Loop Track

Loop Track

An easy flat walk on a surfaced track. Follow one side of the stream, cross a timber bridge and come back down the other side. Surrounded by diverse regenerating bush you will see a series of dams constructed to supply water to Nelson. The Beech Glade is a great spot to stop and listen to the birds, korimako (bellbird) are numerous here.

• Bird call devices so that you can learn some bird calls before going into the Sanctuary.
• Two picnic areas near the start of the loop.
• Wētā ‘hotels’ alongside the track – open them to see these large nocturnal insects.
• You are welcome to swim in the cold water at the middle dam – and may be sharing it with a long-finned eel – no sunscreen please as the water is very pure.
• 1868 dam – stonework remaining from the first municipal water supply in New Zealand.
• Beech glade classroom – a good place to sit and listen to the birds.
• Rough track leads down from the main track for a closer look at two of the dams.
• Tuatara Enclosure – you may see tuatara basking by their burrows.
• The big dam was completed in 1904 and flooded the bottom of the valley.
• This track is surrounded by regenerating bush – it was all cleared for grazing but is now lush native bush.