Otaki Gorge walks
Walking track
Getting there
Otaki Forks is 19 km inland from Otaki township – approx. 1½ hr drive from Wellington or Palmerston North. The easiest turn-off from State Highway 1 is at Otaki Gorge Road, just south of the State Highway 1 bridge over the Otaki River. The last 5 km of the Otaki Gorge Road is unsealed, narrow and windy – please drive carefully.
About the area
Otaki Forks is the main western entrance to the Tararua Forest Park. The area has been developed for a wide range of activities.
Description
There are a number of short tracks that descend from Otaki Gorge Road into the gorge, giving access for picnicking, swimming, fishing and watersports:
- Just below the Waiohanga Bridge there is a vehicle track that leads down to a swimming hole.
- Just above the Waiohanga Bridge the Bridgeview Track leads down to the river.
- Just above Pukehinau Stream the PEP (Programme Employment Project) Track leads down to the river.
- Past Shields Flat a vehicle track leads down to the river and a private bridge.
- There are other tracks leading down to the river: past the big slip and just below the Otaki Forks.
Activities
Activities with children
Fishing
Kayaking/canoeing
Photography
Rafting
Otaki Gorge offers a range of activities, on and around the water.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required