The track follows the line of a tramline that operated between the early 1880s and 1905, and was used to take timber from the Tākaka Valley down to Waitapu wharf. It provides access to some excellent swimming holes in the Tākaka River as well as to rock climbing areas.
There is a large picnic area with a toilet beside the highway bridge.
Climbing
With its impressive line of limestone bluffs emerging from a remnant patch of forest, Paines Ford is one of New Zealand's best rock-climbing areas. Climbers come from far and wide to enjoy the challenge of the sheer rock faces - these are definitely not for beginners!
Entrance to the Paines Ford Scenic Reserve is at 1886 Tākaka Valley Highway SH60, 3 km south of Tākaka.
- Tākaka River is dangerous when in flood
- No fires
- No camping
Paines Ford Scenic Reserve takes its name from the original ford across the flood-prone Tākaka River on the main road into Tākaka. A modern bridge now replaces the ford.
Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 1/37 Halifax Street Nelson 7010 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |