Flagstone Bridge Loop

Length:

Expected Duration: 2 hours

Grade:

This two-hour circuit takes you into untouched native bush with huge ancient totara trees covered in epiphytes (plants growing on the trees). The section between the Forks and Flagstone bridge was cut through solid rock by our awesome track cutting volunteers, there are great views but also sheer drops so don’t let children get too far ahead.

Walk Highlights

Great views across the Sanctuary
Takes you beyond the regenerating bush into the untouched native bush which includes lots of large podocarp trees.
Stop and see a huge totara tree estimated to be around 500 years old.
Flagstone bridge was constructed by the army for Nelson’s 150th anniversary to cross Saltwater Creek in town, but was relocated to the Sanctuary by helicopter.
Large matai tree on the rock outcrop above flagstone bridge.

Walk Information

The track has some sheer drops.
The Forks is a stream crossing, you will get wet feet when the water is up so take appropriate footwear. In the future, we are planning to build a bridge here.

Getting to the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

Flagstone 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
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 left onto the Brown Flagstone track which soon meets the orange Koru track
Choose to return to the visitor centre either via the orange Koru track or cut down Jacob’s ladder to return along the purple Nikau track and pink loop track alongside the Brook stream

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

Become a member and visit unlimited times each year, get priority access to Sanctuary events and be on the list for our regular newsletters and alerts. All membership funds go directly to supporting conservation work in the Sanctuary.

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