Control Gates to Rainbow Reach Walk
See also:
See map for track location
Walking track
Time:
2 hr 30 min - 3 hr 30 min
Getting there
The control gates on Lake Te Anau are located at the southern end of Te Anau township.
Description
Heading south the track from the Lake Te Anau control gates to Rainbow Reach the track follows the terraces of the Waiau River through red and mountain beech forest. An area of manuka shrubland marks the home of early runholder Jack Beer who during summer drove his sheep onto Mt Luxmore for grazing. A swingbridge over the Waiau River is sited at Rainbow Reach.
From Rainbow Reach you can continue on to Shallow Bay, a further 3 - 4 hour return trip.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
If continuing on to Shallow Bay please note the track category changes to a more challenging tramping track.