1909 Bridge Loop
Length: XX km
Expected Duration: 60-80 minutes
Grade: Medium
For a slightly longer walk than our popular Loop track, consider extending your time in the Sanctuary and continue further along the Brook stream to the 1909 bridge. The bridge, constructed in 1909, provides a dry crossing of the stream and this short walk can give you a deeper appreciation of the serenity of the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.
The trail is an easy, unsurfaced track with a couple of inclines. You can consider extending your walk along the stream through the gorge up to Forks Crossing or one of our longer loop trails.
Walk highlights:
- Lots of nikau palms – the most southerly growing palm species
- 1909 bridge was built as part of the town water supply work
- Go past the kākā release aviary – we hope to be releasing kākā from here to repopulate the Sanctuary in the future
- Kakaruai (South Island robin) and Ngirungiru (tomtit) are often seen here.
Walk Information
- Beyond the loop track the tracks are built to tramping standard
- Nikau Track is steeper, you can avoid this by using Valley Track both ways (optional)
- Recommended to extend the walk up to the Forks Crossing (additional 20 minutes) and back for a more challenging walk or consider a longer loop walk such as the Flagstone trail
1909 bridge Loop
We are currently updating our visitor map & signage to show our walk trails in loops. In the meantime, please follow the directions below:
Directions
- When you enter the Sanctuary, turn right across the bridge towards our Tuatara enclosure where you might get a glimpse of one of our residents sunning themselves
- Start the pink loop track alongside the Brook stream
- Stay a moment at the Beech Glade Bridge but keep the Brook stream on your left and continue up the green valley track
- You will come to the 1909 Bridge and dam
- Choose to cross the bridge and return via the purple Nikau track (which is a bit steeper) or return along the green valley track and pink loop track back to the visitor centre
Be aware
Some of our tracks are more challenging – some with river crossings and steep terrain. Last entry is at 3pm, allow time for your walk based on your fitness levels and always check with our friendly team at the visitor centre about track closures and conditions.
Download Map
- Download our visitor map
- Download the Avenza app and download the Brook Sanctuary Visitor Map which you can use offline, enabling you to identify where you are within the Sanctuary