The Fern Walk
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
This track passes through virgin podocarp forest and you can see 68 species of fern along the way.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
Start this track at Te Wanahu Flat.
The early part of the track passes through Mills Bush,16.2 hectares of virgin podocarp forest containing giant lowland tōtara, mataī and kahikatea trees, many of them probably 1000 years old. Their roots are spread across the path. Ferns abound along the walk – most of the 68 species of ferns in Peel Forest can be seen along the way.
Look out and listen for bellbirds/korimako, riflemen/tītitipoumanu, grey warblers/riroriro, tomtits/miromiro and silvereyes/tauhou.
Due to storm damage a boardwalk on the Fern Walk has been removed. A minor stream crossing is now required.
Getting there
The track starts at Wanahu Flat.
9.5 km north of Geraldine, turn off SH72 (Inland Scenic Route) into Peel Forest Road, which becomes Rangitata Gorge Road. Clarke Flat and Te Wanahu Flat are 600 m apart on Rangitata Gorge Road, approximately 14 km from SH72.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track