Kingswood Bush Track

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features While the entire walk is a highlight in itself, there are a few standout features that make the Kingswood Bush Track truly special:

• The Ancient Totara: The stars of the show are undoubtedly the towering totara trees. These majestic giants are some of the oldest residents of Southland. Their thick, cork-like bark and sprawling branches provide the structural backbone of this scenic reserve. Taking a photo standing next to one of these behemoths is a must to truly capture the scale of the forest.
• The Forest Floor Tapestry: Because the reserve is a preserved patch of mixed podocarp forest, the biodiversity on the ground is stunning. Look for vibrant green mosses, delicate ferns, and the occasional native fungi popping up through the leaf litter.
• The Picnic Area: At the start of the track, there is a generous grassy area equipped with a picnic table. It’s an idyllic spot to sit and enjoy a thermos of tea or a packed lunch before or after your stroll. It’s framed by the bush, giving you that "middle of nowhere" feeling while being just steps from your car.
• Community Spirit: One of the most heartwarming aspects of this track is that it is cared for by active community groups. You can see the pride the locals take in this reserve through the well-maintained path and the lack of litter. It’s a community treasure that they’ve opened up for everyone to enjoy.

Getting There Finding the Kingswood Bush Track is straightforward, making it a great destination for a spontaneous outing.

From Invercargill, head northeast on State Highway 1 towards Woodlands. Once you reach the small township of Woodlands, turn onto Woodlands Morton Mains Road. Continue along this road for a short distance until you see the signage for the Kingswood Bush Scenic Reserve.

Parking is easy and informal—you’ll find roadside parking right next to the reserve entrance. There is a clear grassy area where the track begins, so you can’t miss it. If you are travelling from further afield, such as Gore, it is a very convenient detour that adds less than half an hour to your total travel time but adds a whole lot of value to your trip.

Wildlife Spotting For such a short walk, the birdlife at Kingswood Bush is surprisingly prolific. The dense canopy provides a safe haven for many of New Zealand’s iconic feathered residents. If you’re a keen birdwatcher, don’t forget to pack your binoculars.

• Tūī: You’ll hear them before you see them. Their complex songs, full of clicks, whistles, and deep bell-like notes, ring out through the trees year-round. Look for the distinctive white tuft under their chins as they dart between the branches.
• Fantail (Pīwakawaka): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed to join you on your walk. They love to follow hikers, flitting around to catch the tiny insects stirred up by your footsteps. Their erratic flight and fan-shaped tails make them a delight to watch.
• Kererū (NZ Wood Pigeon): Keep an eye out for these large, heavy birds. You’ll often hear the distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings before they land heavily on a branch. They are particularly fond of the berries found in this podocarp forest.
• Bellbird (Korimako): Though they can be elusive to spot, their liquid, melodic song is a staple of the Kingswood experience. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.
• Grey Warbler (Riroriro): During the spring and summer months, listen for the delicate, trilling song of the riroriro. They are tiny and camouflaged, but their song is one of the most beautiful sounds in the New Zealand bush.

Tip: For the best birdwatching, try to visit early in the morning or just before dusk when the "dawn and dusk chorus" is at its peak. Walk quietly and stop occasionally to let the birds become comfortable with your presence.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips The Kingswood Bush Track is a true year-round destination, with each season offering a slightly different perspective on the forest:

• Spring: This is the best time for bird activity. The forest is alive with nesting calls, and the fresh growth on the ferns and trees is a vibrant, electric green.
• Summer: The thick canopy provides a perfect escape from the sun. It’s a "cool" walk in every sense of the word.
• Autumn: The light in Southland during autumn is spectacular. The low sun filters through the totara branches in golden shafts, creating a magical, ethereal atmosphere for photography.
• Winter: Don’t write off a winter visit! The forest remains lush and evergreen. A crisp, frosty Southland morning followed by a walk in the sheltered bush is a great way to wake up the senses. Just watch for damp patches on the track.

• What to bring: Even though it’s a short walk, Southland weather can be unpredictable. A light rain jacket is always a good idea. Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers; hiking boots aren't strictly necessary unless it’s been very rainy.
• Accessibility: This is a top-tier choice for families with buggies or those using wheelchairs. The flat grade is very forgiving.
• Dogs: Good news for dog owners! The track is dog-friendly, though we recommend keeping them on a lead to protect the local birdlife and ensure everyone else on the trail has a pleasant experience.
• Time of day: Any time is good, but if you want the place to yourself, mid-morning on a weekday is usually incredibly serene.

Local & Regional Context Southland, or Murihiku, has a rich history, and small reserves like Kingswood Bush are vital links to the past. Before large-scale farming transformed the landscape into the productive pastureland you see today, much of this area was covered in dense, swampy podocarp forest.

The Kingswood Bush Scenic Reserve is a "remnant" forest—a precious pocket of what used to be. These areas are ecological lifeboats, providing a habitat for species that would otherwise have nowhere to go. The involvement of community groups in weeding, pest control, and track maintenance is part of a wider New Zealand movement to restore our "biological heritage."

By walking here, you aren't just getting exercise; you are connecting with the ancient natural history of the Southland plains. It’s a reminder of the resilience of nature and the importance of conservation efforts in rural New Zealand.

After the Walk Once you’ve finished your loop and perhaps enjoyed a snack at the picnic table, you might be looking for something a bit more substantial.

Just a stone's throw away (about 1km) is The Woodlands Tavern. This is a classic, friendly local pub that perfectly captures the Southland spirit. It’s the ideal place to refuel with some traditional pub fare—think hearty meals and a cold drink in a welcoming atmosphere. They also have a bottlestore and often host local events, making it a real hub for the Woodlands community. It’s a great way to top off your morning or afternoon out by supporting the local economy and soaking up some genuine Southland hospitality.

Whether you're a Southland local or just passing through, the Kingswood Bush Track is a gentle reminder that some of the best experiences in nature don't require a heavy pack or a whole day—sometimes, twenty minutes under the totara trees is all you need to feel refreshed.