10 October 2026
Cloud, low about the foothills, breaking up in the morning. Scattered showers developing in the afternoon, possibly heavy and thundery with hail.
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1 / 5Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve
Peel Forest - Kahikatea Walk
This flat easy track takes you through forest and wetlands.
Distance
1.9 km
Walking time
1 hr
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Water treatment upgrade at Peel Forest Campground
Weather outlook
Canterbury High Country forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
11 October 2026
Fine, apart from showers before dawn.
12 October 2026
Fine.
13 October 2026
A few showers.
14 October 2026
Rain turning to showers. Snow lowering to 1800 metres.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Peel Forest - Kahikatea Walk on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Peel Forest - Kahikatea Walk
This track can be accessed from near the campground at Clarke Flat or the roadside at Te Wanahu Flat. This track offers flat easy walking, with board walks over wetter areas. Saw pits are a reminder of the fate of most of this forest, with just a remnant of kahikatea swamp forest remaining.
Essential information for Peel Forest - Kahikatea Walk
Cellphone coverage in the Peel Forest area is poor. Consider bringing an emergency communications device.
Huts and campsites
Peel Forest Campground has campsites and cabins. Bookings are required . The campground is closed from May to mid-October each year, however. During this period Clarke Flat is opened as a standard campsite.
Getting there for Peel Forest - Kahikatea Walk
9.5 km north of Geraldine, turn off SH72 (Inland Scenic Route) into Peel Forest Road, which becomes Rangitata Gorge Road. Clarke Flat and Te Wanahu Flat are 600 m apart on Rangitata Gorge Road, approx. 14 km from SH72. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Peel Forest - Kahikatea Walk
No dogs.
Before you walk Peel Forest - Kahikatea Walk
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.