The Grove Scenic Reserve Walk
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Forecast point: Bark Bay Hut (1m) · 16.7km away
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Walk through limestone blocks draped with tentacle-like roots of northern rātā, to a viewpoint over the surrounding area.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
The track makes its way easily upwards to a viewing platform through a series of limestone blocks, some sculpted into wonderful shapes by water. The tentacle-like roots of northern rātā trees that hang down many of the blocks create an eerie atmosphere. Nīkau palms are also a feature of the reserve.
Getting there
The Grove Scenic Reserve is about 8 km east of Tākaka. At Clifton, turn off Abel Tasman Drive into Clifton Road, then into Rocklands Road. There is a small car park and picnic area about 1 km from Clifton.
Nature and conservation
Usually, northern rātā begins its life in accumulated forest debris high in the branches of a tree. At the Grove, however, sufficient plant material is available on the limestone blocks for rātā to take a hold there. As the rātā trees get bigger, they send roots down to the ground, enveloping their rocky hosts like a giant hand.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track