Leave your car at the car park on Blandswood Road and climb up Lookout Road to the start of the walk.
The start of the walk is clearly signposted. Continue climbing once you start on the official track.
After about 20 minutes, the track splits with the Emily Falls walk. Head right to continue to Rata Stream and Rata Falls. Once you reach the stream, follow it upstream. It will lead you to the falls.
The walk takes you through the streambed. Depending on water levels, this section of the walk can be muddy or even fully immersed in water. It is important to have waterproof boots for this walk.
Along this walk, you will experience the wildlife and vegetation of the reserve. The views to take in are the forest itself.
The commons return route is the same way you came. However, there is the possibility to travel down the stony riverbed of Rata Stream. The stream leads back to Blandswood Road and the car park. The benefit of this alternate route is the section of gorge.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Geraldine, South Island, New Zealand
- Time needed: 2 hour walk
- Distance: 3 km
- Difficulty: Medium
- Bikes allowed: Unknown
- Route: Return
- Elevation: 150 m
- Wet Feet: There are 3 streams to cross
- Toilets: No
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: Poor coverage
- Last Updated: June, 2020
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