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Waimate
750 metres
42 minutes
6 metres
If you find yourself in the charming South Canterbury town of Waimate, you’ll quickly realise that this place is a bit of a hidden treasure for those who love the outdoors. While many people roar past on State Highway 1, those who take the turn-off are rewarded with a town that feels like a step back into a gentler pace of life. Right on the edge of the township lies Naylors Track, a short but sweet slice of nature that perfectly encapsulates why Waimate is such a hit with families and weekend wanderers.
Whether you are a local looking for your daily dose of fresh air or a visitor stretching your legs between destinations, this track offers an accessible, peaceful, and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Naylors Track is the kind of walk that proves you don’t need to climb a mountain to find serenity. At just 0.75 kilometres one way (making it a 1.5km return trip), it is short, but it packs a lot of character into those few hundred metres. The terrain is flat and the surface is machine-groomed, meaning you won’t be scrambling over roots or navigating muddy bogs here. It’s an easy, breezy stroll that welcomes everyone.
As you set off from the end of Queen Street, you’ll immediately feel the "town" vibe slip away. The track follows the gentle curves of the Waimate Creek, which acts as your constant companion throughout the walk. There is something incredibly grounding about the sound of running water, and even in the height of summer, the creek provides a sense of coolness and calm.
The path meanders through pockets of secondary bush and scrub. While it’s not the towering ancient podocarps you might find deep in the Southern Alps, this "regenerating" bush has a charm all its own. You’ll see plenty of native ferns, shrubs, and local flora that have reclaimed this riverside environment. Because the track is wide and well-formed, it is a shared-use pathway. This means you’re just as likely to see a toddler on a balance bike or a local on a mountain bike as you are a fellow walker.
The beauty of Naylors Track is its inclusivity. If you have young children who are just finding their "hiking legs," this is the perfect training ground. It’s also an ideal spot for those with limited mobility or anyone who simply wants a low-impact way to connect with the landscape. For those looking to go a bit further, the track doesn’t just end abruptly; it links up seamlessly with Garlands Track at Point Bush Road, allowing you to extend your exploration into Waimate’s wider trail network without ever having to step back onto a busy road.
Parking is conveniently located at the end of Queen Street, approximately two minutes from the centre of Waimate.
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
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Known for its acrobatic flight and fanned tail, the fantail often flits close to humans, catching insects disturbed by their movement.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
300m away
A lovingly restored bakery and cafe boasting a huge selection of gourmet pies, sandwiches, salads, and delicious pastries. Features a spacious outdoor seating area and playground, ideal for families.
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Out and back
While the entire walk is a highlight in itself, there are a few things to keep a special eye out for:
Finding the trailhead is incredibly easy, making it a great option for a spontaneous walk. Naylors Track starts at the end of Queen Street, which is one of Waimate's main thoroughfares.
If you are coming from the centre of town, it’s a mere two-minute drive. You’ll find convenient parking right at the end of the street where the pavement ends and the adventure begins. If you’re staying in town, it’s actually a very pleasant walk just to get to the start of the track! The proximity to the township means you’re never far from a cold drink or a warm pie once you’ve finished your stroll.
Don't let the proximity to town fool you—Naylors Track is a bustling hub for local birdlife. Because of the water source and the protective cover of the scrub, the "locals" are very active here.
Tip: The best time for bird spotting is early morning or late afternoon when the "dawn chorus" or "evening song" is at its peak. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, but even without them, the birds are often quite bold.
Waimate is a four-seasons destination, and Naylors Track changes its outfit accordingly:
Waimate is a town with deep roots. Long before European settlers arrived, the area was significant to Māori—specifically Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, and Ngāi Tahu. The name Waimate itself translates to "Dead Water" or "Sluggish Water," likely referring to the way the local waters slowed or pooled in certain areas.
In the 19th century, Waimate became a bustling timber town, home to a massive tōtara forest that was unfortunately largely destroyed by a great fire in 1878. Tracks like Naylors Track represent the modern community's commitment to re-greening the area and creating corridors for native species to return.
Walking here, you are part of a continuing story of land use—from the ancient forests to the milling era, and now to a focus on conservation and recreation. The town is also famous for its "White Horse" monument on the hill, which watches over the district. While you won't see the horse from every part of the track, the sense of heritage is palpable throughout the township.
One of the best things about a walk in Waimate is the "apres-hike" scene. Because Naylors Track is so close to the centre of town, you have some fantastic options for refuelling:
Naylors Track might be short in distance, but it’s long on charm. It’s a testament to the fact that some of the best outdoor experiences are the ones that are right on our doorstep, accessible to everyone, and shared with the local birds and the gentle flow of a creek.
Gerygone igata
Despite its small size, the Grey Warbler has a remarkably complex and delicate trilling song, which Māori traditionally associated with the planting season.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Self-introduced to New Zealand in the 1800s, the silvereye is easily identified by the prominent white ring around its eye and is a frequent garden visitor.
Best time: Year-round
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
Anthornis melanura
Its beautiful, clear, bell-like song is a quintessential sound of the New Zealand bush, particularly vibrant at dawn and dusk.
Best time: Year-round
400m away
A convenient stop in the middle of Waimate for a quick bite, famous for its 'best cheese rolls', hot food, cabinet selections, coffee, and generous ice creams.
500m away
A fully licensed cafe and bar offering lunch, evening meals, coffee, and cabinet food. Known for its warm atmosphere and regular live music, it's a great spot for post-hike refreshments.
700m away
Situated in the historic Queen's Lodge, this spacious, museum-style cafe offers rustic fare amidst interesting curiosities and local history.
800m away
Located in an iconic historic building, this elegantly designed restaurant offers a modern dining experience with lunch, pizza, and evening menus. Perfect for a more substantial meal after your walk.