BEST SHORT WALKSsome of ourExperience

Getting thereMount Manaia car park is next to the Mount Manaia Club onWhangarei Heads Road, above McLeod Bay, 28 km (35 min)east of Whangarei. Park in the Mount Manaia Club’s lowercar park.

Getting thereMangawhai is located on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, 20 min from Waipu or 30 min from Wellsford. Access to the track is from the Kaipara District Council car park, near the Mangawhai Surf Lifesaving Club at the end of Wintle Street.

Mount Manaia Track

Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway

About the walkAs you climb towards the summit of Mount Manaia, 420 m above sea level, the gradient gets steeper and the views get more impressive. The track winds beneath nīkau palms and kauri trees with glimpses of northern rātā hanging from pōhutukawa, among a cluster of jagged bush-covered peaks. The track is a mix of a wide gravel path and wooden steps.

Local tipsMount Manaia is the ancestor and chief of Ngātiwai and the many hapū (subtribes) of Whangarei. The craggy peaks represent his family who were turned to stone through karakia (ritual chants) in a dispute over the infidelity of Manaia’s wife.

Know before you goKeep to the marked track out of respect to local iwi and their ancestors. The lookouts on this track have no safety barriers – stay well away from the drop-offs and supervise children.

About the walkThe track starts along the beach, then climbs quite steeply for about 20 minutes towards the clifftop and winds through ancient pōhutukawa teetering on the cliffs before descending to the stony beach below. From here, you can walk back along the beach, but only at low tide. Keep to the marked track as it crosses private property.

Local tipsThe local iwi Te Uri O Hau arrived here on their ancestral waka (canoe), Mahuhu Ki Te Rangi, around AD 1250. In the 1800s, Chief Te Whai resided here at Manga ‘where the rivers meet’, where the name Manga-Te-Whai comes from.

Know before you goCheck the tide times before you go; walk the return loop along the beach only at low tide. If water is surging through the huge rock archway, return via the cliff route. Stay as a group and keep children close.

NORTHLAND NORTHLAND

A steady climb through regenerating native bush to the summit rewards you with breathtaking views over Whangarei Harbour.

The rugged beauty of New Zealand’s coast unfolds with panoramic views from the shoreline to the clifftops.

2 hr, 4 km return

Low to moderate fitness required

Steady climb

Steps

2 – 3 hr, 9 km return

Moderate fitness required

Moderately steep

Many stepsP

hoto

: Fra

ser

Cle

men

ts

Pho

to: F

rase

r C

lem

ents

Getting thereYour trip begins at the Rangitoto Wharf, a 25-minute ferry ride from Queens Wharf, Auckland. Alternatively, it’s a 2-hr kayak to the wharf from Devonport or Takapuna Beach, Auckland.

Getting thereThe track begins at the end of Grange Road, 2 km from Hahei on the Coromandel Peninsula. Park at Grange Road car park. Whitianga (35 km, 30 min), Coromandel (54 km, 1 hr). Tour operators/shuttles to Auckland are also available.

Cathedral Cove Walk

Rangitoto Summit Track

About the walkThis popular track hugs the coast, providing dramatic views of spectacular coastal scenery along its length, finishing at the beach beneath an impressive rock archway. There are hill slopes and steps down to the beach.

Local tipsSignificant to local iwi Ngāti Hei, the area around Cathedral Cove was first visited in the 13th century by Hei, who is remembered in the names Hahei and Te Whanganui a Hei or Mercury Bay.

Know before you goPlan ahead and carry food and water, and ensure you have sturdy footwear. During summer months (Dec – March) a park-and-ride is available with free parking. The main car park at the start of the walk is often full.

About the walkRangitoto emerged from the sea approximately 600 years ago in a series of fiery volcanic explosions. You’ll walk on well-formed paths through lava fields that support the largest pōhutukawa forest in the world, providing a home to dozens of shore, sea and forest birds. Native forest birds flocked back to the island after Rangitoto was declared pest free in 2011.

Local tipsBring a torch to explore the lava caves, a short 30-minute return trip off the Summit Track.

Know before you goBe prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and plan ahead: bring food and drinking water – there is none on the island – and sturdy footwear. Rangitoto is a pest-free island with strict biosecurity rules in place: go to doc.govt.nz/rangitoto.

COROMANDEL AUCKLAND

Stunning views of the Coromandel coast guide you on this walk to the dramatic cliffs and iconic rock archway of Cathedral Cove.

An easy climb through pōhutukawa forest and lava fields gives way to panoramic views from the summit of this volcanic island.

1 hr 30 min, 2.5 km return

Moderate fitness required

Undulating

Steps

2 hr, 7 km return

Moderate fitness required

Gradual incline

mountainsafety.org.nz

Guides iNsiGhts VideOs tOOls

Planning made simplehead to our website and explore the resources you’ll need.

#MakeItHomeNZ

Heading outdoors?

make it home

Let us help you have a safe adventure

Plan your tripMake sure you know where you’re going and have looked at a map of the track – consider taking a photo of it. ensure you have enough time to complete in the daylight. A wrong turn can create an unexpected night out.

take sufficient suppliesWhat supplies you need for each walk will vary, but you should always have a waterproof jacket, water, food, hat and sturdy walking shoes. Cell phone signal is often not available in the outdoors. Place items like phones and maps in a plastic bag to waterproof.

Know your limitsChallenge yourself within you and your family’s limits. Consider the ability of the youngest member to deal with the changing weather and the physical nature of the walk. stick to the marked track.

Be aware of the weatherNew Zealand’s weather can be highly changeable. Check the forecast – Metservice.com - and expect changes throughout the day. Always prepare for wind and rain as it can, and often does, happen suddenly.

tell someone your plansMessage someone – text, social, email - where you’re going and when you’ll be due back. Make yourself easier to be found if something goes wrong.

Pho

to: P

iotr

Zur

ek

Pho

to: F

rase

r C

lem

ents

Track grades

Easy access short walk: Easy walking for up to an hour. Well-formed track, with an even surface. Few or no steps or

slopes. Suitable for people of all abilities and fitness, wheelchairs and strollers. Walking shoes required.

Short walk: Easy walking for up to an hour. Well-formed track, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes.

Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness levels. Walking shoes required.

Walking track: Easy-to-moderate walking from a few minutes to a day. Track is mostly well formed; some sections may

be steep, rough or muddy. Suitable for people of low to moderate abilities and fitness. Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required.

Visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz for more tips, advice and tools to help plan your trip.

Kauri dieback is a disease that kills kauri trees. To prevent the spread of kauri dieback, keep to the defined tracks, and clean your footwear, tyres and other equipment before and after visiting kauri forest areas. Stay away from kauri tree roots.

Visit kauridieback.co.nz or call 0800 NZ KAURI (0800 695 2874).

Check, Clean, DryStop the spread of didymo and other freshwater pests. Remember to Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways. For more information and cleaning guidelines, go to biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo or doc.govt.nz/stopthespread.

New Zealanders are passionate about the environment – we really care about our wild places. For tangata whenua, these places are sacred.

Before your walk, plan ahead:

Stay on the track – you have less chance of losing your way or injuring yourself and this protects the wild environment.

Take home everything you bring with you, including rubbish.

Check where the toilets are placed on the track and use them. We don’t defecate on tracks in New Zealand.

On those tracks where you can take your dog, keep it under close control as some New Zealand wildlife, such as kiwi, are irresistible to dogs.

Never feed wildlife – it can harm them and their young.

Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection.

Leave gates as you find them.

Be considerate to others using the track.

This publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests.

R120780

Published by: Department of Conservation, Marketing Team PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143 New Zealand | October 2017

Editing and design: Creative Services, DOC National Office

Cape Foulwind Walkway. Photo: Miles Holden

Front cover: Rangitoto Summit Track. Photo: Fraser Clements

Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway. Photo: Fraser Clements

To find out more, visit your local Department of Conservation

visitor centre or go to doc.govt.nz/shortwalks

LakeTaupo

Otaki

WELLINGTONLower Hutt

Featherston

Eketahuna

Pahiatua

Martinborough

Masterton

ShannonFoxton

FeildingBulls

WHANGANUI

Levin

PALMERSTONNORTH

Raetihi

Taihape

Taumarunui

Woodville

Dannevirke

Waipukurau

HASTINGS

NAPIER

Waitara

Inglewood

Stratford

Hawera

Opunake

NEW PLYMOUTH

OhakuneWaiouru

Turangi

TAUPO

WairoaFrasertown

Murupara

GISBORNE

Te Puke

Opotiki

Waihi

KatikatiTe Aroha

Paeroa

ROTORUA

TAURANGA

WHAKATANE

Putaruru

HAMILTON

Tokoroa

MatamataCambridge

Te Awamutu

Otorohanga

Te Kuiti

Morrinsville

Huntly

Ngaruawahia

Raglan

ThamesWhangamata

Whitianga

Pukekohe

Warkworth

OrewaHelensville

AUCKLAND

Great Barrier Island

(Aotea Island)

Kerikeri

Kaikohe

Dargaville

Mangawhai Heads

Kaitaia

Cape Reinga

WHANGAREI

100 km

100 km

LakeTaupo

Otaki

WELLINGTONLower Hutt

Featherston

Eketahuna

Pahiatua

Martinborough

Masterton

ShannonFoxton

FeildingBulls

WHANGANUI

Levin

PALMERSTONNORTH

Raetihi

Taihape

Taumarunui

Woodville

Dannevirke

Waipukurau

HASTINGS

NAPIER

Waitara

Inglewood

Stratford

Hawera

Opunake

NEW PLYMOUTH

OhakuneWaiouru

Turangi

TAUPO

WairoaFrasertown

Murupara

GISBORNE

Te Puke

Opotiki

Waihi

KatikatiTe Aroha

Paeroa

ROTORUA

TAURANGA

WHAKATANE

Putaruru

HAMILTON

Tokoroa

MatamataCambridge

Te Awamutu

Otorohanga

Te Kuiti

Morrinsville

Huntly

Ngaruawahia

Raglan

ThamesWhangamata

Whitianga

Pukekohe

Warkworth

OrewaHelensville

AUCKLAND

Great Barrier Island

(Aotea Island)

Kerikeri

Kaikohe

Dargaville

Mangawhai Heads

Kaitaia

Cape Reinga

WHANGAREI

100 km

100 km

CHRISTCHURCH

Franz Josef/Waiau

Haast

Oxford RangioraKaiapoi

Akaroa

Methven

Kurow Waimate

Temuka

Milton

Kaka Point

Balclutha

Fairfield

QUEENSTOWN

Twizel

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Makaroa

Lake Tekapo

Wanaka

ASHBURTON

GeraldineFairlie

TIMARU

OAMARU

Waikouaiti

Palmerston

Cromwell

ClydeAlexandra

Ranfurly

DUNEDIN

Milford Sound

Arrowtown

Stewart Island/Rakiura

Oban

Glenorchy

Te Anau

Mataura

Riverton/Aparima

Winton

Dipton

LumsdenMossburn

GORE

INVERCARGILL

BLENHEIM

Picton

Kaikoura

Hanmer Springs

St Arnaud

Reefton

Westport

Arthur’s Pass

Greymouth

KumaraHokitika

Karamea

Takaka

Motueka

Wakefield

NELSON

Murchison

Punakaiki

Blackball

Take a break in the outdoors and get in touch with nature.

Enjoy some of our best short walks that prove some of the

best things come in small packages. They’re easy to get to and great for families – there’s

something for everyone.

From the far north to the deep south, through lush native

bush, ancient forests and along rugged coastlines, these walks may be short but the memories

will be long-lasting.

Mount Manaia Track

Cathedral Cove Walk

2 hr, 4 km return

1 hr 30 min, 2.5 km return

Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway

Rangitoto Summit Track

2 – 3 hr, 9 km return

2 hr, 7 km return

About the walkThis walk mostly follows an historic bush tramway through the lower Ngakawau Gorge and the Charming Creek valley to the abandoned Charming Creek Coal Mine, passing historic sawmilling and mining remains. The gorge nestles among steep bluffs while below, water foams past immense boulders in the riverbed.

Local tipsThe hardy daisy Ngakawau Gorge daisy (Celmisia morganii) flowers abundantly on steep rock faces from December to January, the only known habitat for this rare and protected species.

Know before you goBe prepared for rapidly changing weather on the wild West Coast.Arrange transport options for the return leg. Take your own drinking water (you should not drink from streams in the area as they have a high mineral count) and wear sturdy footwear.

Wainui Falls Track

Charming Creek Walkway

Cape Foulwind Walkway

About the walkCross farmland for a short distance, then walk through a forest of nīkau palms, rātā trees and ferns. The track climbs alongside spectacular granite boulders, following the Wainui River. There’s a great suspension bridge on the way – below this you can see old logs piled up after massive floods. You’ll know you’re close when you can hear the sound of rushing water. Return to the car park on the same track.

Local tipsKeep a look out for a possible sighting of the giant carnivorous snail (Powelliphanta). Look but don’t touch!

Know before you goBe prepared by planning ahead: carry food and water with you. Good sturdy footwear is recommended for this walk. Stay together as a group and keep children close as the track has some steep drop-offs.

About the walkCape Foulwind short walk takes you from Tauranga Bay along a rocky headland to a viewpoint overlooking a New Zealand fur seal breeding colony. Panels along the track tell stories of Māori history, sea voyages and early explorers. From the seal colony, the track continues on to Cape Foulwind lighthouse. Return the same way or arrange transport from Cape Foulwind car park.

Local tipsCape Foulwind was named by Captain James Cook in 1770 after his vessel was blown off course by the prevailing westerly winds. The seal breeding season from November to February is the busiest time of the year.

Know before you goBe prepared for rapidly changing weather on this coastal walk: carry a waterproof or windproof jacket, hat and gloves.

NELSON/TASMAN WEST COAST WEST COAST

A short walk through lush native bush leads to the cascading Wainui Falls, the largest falls in Golden Bay/Mohua.

Scenery and history combine in this walk along an historic bush tramway, with spectacular vistas of the Mangatini Falls.

A seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline feature on this spectacular coastal walkway.

1 hr 20 min, 3.4 km return

Low to moderate fitness required

Gentle

One flight of steps

2 hr 30 min – 3 hr, 9.5 km one way

Low to moderate fitness required

Undulating

1 hr 15 min, 3.4 km one way

Most ages and fitness levels

Low to moderate fitness required

Flat

Undulating

Getting thereThe track begins from a car park at Wainui Bay, about 20 km north-east of Takaka. Look for the direction sign about 300 m after crossing the Wainui River bridge.

Getting thereThe track is about 16 km south-west of Westport. Follow Cape Foulwind Road (SH67A) for 11 km to the former Holcim cement works. Turn left into Tauranga Bay Road to access the Tauranga Bay car park (southern end).

Getting thereFrom the south, access to the walkway is signposted from SH67 at Ngakawau, 35 km north-east of Westport; from the north, access is through Seddonville, 50 km north-east of Westport on SH67, along a 10 km gravel road.

Pho

to: S

helli

e E

vans

Pho

to: M

iles

Ho

lden

Pho

to: M

iles

Ho

lden

CHRISTCHURCH

Franz Josef/Waiau

Haast

Oxford RangioraKaiapoi

Akaroa

Methven

Kurow Waimate

Temuka

Milton

Kaka Point

Balclutha

Fairfield

QUEENSTOWN

Twizel

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Makaroa

Lake Tekapo

Wanaka

ASHBURTON

GeraldineFairlie

TIMARU

OAMARU

Waikouaiti

Palmerston

Cromwell

ClydeAlexandra

Ranfurly

DUNEDIN

Milford Sound

Arrowtown

Stewart Island/Rakiura

Oban

Glenorchy

Te Anau

Mataura

Riverton/Aparima

Winton

Dipton

LumsdenMossburn

GORE

INVERCARGILL

BLENHEIM

Picton

Kaikoura

Hanmer Springs

St Arnaud

Reefton

Westport

Arthur’s Pass

Greymouth

KumaraHokitika

Karamea

Takaka

Motueka

Wakefield

NELSON

Murchison

Punakaiki

Blackball

LakeTaupo

Otaki

WELLINGTONLower Hutt

Featherston

Eketahuna

Pahiatua

Martinborough

Masterton

ShannonFoxton

FeildingBulls

WHANGANUI

Levin

PALMERSTONNORTH

Raetihi

Taihape

Taumarunui

Woodville

Dannevirke

Waipukurau

HASTINGS

NAPIER

Waitara

Inglewood

Stratford

Hawera

Opunake

NEW PLYMOUTH

OhakuneWaiouru

Turangi

TAUPO

WairoaFrasertown

Murupara

GISBORNE

Te Puke

Opotiki

Waihi

KatikatiTe Aroha

Paeroa

ROTORUA

TAURANGA

WHAKATANE

Putaruru

HAMILTON

Tokoroa

MatamataCambridge

Te Awamutu

Otorohanga

Te Kuiti

Morrinsville

Huntly

Ngaruawahia

Raglan

ThamesWhangamata

Whitianga

Pukekohe

Warkworth

OrewaHelensville

AUCKLAND

Great Barrier Island

(Aotea Island)

Kerikeri

Kaikohe

Dargaville

Mangawhai Heads

Kaitaia

Cape Reinga

WHANGAREI

100 km

100 km

Wainui Falls Track1 hr 20 min, 3.4 km return

Devils Punchbowl Walking Track1 hr, 2 km return

Kura Tāwhiti Access Track20 min, 1.4 km return

Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View40 min, 2.7 km return

Lake Gunn Nature Walk45 min, 1.4 km loop

Charming Creek Walkway2 hr 30 min – 3 hr, 9.5 km one way

Cape Foulwind Walkway1 hr 15 min, 3.4 km one way

Devils Punchbowl Walking Track

About the walkFrom the start of the walk, follow a footbridge across the Bealey River. The next bridge, over Devils Punchbowl Creek, has a good view of the waterfall. From here, wander through lush beech forest with friendly tomtits before climbing 150 m up a series of steps to a viewing platform at the base of this spectacular waterfall.

Local tipsKea love this place as much as people do, and there’s also a good chance you’ll hear or see the great spotted kiwi/roroa during a twilight evening walk.

Know before you goBe prepared for wet and cold conditions all year: carry a waterproof/windproof jacket, hat and gloves, and wear warm layered clothing and sturdy footwear. Check at the DOC visitor centre for weather and track conditions. The large number of steps on this walk may be challenging.

CANTERBURY

Feel the full force and sound of fresh mountain water falling 131 m down one of New Zealand’s most stunning waterfalls.

1 hr, 2 km return

Low to moderate fitness required

Gradual incline

StepsFox Glacier/Te Ara o Tuawe Valley Walk1 hr, 2.6 km return

Getting thereThe track starts at the northern end of Arthur’s Pass village, just off SH73 at the Punchbowl car park (signposted off the highway).

Lake Matheson/Te Ara Kairaumati Walk1 hr 30 min, 2.6 km return

Blue Pools Track1 hr, 1.5 km return

Pho

to: T

ony

Fer

nand

ez

Lake Matheson/Te Ara Kairaumati Walk

Kura Tāwhiti Access Track

Fox Glacier/Te Ara o Tuawe Valley Walk

About the walkLake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Its excellent reflecting properties are due to the dark brown colour of the water, the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor. Dawn and dusk are the best times to enjoy the reflections in the lake.

Local tipsThe species most likely to be seen here is the longfin eel, which made this an important mahinga kai (food-gathering site) for Māori travelling along the West Coast.

Know before you goCheck the current track conditions and weather forecast before starting your trip. Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection.

About the walkThe area was once under a large, shallow inland sea that began to fill in about 30 million years ago. Pressure over time caused extensive uplift, folding and faulting of the Torlesse and Craigieburn ranges. The limestone rock has been eroded by water into these distinctive sculptured landforms.

Local tipsKura Tāwhiti is the first reserve in New Zealand established specifically to protect a plant – the Castle Hill buttercup. With just 67 plants in existence, the buttercup can only be found within the 6-ha reserve.

Know before you goKura Tāwhiti is in an alpine region, so be prepared for rapidly changing weather. This world-renowned bouldering site has a rock-climbing code that respects the Tōpuni status (special protection) of these outcrops. Carry drinking water, sun protection and insect repellent.

About the walkAfter walking for a few minutes, the first view of the glacier will appear. Follow the track down past the landslip zone – do not stop in this area. The walk will take you to within about 500 m of the glacier terminal face. Viewing the glaciers is an exciting experience, but it can also be dangerous. Observe all signs and stay behind barriers to have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Local tipsThe glacier holds added significance for local Māori as it is the moeka (final resting place) of their ancestor Tuawe.

Know before you goThis walk is in an alpine region: be prepared for rapidly changing weather and take warm layered waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. The track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or rock fall. Check the track and weather conditions before starting.

WEST COASTCANTERBURY WEST COAST

A gentle walk leads to views of the mountains reflected on the still waters of Lake Matheson.

Wander through majestic limestone rock formations in this area of special significance to Ngāi Tahu.

Get spectacular views of Fox Glacier/Te Moeka o Tuawe on this short, easy walk.

1 hr 30 min, 2.6 km loop

All abilities and fitness, wheelchairs and strollers

Undulating

20 min, 1.4 km return

Low to moderate fitness required

Flat

1 hr, 2.6 km return

Most ages and fitness levels

Gradual incline

Getting thereFrom Fox Glacier township, turn onto Cook Flat Road. Travel 5 km along this road, then turn right onto the side road to Lake Matheson.

Getting thereFrom Christchurch, take SH73 towards the West Coast. Kura Tāwhiti is beside the highway in the Waimakariri basin, about 80 minutes from Christchurch.

Getting thereTo reach the glacier car park, drive south for 2 km from Fox Glacier township on SH6. Turn left immediately before the Fox River bridge and continue to the end of the road.

Pho

to: S

helli

e E

vans

Pho

to: M

iles

Ho

lden

Pho

to: M

iles

Ho

lden

Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View

Lake Gunn Nature Walk

Blue Pools Track

About the walkWalk past the Blue Lakes to the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier viewpoint on the moraine wall, giving spectacular views over Tasman Lake which formed in the 1970s, and on up to New Zealand’s largest glacier. Terminal moraines (rock debris left when a glacier retreats) mark the foot of the glacier when the lake was formed and are a sobering reminder of the glacier’s retreat.

Local tipsA side trip to the Blue Lakes on the way down offers good swimming in summer and a chance to see New Zealand’s smallest bird, the ever-chirpy rifleman.

Know before you goBe prepared for rapidly changing weather in this alpine region. Contact Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre for updates. You’ll be walking up many rock steps in a gradual incline; wear sturdy footwear.

About the walkThe tranquillity of the beech forest surrounds you within a few steps of the car park. Moss smothers the trees. Tomtits, riflemen and other forest birds are prolific. A short side path takes you out onto a stony beach. The vast mountains surrounding the deep blue waters of Lake Gunn are awe-inspring.

Local tipsEnjoy side trips to lake beaches and sheltered fishing spots. The Eglinton valley is a stronghold for New Zealand’s native birds: South Island robin/kakaruai, kākā, yellowhead/mohua and short-tailed and long-tailed bats.

Know before you goBe prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in this alpine region. The walk is wheelchair accessible and is able to be walked in all seasons.

About the walkAn easy short walk through mature beech and podocarp forest to these natural wonders of pure glacial water gathered from the mountains. Walk through beech forest to a swing bridge over the Makarora River. Continue on a boardwalk to the second swing bridge, which is the viewing platform over the Blue Pools. Cross the bridge for great views up the river gorge.

Local tipsLarge rainbow and brown trout can often be seen feeding in the pools and the threatened yellowhead/mohua can be heard in the canopy. The Blue-Young Link Track continues from the Blue Pools bridge.

Know before you goBe prepared for rapidly changing weather in this alpine region. Contact the Awarua/Haast or Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park visitor centres for visitor information, including the latest track and weather updates.

CANTERBURY FIORDLANDOTAGO

A short walk to view New Zealand’s longest glacier, the mighty Haupapa/Tasman Glacier.

Experience wild Fiordland as you wander through red beech forest, enjoying glimpses of the birdlife of the Eglinton valley, Lake Gunn and the surrounding mountains.

Nestled among mature beech and podocarp forest, these pools of deep, clear water flowing into the Makarora River offer a moment of tranquillity.

40 min, 2.7 km return

Low to moderate fitness required

Gradual incline

Steps

45 min, 1.4 km loop

All abilities and fitness, wheelchairs and strollers

Flat

1 hr, 1.5 km return

Most ages and fitness levels

Flat

Getting thereTurn off SH80 onto Tasman Valley Road just before Aoraki/Mount Cook village. Follow this road for about 7 km to the car park at the end.

Getting thereThe walk begins from Cascade Creek car park on the Milford Road, about 78 km (58 min) from Te Anau.

Getting thereStart from the Blue Pools car park, off the Haast Highway (SH6), 8 km from the township of Makarora.

Pho

to: B

reiz

h33

Pho

to: S

helli

e E

vans

Pho

to: M

iles

Ho

lden