnic site, river, and the carparks.

Since 1885, when a second bridge was built, the route between Nelson and the Wairau Valley followed the course of the present road.

[2] The lowland forest at Pelorus Bridge consists of mature podocarps like rimu, kahikatea, miro, mataī and tōtara and black, hard, red and silver beech trees.

[4] A rare and primitive beetle, Horelophus walkeri lives in the splash zone of waterfalls in the area.