Ashley Gorge Loop Track

This walk explores forest on the eastern bank of the Rakahuri / Ashley River, just across from the Ashley Gorge Holiday Park and reserve.

The holiday park is a good spot for family camping, while the reserve is a great summer destination for day visits. Find the reserve by turning into the holiday park and following signage to the right down to the riverside reserve (toilets, picnic tables, playground).

From the reserve, a path leads across the bridge to the start of the loop track (no parking here).

Up a few steps, the track leads into forest dotted with beech, and offering the occasional viewpoint. The track includes a Kiwi Guardians post for younger walkers and a bird hide. At the halfway point, a new Waterfall Track extension leads off. This track is a bit rougher and more of a climb, but still easy.