From Te Wanahu Flat, follow the signposted track for Fern Walk.
Though on a map it seems that this walk is on the edge of the forest, it is impossible to tell as much from this walk. The trees and vegetation immerse you in nature immediately.
You will pass through Mills Bush for the first part of this walk. Mills Bush is 16.2 hectares of virgin podocarp forest. The tōtara, mataī and kahikatea trees in Mills Bush are thought to be approximately 1000 years old. These trees can be massive and you will most likely have to find your way around or over their roots as they spread across the path.
Peel Forest has 68 species of ferns. Fern Walk is so named because most of them can be seen along this walk.
Fern Walk is not only significant for its vegetation, but for its wildlife as well. Keep your peeled for bellbirds/korimako, riflemen/tītitipoumanu, grey warblers/riroriro, tomtits/miromiro and silvereyes/tauhou.
Though the walk is rather long, the track is easy and is suitable for children.
Return the same way or arrange transportation from Blandswood Road.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Geraldine, South Island, New Zealand
- Time needed: 1.5 hour walk
- Distance: 3.3 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Bikes allowed: Unknown
- Route: One way
- Elevation: Unknown
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: There are toilets at the public shelter.
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: Poor coverage
- Last Updated: June, 2020
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