Peel Forest Park routes
Route
About the area
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.
Description
South Ridge Route
A steep descent off little Mt Peel may be made by experienced trampers or climbers taking the main ridge behind the shelter. Keep strictly to the ridge until a track sign directs left, down a tussock-covered spur to the bush line. Then zigzags steeply until emerging into Emily Stream just above Emily Falls.
Places to stay
This is a serviced campground in the Raukapuka area.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a route:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track unformed and natural, rough, muddy or very steep
- Suitable for people with above average fitness. High level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Complete self sufficiency required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Sturdy tramping/hiking boots required