Peel Forest Park tramping tracks
Track category
Tramping track
Description
Emily Falls
Time: 1 hr 30 min return trip
The track entrance is on the left, part way up the steep lookout road at Blandswood. After a short steep walk the track forks left and leads down into Rata Stream. Go left down the streambed for 100 metres then exit right into the track again. Continue following the track, crossing another small stream and finally dropping steeply into Emily Stream at the base of the falls.
Rata Falls
Time: 2 hr return trip
Start on Emily Falls track but turn right at the fork. Continue until dropping down into Rata Stream. A short walk upstream will bring you to the falls. An alternative return to Blandswood is to follow the Rata streambed down through a short gorge. This requires continuous walking on stony riverbed. Rata is in flower from late December to about mid January.
Deer Spur
Time: 2 hr return
This steep but well formed track begins from the Blandswood Lookout, or can be joined near the bush line by either of the Allans Track approaches. Above the bush line the track becomes steeper, but the views and alpine flora are worth the effort. A small alpine tarn at about 900 metres makes a great lunch spot.
Little Mt Peel/Huatekerekere
Time: 4 - 6 hr return
Begin as for Deer Spur and continue on beyond the tarn, joining the main ridge and following it to the summit (1311 metres). On a clear day the views extend to Mt Somers, Mt Hutt and across the plains to the coast. The Tristram Harper Memorial Hut is just below the summit.
Guides and commercial tourism providers