Otaki Forks short walks
Alert/Important notice
An 80m section of the track has slipped into the river, approx. 10min from the Fenceline carpark at Otaki Forks.
Attempts are being made to keep a route across the slip, but due to the current unstable nature of the slip care needs to be taken when using this area.
Track category
Walking track
Time:
40 min - 2 hr depending on route
Description
There are a number of easy short walks around the forks.
The Arcus Loop commemorates the Arcus family who farmed the Otaki Forks locality from the 1930's. The walk begins on Boielle Flat and crosses the Waiotauru River footbridge, then works its way across the river terraces and gullies as it climbs to join the Field Track, taking 50 min return. There are good views of the campground and river.
The Fenceline Loop is a 1.5 - 2 hr return trip that passes through regenerating forest above the campground and gives some good views of the Waiotauru Valley.
The Waiotauru Walk is an easy 40 min return walk from the Waiotauru carpark up-valley to the site and relics of Seed and O'Brien's sawmill.
Getting there
Otaki Forks is 19 km inland from Otaki township - approx. 1½ hour drive from Wellington or Palmerston North. The easiest turn-off from State Highway 1 is at Otaki Gorge Road, just south of the State Highway 1 bridge over the Otaki River. The last 5 km of the Otaki Gorge Road is unsealed, narrow and windy - please drive carefully.