Rakaia Gorge Walkway, Canterbury NZ

An easygoing walk along the Rakaia River as it cuts its way through the Rakaia Gorge, with views of the Mt Hutt Range to the west.

Rakaia Gorge Walkway

The Rakaia Gorge Walkway is an easygoing walk along a scenic section of the Rakaia River, with views of the river from various spots, and out over the Mt Hutt Range. It is suitable for families and those without tramping experience, although it can get a bit muddy. On a clear day the Rakaia River is a pleasing turquoise colour, and there are patches of native bush with exotics along the way.

The walk takes around 3 hours at a steady pace, and is on an obvious track the whole way. The best of two lookouts is at the furthest point on the route. You can return the same way from there, or continue on a short circuit. It’s mostly flat but can get quite muddy. There’s more information on the DOC website.

Rakaia Gorge Walkway
An obvious track the whole way, and pretty flat. Can be muddy.

Rakaia Gorge Walkway: The Scenery

Rakaia Gorge Walkway
The view from the lower gorge lookout.

 

Rakaia Gorge Walkway
A reasonable portion of the walk was through native bush with some introduced species.

 

Rakaia Gorge Walkway
The Rakaia River snaking it’s way east.

 

Rakaia Gorge Walkway
The Upper Rakaia Gorge from the lookout, with the Mt Hutt Range in cloud.

 

Rakaia Gorge Walkway
The upper gorge from the lookout.

 

Rakaia Gorge Walkway
A big cabbage tree.

Rakaia Gorge Walkway Rakaia Gorge Walkway

Rakaia Gorge Walkway
The historic bridge at the start.

 

Rakaia Gorge Walkway
Back at the start looking east from the bridge.

Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker.

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