Rakaia Gorge Walking Track

The Rakaia Gorge Walking Track follows the rim of the gorge through spectacular geological areas, showing lava flows of rhyolite, pitchstone and andesite. It then descends into a gully under a canopy of forest and shrub, where you can see the entrances to several old Snowdon coal mines. The track then climbs out of the creek to a sign-posted junction. The walkway forms a loop from this point, with the right-hand track climbing across tussock-covered terraces directly to the lookout point. This walkway goes over private farmland, please be respectful of livestock.

Quick Tips

• 3 - 4 hour return 
• 10.5km return walk
• Medium intensity
• No dogs or horses allowed
• Starting point: Rakaia Gorge Road (Statehighway 77), park in the car park on the Selwyn-side of river and cross the road to access track. 
• Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March – wear light coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.