This walkway follows the edge of the Rakaia Gorge with stunning views of the Rakaia River & mountains along the way.
I did this walk with a friend (who is new to walking – and it really was an ideal starter walk) a couple of days after Christmas. It was a pretty overcast day (we had been worried about no cover – as the weather had been hot and sunny previously – so we had purposely waited for an overcast day!
Photos of our walk along the Rakaia Gorge Walkway
Stunning view of the Rakaia River on the Rakaia Gorge Walkway - Copyright Amee Lewis
Views along the Rakaia Gorge Walkway - Copyright Amee Lewis
Stunning view of the Rakaia River on the Rakaia Gorge Walkway - Copyright Amee Lewis
Stunning view of the Rakaia River on the Rakaia Gorge Walkway - Copyright Amee Lewis
The walk began from a car park on the bridge side of the road – before crossing over to the other side (care needed to be taken here), and heading up a short incline (DOC signs present). We need not have worried, as the path meandered along the cliff/edge of the Rakaia River and had plenty of shrub/plant and tree life to protect us (no sun that day – but would still be a fabulous location if red hot and sunny!). One tree had grown right into the cliff and created an almost cave-like appearance – at the start of the walk – and was really quite spectacular!
The track is essentially a loop…
…with a tiny extension on the end. There were plenty of viewpoints and amazing views and vistas of the river along the way, rest points, and views of surrounding hillside and mountains, all along the way. The walk really did give amazing different perspectives (and views were certainly not “samey”) as the path meandered along the cliff edge.
There were lots of interesting trees and plants at the beginning – and we ended up eating wild cherries and strawberries (which were found in abundance). Birdlife and song were plentiful and it really did give something for everyone – with insects and abundant butterflies and bees.
Old Snowdon coal mine, shaft entrances were found along the river edge and amazingly Potato plants! All showing signs of historical human occupation!
Down to the Rakaia River for a picnic lunch
We then had a short climb up to another spectacular vantage point – and then followed a path down to the river for a picnic lunch. We then headed back on ourselves and up to the final viewpoint (which again did not disappoint), before shortly looping back on ourselves and heading back!
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Rakaia Gorge, Windwhistle, Mount Hutt area, Canterbury Region, South Island, New Zealand
- Distance: 10.4 kms
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Wheelchair Access: No
- Mountain Bikes Allowed: No
- Route: Double back the same way with a small loop
- Elevation: 435m overall – Path undulates up and down
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: Yes – Public toilet at the beginning/end
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: Yes
- Camping on the track: Not on the walk – but the Rakaia Gorge Camping Ground is located, very near to the start/end of the walk on the other side of the Rakaia River bridge.
- Last Updated: Jan 2022
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Summary points about the Rakaia Gorge Walkway track
My maps of Rakaia Gorge Walkway including my fab 3d video
