Ōtaki Forks short walks

Arcus Loop

Time: 50 min return

The Arcus Loop commemorates the Arcus family who farmed the Ōtaki Forks locality from the 1930s. 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. There are good views of the campground and river.

Fenceline Loop

Time: 1 hr 30 min - 2 hr

The Fenceline Loop passes through regenerating forest above the campground and gives some good views of the Waiotauru Valley. The track crosses a slip 10 minutes from the carpark, care should be taken in this area.

Waiotauru Walk

Time: 40 min return

The Waiotauru Walk is an easy walk from the Waiotauru carpark up-valley to the site and relics of Seed and O’Brien’s sawmill.

Ōtaki Forks is 19 km inland from Ōtaki township – approximately 1 hr 30 min drive from Wellington or Palmerston North. The easiest turnoff from SH1 is at Ōtaki Gorge Road, just south of the SH1 bridge over the Ōtaki River. The last 5 km of the Ōtaki Gorge Road is unsealed, narrow and windy – drive carefully.