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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: -43.98358, 171.18229. 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
- 3.3 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Geraldine area
- 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 circular walk passes through regenerating forest with some large tōtara, kahikatea and mataī.
This DOC directory entry covers Orari Gorge Track in Canterbury, within Geraldine 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: 3.3 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hr 30 min
- 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
The track initially follows an old bush tramway, which was used to extract logs. Continue straight on though a mosaic of regenerating trees before climbing to an open highpoint.
The return leg is through bush with some extensive stands of kānuka. Turn right at the track junction back to the car park.
The track is steep in places and the surface maybe slippery following rain. Muddy sections may be present.
Getting there
The Orari Gorge Scenic Reserve 15 km from Geraldine. It is opposite the Glenburn Youth Camp on Yates Rd.
Take Main North Rd (72) 4.5 km out of Geraldine and turn left on Tripp Settlement Rd. Follow this for 7.5 km before turning left onto Yates Rd.
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.
