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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: -43.89697, 171.22963. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 45 min one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Peel Forest Park 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
This walk leads to Emily Falls.
This DOC directory entry covers Emily Falls Track in Canterbury, within Peel Forest Park 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 45 min one way
- DOC grade: Easy
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 starts a little way up the steep Blandswood Lookout Road on the left.
After a steeper section the track forks left down to Rata Stream. Follow the stream down for 100 m then exit right back onto the track. This track crosses another small stream before descending steeply to Emily Stream at the base of the falls.
Rata Stream and Emily Stream can flood and become impassable. Always assess the streams carefully before crossing and do not attempt to cross a flooded stream. Supervise children carefully.
The rocks in the stream can be slippery. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear with good grip.
The stream and falls are named after Emily Acland, wife of J B Acland and daughter of Bishop Harper, the first bishop of Christchurch, and a keen mountaineer.
Getting there
9.5 km north of Geraldine, turn off SH72 (Inland Scenic Route) onto Peel Forest Road and follow this for 13 km. Turn into Blandswood Road and follow this for 2 km to the junction with Lookout Road. Park in the car park at the junction.
Walk a short distance up Lookout Road to the start. Note, Lookout Road isn't suitable for parking.
Know before you go
When travelling along streams be aware of water levels and slippery rocks and wear appropriate footwear.
Cellphone coverage in the Peel Forest area is poor.
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
How to cross rivers safely
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
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.
