Pourakino Picnic Area Loop Track

This loop track follows historic tramlines close to Granity Stream and gives beautiful views of bridges used by early loggers, the More family. The picnic area has fire boxes, picnic tables, a toilet.

This track is part of the Longwoods Forest – a regenerating silver beech forest in Western Southland. The site was once a large sawmill owned by the More family of Riverton. Interpretation boards along the track highlight key points and give information on the history of the area.

From Invercargill travel north on SH6 to Lorneville Roundabout. Take first exit onto SH99 (signs for Riverton). Continue for 24 km.

Turn right onto Gropers Bush – Thornbury Road continue for 21 km. In Otautau, turn left onto Knutsford Road follow forestry signs for picnic area.

There is no access to the picnic area via Pourakino Valley Road. Navigation tools like Google Maps may try and direct you through this road.

In 1900 More & Sons millers got the rights to mill in the Pourakino Valley. They built three sawmills in the valley as well as several tramways and bridges to transport the timber. Along the walking track at Pourakino valley there is a large bridge and some of the rail from these works.