Waimate’s walking and running tracks
Waimate’s earned itself a bit of a reputation for its tracks, and it’s easy to see why.
There’s no shortage of ways to stretch your legs - from native bush walks and hill climbs with big views to easy trails across open farmland. Some are short and easy, others will give you a decent workout. Lace up and see where you end up.
The Whitehorse Walkway
This track climbs to Centrewood Park, home of the white horse.
It passes through Point Bush Ecosanctuary, where pest control has helped native forest regenerate and birdlife return, before emerging onto open hilltop grasslands with views stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps.
At the top you’ll find viewing platforms, a picnic area, information boards, pou and toilets. Check the Whitehorse Tracks and Trails map signage to plan your return - head back the same way, take a shared-use trail back to the lower carpark or, cross over into Studholme Bush Reserve.
Location: 228 Point Bush Road.
Usage: Walking/running.
Time/Distance: 2 hours return.
Level of fitness: Moderate - steep in places, climbing from 145m to 400m.
Dogs: Not permitted.
Want to stay close to town? There’s a mix of shared and single-use walking and cycling trails in and around Waimate town.
Waimate town trails
Take your pick or do a combination:
13. Point Bush Track: 1.8km, shared use, two way. Dogs okay.
14. Garlands Track: 0.95km, shared use, two way. Dogs okay.
15. Naylors Track: 0.75km, shared use, two way. Dogs okay.
16. Orbz: 0.76 km, one way (down river). Bike only. No dogs.
17. Barrel Down: 0.45km, one way (down river). Bike only. No dogs.
18. Show up/show down: 0.45km, shared use, two way. Dogs okay.
The Waimate Trail Te Ara Waimatemate
The first 10km of the new trail is open!
Starting in Waimate, you can run, walk or bike out to Arno Hall.
The open sction meanders along the Old Waimate Branch Railway by the Studholme Bush Scenic Reserve. You'll be accompanied by friendly little piwakwaka/fantails.
It passes Kapua wetland, home to the largest find of moa bones in Aotearoa, before arriving at Arno Hall.
A few notes before you head out:
It’s about 10km one way.
There are no toilets along this section. Use the public toilets in Waimate before you head off.
You can start in Waimate and park on the road by the playground/Salvation Army Hall on Queen Street, or the carparks at Arno Hall or Studholme Bush Reserve.
Please respect all signage and stay on the track. No vehicles or animals where stated on the signs.
Studholme Bush Tracks
Here you’ll find range of tracks in the hills overlooking the Waimate Gorge, and along the old railway line.
Something for every age and fitness level, from steep uphills to long, winding flats, and a waterfall.
Hilltop views to the Pacific Ocean, and inland to the Southern Alps.
Location: 203 State Highway 82. Parking and signage on the Waimate side of the gorge.
Usage: Walking/running/biking.
Time/distance: From 20 minutes.
Level of Fitness: Low - high.
Dogs: No.
Kelceys Bush
Explore beautiful native bush at the base of the hills; a ten-minute drive from Waimate.
The track crosses lovely streams, there are stepping stones but be prepared to get your feet wet! .
Location: Ten minutes from Waimate. Drive to the end of Mill Rd, the car park is at the very end of the road.
Usage: Walking/running.
Time: 20 mins (Sanders Falls) or 40 mins (Intake Track).
Level of Fitness: Low - medium.
Dogs: On a lead.
Gunns Bush
This track has moss hanging from the trees and an abundance of bird life.
It's a great family track - kids love exploring the bush, crossing streams, and listening to the bird song. The track follows a river valley in amongst bush. At times it meanders beside the creek.
Make a weekend of it and stay at Gunns Bush Camp.
Location: Hunters Hills. Entrance is off Lower Hook Road, at Gunn’s Bush Camp, 13km northwest of Waimate.
Usage: Walking/running.
Time/distance: 1.5 hours loop track, 3.5km.
Level of Fitness: Medium.
Dogs: On a lead.
Knottingley Park and Arboretum
A flat loop track around the park and arboretum, underplanted with masses of bulbs. Sheep and horses sometimes graze here, and please respect the animals and don't disturb them. Easy walk in parkland area with beautiful established trees. Suitable for walking and biking.
Location: Two minutes from the centre of Waimate, on Waihao Back Road.
Usage: Walking/biking.
Time: 30 minute circuit, 2.5km.
Level of Fitness: Low.
Dogs: On a lead.
Waihao River Walkway
This walkway runs alongside the south bank of the Waihao River between McCulloch’s Bridge and the Black Hole.
The track offers views of nearby limestone cliffs and unique limestone outcrops. Brown trout and eels can be found in the river and there is abundant bird life along the track.
Part of the track goes through a working farm. Close gates behind you, and don’t disturb stock.
Location: Fifteen minutes southwest of Waimate via SH82 and Kapua Road to McCullochs Bridge.
Usage: Walking/biking.
Time/distance: 45 minutes one way, 1.9km.
Level of Fitness: Low - moderate.
Dogs: On a lead.
Wainono Lagoon
Wainono Lagoon is considered a wetland of national importance, and a paradise for bird watchers.
The track follows along the beach. Walkers can start at either the Dead Arm end (south) or the Hook Historic Memorial (north). The topography is flat. Some of the time will be spent walking on beach shingle and stones which requires stamina. This is not a loop track and you will need to return along the same route or arrange to have a vehicle at each end.
Location: Hook Beach Road or Poingdestres Road. The track can also be accessed from Wainono Lake Road, on SH1 opposite Nosh Cafe.
Usage: Walking.
Time/distance: 5 hours return, 7.7km.
Level of Fitness: Low - moderate.
Dogs: No.
Please leave gates as you find them and don’t disturb any stock.
Glenavy Track
This flat, approximately 1.2km, track wanders beside a stream under a small pine plantation just off State Highway One. The track is lined by large quantities of blackberry, which in late summer transform into a potential harvest field for walkers.
There are ample picnic places both half-way along the track beside the clear running stream, and at the bridge-end car park. Toilets and several picnic seats make this a very popular stopping point for travellers.
Location: Start at either end of the track: Park on Ruane Street, Glenavy and walk to the track across a paddock on a paper road, or park in the carpark on the north side of the Waitaki bridge.
Usage: Walking/biking.
Time: 45 minutes return, 0.94km.
Level of Fitness: Low.
Dogs: Yes.
Mt Nimrod Reserve
A loop track through one of the district’s best pockets of native bush.
The walk climbs through broadleaf forest to a lookout with wide views to the coast, before dropping down to Nimrod Stream. A short detour upstream leads to a 15m waterfall spilling through a natural rock arch.
Expect native birdlife along the way - and keep an eye out for wallabies, which are sometimes seen in the reserve.
Mt Nimrod Scenic Reserve also has one of the district’s nicest bush campsites. Tucked under the trees beside the stream, it’s a great spot to stay the night and wake to the dawn chorus..
Location: Hunters Hills. Off Back Line Road, 43km northwest of Waimate.
Usage: Walking.
Time: 2-3 hours loop track, 2.9km.
Level of Fitness: High.
Dogs: No.
Deep Stream Track
This track sidles steep faces within a flooded canyon. There are native plants along the track, including two rare native brooms - Carmichaelia curta and Carmichaelia kirkii. The walk finishes at the river delta where a shady picnic or fishing spot can be found.
Location: Turn off SH83 at Aviemore Dam onto Te Akatarawa Road.
Usage: Walking.
Time: 1 hour one way, 1.2km.
Level of Fitness: Medium.
Dogs: No.
Sole to Soul
Mindful walks in the expansive and extremely beautiful Waitaki High Country, through private land, not normally accessible to public.
Whether its a walk to increase the heart rate, slow the mind, tap the creativity or just to enjoy the amazing outdoors, this team will take you on an experience that will leave you feeling reconnected to life on every level.
Walks tailored to the needs of your group.
