Washpen Falls Adventure Walk

My friend and I set out, over Waitangi Weekend and although fairly busy, there was plenty of parking (an overflow car park was available). Even though it was busy there were plenty of opportunities to break away from others and have our own space.

Great toilet facilities were available

These were prior to going into the well marked office/information centre (the old wool shed). The owners also have amazing accommodation available (see their website!). There we borrowed a couple of sticks and picked up a map and some information.

We set off – around the back of the office was a tribute to horses used in the war, alongside a shed of various ‘old school’ memorabilia! Through a gate and over a bridge, with an impressive marble wood tree in bloom.

The path took us up into the woods

There were some fantastic fungi and birdlife to entertain us. I won’t tell you everything about this walk – so there are plenty of surprises for you to enjoy yourself – should you decide to pay it a visit! Up through the woods, led us up to some huge boulders, WWII targets and caves where Moa bones had been discovered (now in the Canterbury Museum).

Onwards up onto the top

This is where there were truly spectacular views across the Canterbury Plains to the ocean, and plenty of photo opportunities (if you are not scared of heights – FYI the author IS!). This walk takes you up through a volcanic canyon reserve filled with native bush and wonderful birdlife (so be sure and keep your eyes and ears open).

There is a chance of a detour here

(with the landowner’s permission in advance)

To go through the gate, follow the fence line and head up onto Snowy Peak – which has amazing views over Lake Coleridge. Be warned it’s a good grunt and only really suitable for experienced walkers. But it’s a good opportunity to add another 1.5 hours into the walk – especially those who have visited before.

Having stopped for a picnic lunch, we then began our descent (back down the Volcanic Canyon track) – be warned the first section is pretty steep, but the owners have fitted a rope handrail for the faint hearted!

We then descended a wooden staircase

And to the stunning waterfalls (you can swim if it’s a warm day and you are feeling brave). We then continued on a path that ran alongside a sparkling spring-fed creek (this is the longest tributary of the Hororata River). Which led to a hidden cave, an amazing pump house, and a rustic covered shelter beside a lake, which blended beautifully with the rest of the surroundings.

We stopped here for some photos

And could easily have enjoyed a coffee here (would be an amazing wedding venue)! The path then led up back down to the bridge (another look at the fantastic marble wood) and back to the wool shed.

Here we returned our sticks and thanked the landowner for just such a truly epic way to spend a few hours exploring! There is a fabulous website that the owners run for Washpen Falls.