Emily Falls & Rata Falls Tracks

Out and back

Please note: While the Rata Falls Track branches off this route, it is currently closed due to a significant slip. Stick to the Emily Falls path to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Highlights & Must-See Features The obvious highlight is Emily Falls itself. Named after Emily Acland, one of the region’s early mountaineering pioneers, the falls have a delicate beauty. They aren't the thundering giants you might find in Fiordland, but rather a graceful ribbon of water that feels like a private sanctuary. It’s an ideal spot for a quick snack or to practice your long-exposure photography.

However, the journey is just as impressive as the destination. The ancient trees are the true sentinels of this forest. Keep an eye out for massive tōtara, mataī, and kahikatea. Some of these giants are estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Standing at the base of a tree that was a sapling before humans even arrived in Aotearoa is a humbling experience.

If you visit in late winter or early spring (around August), look for the kōtukutuku (New Zealand tree fuchsia). These are easily identified by their distinctive peeling, orange-brown bark. When they bloom, they produce incredible flowers that start green and turn purple, providing a rare splash of bright colour against the deep greens of the bush.

Getting There Peel Forest is located about 22km north of Geraldine. To get there, follow SH79 north from Geraldine and turn left onto Peel Forest Road. Follow this until you see the turn-off for Blandswood Road on your left. Continue along Blandswood Road until you reach Lookout Road on the right.

Parking: Parking is available at the junction of Blandswood and Lookout Roads. There is a designated car park about 150 metres up Lookout Road on the left-hand side. This area includes track signage and a long drop toilet.

Important Tip: Do not attempt to park on Lookout Road itself, as it is narrow and needs to remain clear. If the main car park is full, you can find additional space back down near the ford over the Kowhai Stream on Blandswood Road.

Wildlife Spotting Peel Forest is an absolute haven for native birds, so keep your ears open even if you can’t see them through the dense foliage.

• Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon): You’ll often hear these before you see them. Listen for the heavy whoosh-whoosh of their wings. They are very common here year-round.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These cheeky little birds will likely follow you along the track, flitting about to catch the insects you stir up as you walk.
• Korimako (Bellbird): Listen for their clear, bell-like song echoing through the canopy.
• Riroriro (Grey Warbler): Their long, trilling song is the quintessential sound of the New Zealand bush.

Pro Tip: If you stop moving for five minutes and just stay silent, the birds will often come to you. The miromiro (tomtit) is particularly curious and might land on a nearby branch to check you out.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips The Emily Falls Track is a fantastic year-round destination, but each season brings a different vibe: - Spring: The best time for bird activity and seeing the kōtukutuku in bloom. - Summer: The forest provides a wonderful, cool escape from the Canterbury heat. The stream crossings are also much more refreshing! - Autumn: The light is softer, and the forest feels particularly lush. - Winter: Crisp air and very quiet trails. Just be careful, as the tree roots and rocks can be quite slippery when frosty or wet.

• Sturdy Footwear: Even though it’s an "easy" track, the roots and stream crossings mean sneakers might get soaked or muddy. Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes are best.
• Layers: Even on a hot day, the deep forest stays cool. Bring a light jacket.
• Water & Snacks: There are no water points on the trail, so bring a bottle.
• Digital Detox: Cellphone coverage is non-existent once you enter the bush. Download your maps beforehand or just enjoy being "off the grid" for a couple of hours.

Local & Regional Context Peel Forest (Te Kahui Kaupeka) holds great significance. It is one of the few remaining patches of original podocarp forest left in the region. Most of the Canterbury Plains were cleared for farming in the 1800s, but the rugged terrain of the Mt Peel area helped preserve this pocket of biodiversity.

The area is also steeped in colonial history. The Acland family, who established the nearby Mt Peel Station in the 1850s, were instrumental in the early European exploration of the area. Emily Acland, for whom the falls are named, was an accomplished artist and mountaineer—a rarity for women in the Victorian era.

For those interested in botany, the reserve is a goldmine. It boasts 68 species of ferns, making it one of the most diverse fern habitats in the country. It’s a living museum of New Zealand’s natural heritage.

After the Walk After you’ve worked up an appetite, head 2.5km back down the road to The Greenman at Peel Forest Cafe & Bar. This place is a local legend. It’s got a wonderfully relaxed, rustic vibe that fits the forest setting perfectly.

They do fantastic coffee and hearty breakfasts, but if you’re there later in the day, their wood-fired pizzas and craft beers are the perfect post-hike reward. They often use local ingredients, including Peel Forest Honey. On a sunny afternoon, sitting in their outdoor area with a cold drink is the perfect way to cap off your Canterbury adventure.

Whether you're a local looking for a weekend leg-stretch or a tourist exploring the "real" New Zealand, the Emily Falls Track is a small walk that leaves a big impression. It’s kid-friendly, full of history, and offers that restorative "bush fix" that we all need from time to time.

Best time: Year-round