Tōtara tree on Big Tree Walk.
Big Tree Walk

Located in Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve in the Canterbury region

Walk among large mataī, kahikatea and tōtara trees and see remains of a bush tramway route.

There are large mataī, kahikatea and lowland tōtara along the track, some of which are thought to be 1000 years old. The largest tree, a huge lowland tōtara, is almost three metres across.

Look out for the remains of a bush tramway route running alongside this track. At the top of the embankment you can see the original width of the tramway, marked by wooden edging.

The first 100 m of the walk starting from the Shelter end is suitable for assisted wheelchair access. There is a bench seat adjacent to some of the giant trees. The track gradient increases beyond this point and may be more difficult for wheelchair users.

This track starts at Te Wanahu Flat.

9.5 km north of Geraldine, turn off SH72 (Inland Scenic Route) into Peel Forest Road, which becomes Rangitata Gorge Road. Clarke Flat and Te Wanahu Flat are 600 m apart on Rangitata Gorge Road, approx. 14 km from SH72.