Part of Geraldine walks.
Rata Falls is reached via the Emily Falls track from Blandswood in Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve. The route is a medium walk with steep sections, stream crossings, and the option to return via the Rata Stream bed if conditions allow.
Quick facts
| Location | Peel Forest, Geraldine, South Island, New Zealand |
| Time needed | 2 hours |
| Distance | 3 km |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Route | Return, with an optional streambed alternate for part of the way back |
| Elevation gain | 150 m |
| Wet feet | Yes, several stream crossings, sometimes the full streambed |
| Toilets | None at the track start |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
| Bikes | Check the current park rules |
| Mobile coverage | Poor |
Getting there
Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve is about 22 km north of Geraldine. Head north on SH72 for 8 km, then turn left just after the Orari Bridge onto Geraldine Arundel Road. After 3 km, turn left onto Peel Forest Road and continue for 13 km. Turn left onto Blandswood Road and drive 2 km to the car park.
Park at the car park at the Blandswood Road junction. Lookout Road itself is not suitable for parking, so walk the short distance up Lookout Road on foot to reach the signposted start of the track.
The Rata Falls track step by step
From the car park, climb up Lookout Road to the clearly signposted start of the track. Keep climbing once you’re on the official track proper. After about 20 minutes, the track splits, with Emily Falls track heading left. Keep right for Rata Falls.
From here the track drops down to Rata Stream and follows it upstream to the falls. This is the section where boots earn their keep. Depending on recent rain and water levels, you’ll be picking a line along the edge of the stream or walking straight through it. Check the stream before committing to a crossing and turn back if it’s running high, it can flood and become genuinely impassable after heavy rain.
Rata Falls itself is small but a lovely spot to stop, have a snack and take some photos before heading back. Most walkers return the same way they came.
There is an alternate return option down the stony riverbed of Rata Stream, which leads back to Blandswood Road and the car park. It takes you through a section of gorge that the standard route misses, but it depends on the stream being low enough to follow comfortably.
What you’ll see
This is a forest walk more than a big-view walk. Expect dense native bush, mossy banks and the usual reserve birdlife, wood pigeon and fantail among them, plus the stream itself as a constant companion for the second half of the walk. Rata Falls is modest rather than spectacular, but the streambed setting and the bush around it make the walk worthwhile.
Who it’s for
Good for reasonably fit walkers and families with older kids who don’t mind wet feet. It’s not a pram or wheelchair walk, and it’s not the one to pick if you want to stay dry. If you like a straightforward bush walk with a scramble along a streambed thrown in, this fits the bill.
When to go
Drier periods make for an easier, safer walk since the streambed section is the whole game here. After heavy rain, Rata Stream can rise quickly, so it’s worth checking recent weather before you commit, especially if you’re planning on the streambed return route.
Important stuff
- Dogs are not permitted on this track.
- Waterproof boots are essential, this walk goes through a streambed for a good part of the second half.
- Rata Stream can flood and become impassable. Assess the water level carefully and turn back rather than push through a high stream.
- Mobile coverage in this part of Peel Forest is poor, so let someone know where you’re headed.
- There are no toilets at the track start.
- Park at the car park at the Blandswood Road junction, Lookout Road is not suitable for parking.
- The shop at Peel Forest has been closed for some months and is not expected to reopen any time soon. Aside from Geraldine itself, there is nowhere nearby to pick up food or supplies, so come prepared.
Common questions
Are dogs allowed on the Rata Falls track?
No, dogs are not permitted on this track.
Is there mobile phone coverage on the walk?
No, coverage in this part of Peel Forest is poor. Tell someone your plans before you go.
Do I need special footwear?
Yes. The track follows Rata Stream and can be muddy or fully underfoot in water, so waterproof boots make a real difference.
Is there parking right at the track start?
No. Park at the car park at the Blandswood Road junction and walk up Lookout Road to the signposted start.
