Velenski Walk

Time: 20 min one way
Distance: 600 m one way

The track climbs through regenerating bush, branching left to a viewpoint looking down the lake to the Orangipuku valley flanked by Mt Te Kinga and the Hohonu Range.

The main track continues climbing to a ridge of unmodified forest. Following the ridge it passes superb specimens of rimu, miro and kahikatea, along with fine examples of pokaka, broadleaf, kamahi, quintinia, toatoa and wineberry.

The track then descends through the forest to emerge on Taku Street.

Getting there: The track starts on Ahau Street at the western end of Moana township, just past to the motor camp.

Rakaitane Track

Time: 30 min return
Distance: 1.2 km return

This short, easy track leads to the stable suspension footbridge across the Arnold River Kotuku Awa. Here, there are panoramic views out across the lake and beautiful forest reflections in the river. Trout can often be seen resting in the current below the bridge.

Turn right over the bridge to follow a track with moderate gradients and a high quality surface that loops through riverside forest with distinct changes on the way.

At first it runs through kamahi forest and rises to a terrace covered in a regenerating forest of tall, slender kahikatea with dense mats of moss and fern adding to the charm. From a viewpoint at the farthest end, the tranquil Arnold River is seen in a setting of massive miro and rimu trees.

The track then loops back through more mature podocarp forest, with groves of tree ferns completing a remarkable botanic succession.

Getting there: Start at the lakeside car park on Ahau Street, beyond the motor camp, on the western end of Moana township.

Arnold River Dam Walk

Time: 1 hr loop
Distance: 2.1 km loop

The track first passes the hydro electric power station.

Crossing the Arnold River on part of the pipe structure that carries water to the power house, the track branches right. Soon it enters a stand of grand kahikateamiro-rimu forest adjacent to the river.

The track climbs to the top of a terrace that is bordered by a sharp u-bend in the river, and the pipeline taking water to the power house passes underneath. The forest was cut over long ago, but some notable trees remain, including multi-trunked rimu and some good sized totara and rata.

From the upstream side of the terrace there is a dramatic view down over the dam that diverts part of the river flow into the tunnel below the viewpoint. Water birds may be spotted in the small lake above the dam, adding to the abundant birdlife commonly enjoyed along the walk.

The track continues to wind around the terrace before descending to the river crossing point again.

Getting there: Start from the Arnold Power Station on Stratford Road, off Arnold Valley Road, about 12 km north of the Moana township.

These walks start near the township of Moana, inland from Greymouth, between SH 73 and SH 7. From SH 73 near Jacksons, turn onto Lake Brunner Road. From SH 7 near Stillwater, turn onto Arnold Valley Road.