Our Favourite Five Short Walks For Your Summer Holiday

With the summer holiday period fast approaching, you might be wondering “What should I do? Where should I go? What could we do as a family that would really be a highlight for all of us?”

They’re tough questions to answer but we aim to help you answer them with the Tararua Candles Favourite Five Blog.

Our “Favourite Five” blog contains short descriptions of our favourite walking and mountain biking trails around the country. Have a read, have a think and you might just be inspired to get out there and go on an adventure.

Along the way you’ll see many relics from the bygone mining times including, rusty mining relics, the original bathhouse shell, and a sealed entrance to a historic underground coal mining operation. There are also signs along the way explaining the history of the trail.  Once you’ve reached the Mangatini Falls you can either turn around or walk to the other start point of the trail near the seaside town of Hector. 

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 Kaniwhaniwha: Nikau Walk & Kaniwhaniwha Caves (Waikato) 

Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes (Return)

Distance: 7km

Grade: Easy

Location: Limeworks Loop Road, Waikato

Additional Info: Shared track (mountain biking)

Beginning in the Kaniwhaniwha car park, the track makes its way through recent plantings before following the Kaniwhaniwha Stream to the Nikau Loop Walk, with nikau palms and tree ferns in suberabundace. While following the stream there are plenty of opportunities for a swim.

If you’re feeling adventurous you can add the Kaniwhaniwha Caves to your walk (add 30 mins). There are two limestone caves. The first one you can walk through is about 20 meters long and has a short hands-and-knees crawl section. The floor of the cave is wet and we recommend you bring a torch. The second cave is tight and narrow.

There are a few other tracks and destinations in the reserve if you're looking for a longer walk.

Here’s a link to the Department Of Conservation website for any further information.     

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Deliverance Cove Track (Wairarapa)

Time: 1-2 Hours

Distance: 10km

Grade: Easy

Location: End of Jetty Road, Castlepoint

Follow the Castlepoint Scenic Reserve boundary to the base of Castle Rock.

With breathtaking views along the way of the upcoming Castle Rock, spectacular sand dunes and shawline, as well as the reef, this walk is one for the eyes.

It could be worth bringing a pair of binoculars with you.

There are numerous species of sea bird inhabiting the area. The area also experiences frequent visits from several types of dolphin, fur seals, and occasionally small whales. 

This is also the only place in the world where you can find the rare Castlepoint daisy which grows on the limestone of the reef and Castle Rock.

Finish off by visiting the iconic Castlepoint Lighthouse.

Here’s a link to the Department Of Conservation website for any further information.

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 Rob Roy Glacier Track (Wanaka / Mount Aspiring)

Time: 3 - 4 Hours

Distance: 10km

Grade: Easy

Location: End of Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road, Mount Aspiring

Through beech forest, right into the Mount Aspiring National Park. 

The Rob Roy Glacier Track takes you through a thriving beech forest. The track is well maintained. It follows the beautiful blue rob roy stream. The forest opens to alpine vegetation and breathtaking views of the rugged environment that the area is known for, like the hanging glaciers below Mount Rob Boy.

The walk to the viewing point has a gradual incline. You can stop there and eat your lunch while taking in the views. But be careful, don't let the kea steal your lunch!

Here’s a link to the Department Of Conservation website for any further information.   

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  Wainui Falls Track (Nelson)

Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Distance: 4km

Grade: Easy
Location: Wainui Falls Road. Look for the sign post 300m after crossing the Wainui River bridge. 

The track begins by crossing open farmland before entering native forest filled with nikau palms, frens and rata trees.

The track starts to climb while the Wainui river below occasionally peeks into view. Once you’ve crossed the swing bridge, you’ll soon hear the thunderous Wainui Falls ahead.

 A few moments later you'll be right there with the 20 meter high falls hurtling into the pool below.

Here’s a link to the Department Of Conservation website for any further information.

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