Rakaia Gorge Walkway

The walk began from a car park on the bridge side of the road – before crossing over to the other side (care needed to be taken here), and heading up a short incline (DOC signs present).  We need not have worried, as the path meandered along the cliff/edge of the Rakaia River and had plenty of shrub/plant and tree life to protect us (no sun that day – but would still be a fabulous location if red hot and sunny!). One tree had grown right into the cliff and created an almost cave-like appearance – at the start of the walk – and was really quite spectacular!

The track is essentially a loop…

…with a tiny extension on the end. There were plenty of viewpoints and amazing views and vistas of the river along the way, rest points, and views of surrounding hillside and mountains, all along the way. The walk really did give amazing different perspectives (and views were certainly not “samey”) as the path meandered along the cliff edge.

There were lots of interesting trees and plants at the beginning – and we ended up eating wild cherries and strawberries (which were found in abundance). Birdlife and song were plentiful and it really did give something for everyone – with insects and abundant butterflies and bees.

Old Snowdon coal mine, shaft entrances were found along the river edge and amazingly Potato plants! All showing signs of historical human occupation!

Down to the Rakaia River for a picnic lunch

We then had a short climb up to another spectacular vantage point – and then followed a path down to the river for a picnic lunch. We then headed back on ourselves and up to the final viewpoint (which again did not disappoint), before shortly looping back on ourselves and heading back!