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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: -44.08613, 171.23925. 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
- 10 - 20 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Geraldine area
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. 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
These short walks in and around Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve are ideal for families. There are four short walks through the forest which interconnect with roads around the reserve.
This DOC directory entry covers Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve tracks 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 10 - 20 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
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From Geraldine’s main street, it is a 10 minute stroll to the Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve. The reserve offers four easy, shady walks through a rare remnant of lowland podocarp and hardwood native forest. Picnic facilities and toilets are available.
Kahikatea Track
Time: 20 minDistance: 683 m
This track connects Hislop Street with Totara Street picnic area. There are some fine kahikatea trees at the Hislop Street end where the land is wetter. Kahikatea can grow to be the tallest tree in the forest, reaching 40 metres.
Tōtara Track
Time: 5 minDistance: 302 m
This track connects Totara Street with Tripp Street picnic area. Next to the track is the largest tōtara in the reserve which is estimated to be 800 years old. Tōtara were used by Māori to build canoes. A large tree could be made into a waka taua (war canoe) capable of holding 100 warriors.
Reservoir Track
Time: 10 minDistance: 225 m
This track connects Tripp Street picnic area with Bridge Street. The picnic area is a good starting point from which to explore the reserve.
Mataī Track
Time: 20 minDistance: 680 m
This track connects Tripp Street with Totara Street. The track passes some impressive forest trees including mataī with its needle leaves and ‘hammered’ bark.
Getting there
These walks are located near the township of Geraldine, a tranquil, rural town with a friendly village atmosphere. It is situated 2 hours (136 km) south of Christchurch, on the main highway (SH8) to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
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.
