Kelceys Bush tracks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Stroll to a small waterfall or picnic along a sparkling stream and listen to the bird song.

This DOC directory entry covers Kelceys Bush tracks in Canterbury, within Hunters Hills area. 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: 20 min one way | 40 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

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Sanders Falls Walk

Track category: Walking trackTime: 20 min one way

A gentle climb and some steps take you to a viewing platform overlooking the falls. The pipe alongside the track, and at the falls, supplied Waimate’s water from 1915 to 1932 when it was discontinued following a major flood. A short branch off this track leads you to a lookout and seat where you get great views up the valley.

Intake Track

Track category: Walking trackTime: 40 min one way

This track goes upstream following Waimate Creek past Rock Pool weir. There are several un-bridged creek crossings, so take care and be prepared to get your feet wet. The pipe alongside the track and the weir at Rock Pool are the remains of Waimate’s second water supply, which operated between 1926 and 1954.

Getting there

Kelceys Bush is northwest of Waimate. In Waimate turn off Queen Street (Highway 82) onto Mill Road. Follow this road to Kelceys Bush.

Know before you go

• Hunting is permitted within Kelceys Bush Conservation Area. Hunters may be present at any time.

Nature and conservation

This forest remnant is mainly broadleaf/kāpuka with mahoe, ribbonwood/mānatu, tree fuchsia/kōtukutuku and occasional kahikatea, mataī and tōtara.

A community group, Friends of Kelceys Bush, was formed in 2002 and they are actively engaged in managing and protecting the area.

History and culture

Kelceys Bush is named after two brothers Julius and Frank Kelcy (the spelling of their name became changed over time) who helped clear the surrounding land after the Waimate fire. Despite milling for firewood and stock grazing, which continued until 1965, Kelceys Bush was a popular picnic spot, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s.

In 1901, local MP Sir William Stewards suggested that a portion of Kelceys Bush should be reserved for the preservation of the forest and abundant native bird life; kākā, kererū and tūī. A recommendation was made to the Surveyor General suggesting it would be a mistake to allow this piece of bush to disappear.

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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.