This track has great views and a waterfall that plummets through a rock arch. From the campground, take the bridge across Nimrod Stream where the loop track takes you on an anti-clockwise circuit of the reserve. Initially it climbs steeply up out of the forest to a lookout point which gives good views out to the coast.
The track then drops sharply down to Nimrod Stream which has to be forded. A short detour upstream (watch out for slippery rocks) takes you to a pretty 15 m waterfall cascading through a small rock arch. From here the track climbs again to rocky knolls with great views out over the reserve to the coast. The track then drops back through the forest to the car park.
Mt Nimrod Scenic Reserve is on the eastern side of The Hunters Hills. It is 32 km southwest of Timaru and 43 km northwest of Waimate. The reserve is spread over the deep and spectacular gorges of Nimrod Stream and White Rock River.
From Timaru follow State Highway 1 south for approximately 10 km. Turn right onto Pareora River Road and follow for 16 km past the Pareora Hut settlement onto Pareora Gorge Road. After 5 km turn left onto Limestone Road, then onto Motukaika Road. Follow for 11 km then turn right at the T-junction onto Back Line Road. After 2 km, turn left into the Scenic Reserve.
The Hunter Hills Conservation Area track branches off from the Mt Nimrod Reserve track. The 5 km easement provides access to the Hunter Hills Conservation Area which includes Mt Nimrod.
The track is steep and uneven in places and may not be suitable for some people.
Hunters may be present in the reserve between 1 May to 30 September.
This area was recognised as important for its birdlife as early as 1891. In 1897 the bush was reported to be thick and almost impenetrable, however burning, logging and stock grazing has changed the original forest cover. In 1932 the area was gazetted as a scenic reserve.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre | |
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Phone | +64 3 435 1186 |
mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz | |
Address | 1 Larch Grove Aoraki/Mount Cook 7999 |
Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |