By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -41.29821, 173.57671. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 1.7 km loop
- Walking time
- 45 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
The wheelchair-friendly Circle Walk alongside Te Hoiere/Pelorus River continues as the Circle Loop Track. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This DOC directory entry covers Circle Walk and Circle Loop Track in Marlborough, within Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 1.7 km loop
- Walking time: 45 min
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
The easy Circle Walk runs alongside Te Hoiere/Pelorus River for 380 m. The wheelchair-standard path overlooks the river and goes as far as a suspension bridge. The bridge crosses the Rai River just before it feeds into the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River. You can return via the same track or continue on to the loop track.
Circle Loop Track begins beyond the bridge and becomes uneven with steps and tree roots as it makes a loop through a pocket of forest. It has short stretches with steps and moderate gradients but is otherwise flat. For part of its length the track follows the river, providing good views of its junction with the Rai River.
Circle Loop Track connects to Daltons Track, which is also part of the Te Araroa Trail. Dalton Track (14 km, 4 hr return) follows the true left bank of Te Hoiere/Pelorus River across farmland between the Circle Loop Track and Daltons Bridge (near SH 6). Follow the markers and stiles and respect the access across private land.
Getting there
The reserve is located midway between Blenheim and Nelson on SH6, 18 km west of Havelock.
Know before you go
Always carry warm, waterproof clothes, especially on longer walks.
Take care when the tracks are wet or the river flooded.
Water safety
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
