Rakaitane Track

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

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.

Return on the same track.

Starts 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.