PEEL FOREST PARK SCENIC RESERVE WALKS 7
CAROLINE BAY, TIMARU BOTANIC GARDENS & CENTENNIAL PARK WALKS 8
Dogs are allowed on the beach in winter only
Three walks, one with views, one with gardens and one that offers some wilderness close to town.
Where is it?
From 30min to 1.5hr
Central Timaru is the starting point for the Caroline Bay and Botanic Gardens trails and Claremont Rd for the Centennial Park walks.
Easy to average fitness required
Terrain Paved paths and steps for the urban walks; unpaved but well-constructed paths in Centennial Park. Peel Forest, Geraldine © Getty Images
Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve is a large, DOC administered native bush reserve with a variety of trails from 30min to 3hr.
Where is it? 22km north of Geraldine. Follow SH 72 and after the Orari Bridge turn onto Geraldine-Arundel Rd, then left onto Peel Forest Rd. Various tracks leave from this road; others can be accessed from Blandswood Rd.
Extra for experts Peel Forest Park Camping Ground is an ideal base from which to explore the park’s many trails.
A few minutes to a few hours Medium fitness required Easy walking to challenging trails No dogs
Easy tramping track
TRACK OVERVIEW TRACK OVERVIEW From easy walking across boardwalks and flat, wellformed paths to steeper more challenging bush trails, this reserve is blessed with variety. Remnants of kahikatea swamp forest, giant tōtara, māhoe, kōwhai, kānuka and fuchsia are delightful elements to the park, along with waterfalls and plentiful birdlife. There’s also history here, with saw pits, tramway routes and artefacts from the milling days of the mid-19th century. Fortunately, they weren’t all logged. An accessible highlight is the Big Tree Walk which takes in several of the remaining giants, including a tōtara almost 3m across. Fun Fact: At least 10 species of native birds can be found here including the native wood pigeon/kererū.
97 Talbot St, Geraldine, South Canterbury | Ph: +64 3 693 8501 Hosts: Joseph & Mayumi and David & Helley RESERVATIONS: 0800 400 404
S PA C I O U S U N I T S
This walk starts at the piazza steps and 30-45 minutes later – having meandered along the coast, up the cliff path for a view of the coast, past rose gardens, fountains, an aviary and tearooms – returns there. While in the area, Timaru Botanic Gardens trail is another delightful half-hour option. Start at the Queen St entrance, walk up past the conservatory and fernery to the rose gardens, past the hospital and duck pond to the Queen Victoria Sunken Garden, then downhill to the aviary. For a longer walk, head to the Centennial Park where, from Otipua Rd bridge, you can follow a track for about an hour and a half past a lake, through bush.
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WAIMATE DISTRICT
Explore walking and biking tracks for all abilities. From native bush or picturesque waterfalls to gentle riverside strolls or steep challenging peaks - the choice is yours.
Hand feed tame wallabies. Marvel at the silo art or immerse yourself in local history.
Experience stunning landscapes. Enjoy markets and shopping. info@geraldinemotels.co.nz • www.geraldinemotels.co.nz • Quality, spacious family & studio • Free WIFI • Pets welcome units, being fully self-contained • Short walk to town and sleeps 2-6 persons • River walk • Off-street & covered parking GS:T[\ • Large garden, BBQ & playground Tariff: (Oct 18- Sep19) $110‑$150 (2 persons), extra $20.
Casual dining or fine dining ̶ take your pick.
GO TO OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW ALL OF OUR INCREDIBLE TRACKS.
waimate.org.nz
WALKING MUST-DO’S 75
