Rakaia Gorge Walking Track

The striking blue green water is the absolute highlight of the Rakaia Gorge Walkway. The track follows the Rakaia River upstream and offers incredible views along the way.

Quick tips

• 3 - 4 hours return 
• 10.5km return 
• Medium intensity 
• No dogs 
• Starting point: Rakaia Gorge Road (Statehighway 77), park at car park Selwyn-side of river and cross road to access 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.