Ferny Flats Loop

Length:

Expected Duration: 2-3 hours

Grade:

Walk into the middle of the Sanctuary along the Brook Stream. You will get wet feet on this one as you cross the stream by some interesting rock formations and see lots of ferns and mosses along the damp banks. There is a big picnic table just across the stream from Ferny flats – an ideal place to stop for lunch before returning to the Visitors Centre via the Koru Track.

Walk Highlights

A longer day walk into the heart of the Sanctuary amongst pristine natural bush
See ‘The Twins’, two ancient trees, a rimu and a matai growing side by side
There is a large hand made picnic bench just beyond Ferny Flats across the stream, a perfect place to stop for a break before heading back
Extend your walk just past Ferny Flats to visit the popular Champagne Pool

Walk Information

The track along the stream includes stream crossings so expect to get wet feet and bring appropriate footwear
Koru track gently descends back to the Visitor Centre from Jacob’s Ladder track onwards
You can choose to change the return route to the visitor centre by turning left down Jacob’s ladder to return along the purple Nikau track and pink loop track alongside the Brook stream

Getting to the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

Ferny Flats 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
After you pass the 1909 Bridge and dam and the Jacob’s Ladder track, you will come to Forks Crossing – an impressive water crossing. You will get your feet wet crossing here so be prepared with appropriate footwear
After Forks Crossing, continue along the green valley track to the Totara crossing
Once you have crossed and climbed up the bank, turn right to continue along the green valley track towards Flagstone Bridge and along the Brook stream.
Halfway along this section, you will cross the stream and continue with the stream on your right
Stay a while at Ferny Flat on the hand-carved picnic table – a perfect lunch spot
Extend you walk slightly, by carrying on the green valley track up to the popular Champagne Pools
Return via the orange Koru track back to the visitor centre seeing ‘The Twins’ near the intersection of the Carter track. Optionally, you can cut down Jacob’s ladder to return along the purple Nikau track and the pink loop track

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.

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

Unlimited walk access

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