Skip to content

Site Menu

Tracks & walks

Canterbury

In this section:

Canterbury
- Mid & South Canterbury

Peel Forest Park easy access tracks

See also:

Peel Forest Area brochure

Track category

Time:

20 min

Distance:

870 metres

Description

Big Tree Walk

William Webb gets up close with a
rakau rangatira - chiefly tree

This short, easy walk starts from the Te Wanahu picnic shelter and leads into Mills Bush. Several large kahikatea and huge tōtara, one almost three metres across, are thought to be about 1,000 years old. These giants of the forest are known as rakau rangatira or chiefly trees.

Activities

Child/family friendly activities

Places to stay

Peel Forest campsite

This is a serviced campsite in the Mid & South Canterbury area.

About the area

Peel Forest Park

Peel Forest is a remnant of a forest once covering much of mid-Canterbury. The diverse forest environment attracts walkers, and the Rangitata River lures fishers, canoeists and rafters.

Guides and commercial tourism providers

Guides and commercial tourism providers

Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide activities and services for the Peel Forest Park easy access tracks.

Find out more

Publications

Walks for families in Canterbury brochure (PDF, 1820K)

Easy access walks - North Island
Easy access walks - South Island

Weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Track category definitions

Plan and prepare for your trip

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Safety alerts for Canterbury tracks

Contacts

Raukapuka Area Office
Phone:	+64 3 693 1010

Email:
Full office details

Give feedback on a recent visit to a DOC place