From the sign on Claremont Road, follow the track through the macrocarpa plantation.

The macrocarpa and other conifers were introduced to New Zealand in the 1860s and so is not native vegetation. 

Walk over the footbridge into the native bush. Here you will find a variety of different plants. Along this walk, you will also be able to see the regeneration of many plants, including totara, matai, mahoe, hen and chicken ferns, coprosma, cabbage trees, matipo and kowhai.

The first part of this walk is a short but steep ascent which will lead to the loop track at the top. The loop track continues through the same native vegetation with buried views on the right hand side over the surrounding countryside. Not must else is visible through the bush. 

After completing the loop, it is a sharp drop back down towards Claremont Road. 

This walk is short and sweet but it offers the opportunity to take your time. This way, you will be able to take in the vegetation and the native birdlife. You can (usually) easily see bellbirds(korimako), fantails (piwakawaka), riflemen (titipounamu), grey warblers, brown creepers, and occasionally native pigeons (kereru).

You may even see a rare native climbing daisy with a bright yellow flower.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Timaru, South Island, New Zealand
  • Time needed: 30 minutes walk
  • Distance: 3 km
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Bikes allowed: No
  • Route: Loop
  • Elevation: Unknown (steep climb and sharp drop)
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: No
  • Dogs: No
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes, very good
  • Last Updated: June, 2020

We’ve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gear to bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. They’ll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 it’s only $5). Worldwide international shipping is available except to the USA. Bulky orders will be $20.

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

This track allows you to explore the native flora and fauna of the region. It is fully immersed in the bush.

Track Quality

Unknown

Hazards

The climb can be slippery after rain.

Transport

No

Water

No

Driving Instructions

From Otipua Rd, turn onto Coonoor Rd/ Fairview Rd. Continue on Fairview Rd as it zigzags. Turn left onto Holme Station Rd. It is a sharp turn that can be easy to miss. After the turn, drive about 2 kms and turn right into Claremont Bush Road which is loose gravel. Drive another 2 km to get to the start of the walk. (The area can be tricky to navigate.)

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

The closest shops and restaurants are in central Timaru.

Area & Trail History

In the Claremont locality, you can find Castle Claremont. It is a Neo-Gothic mansion which was built in 1884 for early settler George Hampton Rhodes and his wife Henrietta. Over the years, it has been a Marist Brothers’ training centre, a rehabilitation facility and finally a home that is also at times used as a wedding venue and bed and breakfast. The walk iself does not have any notable history.

Map Location

Join our Facebook Group

Join Here
FACEBOOK

North Island Walks

All Walks & Hikes
free walks

South Island Walks

All Walks & Hikes
free walks