Otaki Gorge walks
Track category
Walking track
Description
There are a number of short tracks that descend from Otaki Gorge Road into the gorge, giving access for picnicking, swimming, fishing and watersports:
- Just below the Waiohanga Bridge there is a vehicle track that leads down to a swimming hole.
- Just above the Waiohanga Bridge the Bridgeview Track leads down to the river.
- Just above Pukehinau Stream the PEP (Project Employment Programme) Track leads down to the river.
- Past Shields Flat a vehicle track leads down to the river and a private bridge.
- There are other tracks leading down to the river: past the big slip and just below the Otaki Forks.
Getting there
Otaki Forks is 19 km inland from Otaki township - approx. 1½ hr drive from Wellington or Palmerston North. The easiest turn-off from State Highway 1 is at Otaki Gorge Road, just south of the State Highway 1 bridge over the Otaki River. The last 5 km of the Otaki Gorge Road is unsealed, narrow and windy - please drive carefully.
Activities
Child/family friendly activities
Fishing
Kayaking and canoeing
Rafting
Otaki Gorge offers a range of activities, on and around the water.