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Waimate
3 km
1 hour
100 metres
If you are looking for a slice of paradise tucked away in the rolling foothills of the Hunters Hills, look no further than Kelceys Bush Tracks. Located just a short 10-minute drive from the township of Waimate, this area is a cherished local secret that offers a refreshing escape into one of the most beautiful remnants of lowland native forest in South Canterbury. Whether you are a local looking for your weekly nature fix or a visitor passing through the region, this easy 3-kilometre return walk is the perfect way to spend an hour immersed in the sights and sounds of the New Zealand bush.
As you step out of your car at the end of Mill Road, the first thing you’ll notice is the immediate drop in temperature and the sudden, sweet smell of damp earth and moss. The air here feels different—cleaner, crisper, and filled with the melodic "tink" of bellbirds. The trail system at Kelceys Bush is designed for exploration, offering a mix of well-maintained paths and slightly more adventurous creek crossings that keep things interesting without ever becoming overly strenuous.
The walk is essentially split into two distinct experiences that can be easily combined. First, there is the Sanders Falls Walk, a gentle climb that winds its way through a lush canopy of broadleaf and mahoe. The track is easy underfoot, making it a fantastic option for families with younger children or those who prefer a steady, predictable pace. The climb rewards you with a viewing platform that looks out over the delicate, tumbling waters of Sanders Falls. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to linger for a moment, listening to the water hit the rocks below before heading back down.
For those with a bit more of an adventurous spirit, the Intake Track is where the real fun begins. This section follows the Waimate Creek upstream, and it’s a total delight for kids (and big kids at heart). Unlike the more manicured falls track, the Intake Track involves several un-bridged creek crossings. Depending on the recent rainfall, you might find yourself hopping across well-placed stepping stones or, if the water is a bit higher, embracing the "kiwi way" and getting your feet a little bit wet. The track leads you past the historic Rock Pool weir and eventually to the original intake of Waimate’s town water supply. Walking through this section feels like stepping back in time; the forest closes in, the ferns grow taller, and the history of the region feels palpable in the moss-covered stones of the old infrastructure.
Parking is available at the end of Mill Road, approximately 7.5 km northwest of Waimate. To get there from Waimate, turn off Queen Street (Highway 82) onto Mill Road and follow it directly to Kelceys Bush.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
3.5km away
A historic hotel offering a classic pub experience, often serving hearty meals and a selection of beverages, perfect for a post-hike refuel.
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Out and back
The standout attraction of Kelceys Bush is undoubtedly the Sanders Falls. While it’s not the largest waterfall in New Zealand, its charm lies in its setting—tucked into a green amphitheatre of ferns and native trees. The viewing platform provides a fantastic vantage point for photos, especially after a bit of rain when the flow is at its peak.
Another highlight is the Rock Pool weir on the Intake Track. This is a great spot to pause and appreciate the engineering of yesteryear. The way the native forest has reclaimed the area around the old water intake is a testament to the resilience of the local ecosystem.
Nature lovers should keep their eyes peeled for the "giants" of the bush. While much of the area is broadleaf and mānatu (ribbonwood), you will occasionally spot massive kahikatea, mataī, and tōtara trees. These ancient sentinels have stood watch over the valley for centuries and provide a sense of scale and age to the walk. Don’t forget to look for the kōtukutuku (tree fuchsia) as well; they are easily identified by their distinctive peeling, papery orange bark.
Finding Kelceys Bush is a breeze. From the centre of Waimate, head towards the mountains on Queen Street (which is also Highway 82). You’ll see the turn-off for Mill Road—follow this road directly northwest for approximately 7.5 kilometres. The road leads you straight to the entrance of the reserve.
There is a dedicated parking area at the end of Mill Road. It’s a spacious spot, but it can get busy on sunny weekends and public holidays when the locals head out for their Sunday strolls. The trailhead is clearly marked, and there are picnic tables and toilet facilities conveniently located right at the start of the tracks, making it an excellent base for a half-day outing.
The birdlife at Kelceys Bush is one of its greatest draws. The forest is absolutely teeming with native species, and because the area is so well-protected by the Friends of Kelceys Bush, the birds are often quite bold.
Tip: The best time for bird watching is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the "dawn chorus" or evening activity is at its peak. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, but even without them, you’re guaranteed a great show.
Kelceys Bush is truly a year-round destination, with each season offering something unique:
Kelceys Bush is more than just a walking track; it’s a living piece of Waimate’s history. The area is named after the Kelcey brothers, Julius and Frank, who were early European settlers involved in clearing the land in the late 1800s. Thankfully, this specific pocket of forest was preserved, and it has been a popular picnic and recreation spot since the early 1900s.
The preservation of this area today is largely thanks to the Friends of Kelceys Bush, a dedicated group of local volunteers. They work tirelessly on weed control, planting, and track maintenance to ensure the remnant forest—a rare example of what the region looked like before large-scale farming—remains healthy.
For the people of Waimate, "The Bush" is a point of pride. It represents the transition from the fertile plains to the rugged beauty of the Hunters Hills. Understanding that this forest has survived over a century of regional development makes every step along the trail feel a little more significant.
After you’ve worked up an appetite on the trails, the short drive back into Waimate offers some fantastic options for a post-hike refuel.
If you’re after a classic Kiwi experience, head to the Waimate Hotel. Located just 3.5km from the bush, this historic pub is the perfect place for a hearty meal and a cold drink. It has that welcoming, small-town atmosphere where hikers are always welcome to pull up a chair and relax.
For those who prefer a quicker bite, The Waimate Bakehouse is a local legend. Their pies are famous in the region, and they offer a great range of sandwiches and cakes. It’s the ideal spot to grab a coffee and a treat to enjoy on the drive home.
Alternatively, the Waimate Cafe & Bar in the heart of town offers a more relaxed, modern cafe vibe. Whether you want a full cooked breakfast (if you’re an early bird hiker) or a gourmet burger for lunch, the friendly staff and great atmosphere make it a top choice for locals and visitors alike.
Kelceys Bush Tracks offer that rare combination of accessibility, history, and raw natural beauty. It’s an easy "must-do" on any South Canterbury itinerary.
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
3.7km away
A local favourite for freshly baked goods, pies, sandwiches, and coffee – ideal for a quick bite or takeaway before or after your walk.
3.8km away
A relaxed cafe and bar in the heart of Waimate, offering a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, with a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.