Peel Forest Park tramping tracks

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.

Plan and prepare

What to expect on a tramping track:

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
• Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
• Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
• Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
• Tramping/hiking boots required

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