Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve

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.

NO DOGS

TIME & DISTANCE: A few minutes to a few hours

FITNESS: Medium fitness required

TERRAIN: Easy walking to challenging trails

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.

Peel Forest, Geraldine © Getty Images

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