Pekapeka Gully Track

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

The undisputed highlight of this track is the panoramic reward at the ridge. While many bush walks keep you under a canopy for the duration, the Pekapeka Gully Track gifts you with expansive vistas that stretch for miles. It’s a prime spot for a photo, particularly during the "golden hour" when the light hits the Canterbury plains just right.

Another unique feature is the retention dam located along the route. While it usually sits as a tranquil, still body of water reflecting the surrounding trees, it serves a vital purpose in managing water runoff from the hills. It’s a great spot to pause and listen to the forest, but do take note: if there has been heavy rain recently, the water levels can rise quickly. It’s always best to admire it from the safety of the track.

Then, of course, there is the namesake of the trail: the pekapeka, or the New Zealand long-tailed bat. While these tiny, elusive mammals are rare and nocturnal, the gully is one of the special places where they are known to reside. Knowing that such a rare piece of New Zealand’s natural heritage is flitting through the trees above you adds a layer of magic to the walk that you won't find just anywhere.

Getting There

Finding the trailhead is straightforward, making this an easy "spur of the moment" adventure. If you are coming from the centre of Geraldine, head towards the northern end of town. The track starts at the very end of Hislop Street.

There is convenient parking available near the trailhead. As this is a popular spot for locals, especially dog walkers and morning runners, the parking area can get a bit busy on weekend mornings, but generally, you’ll find a spot without much trouble. The track is clearly signposted from the road’s end, so you can lace up your boots and head straight into the trees.

Wildlife Spotting

For bird lovers, the Pekapeka Gully Track is a symphony of sound. Because the area is a mix of older plantation and regenerating native forest, it supports a wide variety of birdlife.

• Fantail (Pīwakawaka): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed companions. They love to follow hikers, flitting around your head to catch the tiny insects stirred up by your footsteps.
• Bellbird (Korimako): Listen for their clear, liquid notes ringing through the canopy. They are common year-round and are often seen high in the branches.
• New Zealand Pigeon (Kererū): You’ll likely hear the heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings before you see them. These large, iridescent green birds are a frequent sight, often perched precariously on thin branches while gorging on berries.
• Rifleman (Tītipounamu): New Zealand’s smallest bird. Keep a sharp eye on the tree trunks; they move like little clockwork toys, spiralling up the bark in search of insects.
• Tūī: Recognisable by their white throat tufts and complex, metallic songs, tūī are common residents here.

If you are hoping to see the pekapeka (bats), your best bet is to be near the forest edges at dusk on a warm evening. They are about the size of a thumb and fly with very fast, erratic wingbeats—easily mistaken for large moths at first glance.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring: The birdsong is at its peak, and the new growth on the native ferns and trees is a vibrant, neon green.
• Summer: The deep shade of the gullies provides a cool escape from the Canterbury heat. Start early in the morning (around 8:00 am) to avoid the midday sun on the exposed ridge.
• Autumn: The air is crisp and clear, often providing the best visibility for looking out toward the Southern Alps.
• Winter: On a frosty morning, the forest looks ethereal. The track can be a bit slippery when damp, so wear shoes with good grip.

• Footwear: While you could get away with sturdy trainers in dry weather, hiking boots are recommended due to the steepness and the potential for slippery sections after rain.
• Water: There are no water taps along the route, so bring at least a litre per person.
• Sun Protection: The ridge section is quite exposed, so a hat and sunscreen are essential, even in winter.
• Layers: The temperature can drop significantly once you move from the sunny ridge into the shaded gully.

Pro-Tip: This track is dog-friendly (on lead) and kid-friendly, provided your children are used to a bit of a climb. It’s a great way to burn off some energy! It is also open to fit mountain bikers, so keep an ear out for riders on the steeper descents.

Local & Regional Context

The area around Geraldine and Peel Forest holds deep significance. For Māori, these forests were important mahinga kai (food gathering) sites. The native flora provided not just food but also medicine and materials for weaving and construction.

In the colonial era, the wider Peel Forest region was heavily milled for its massive Totara, Kahikatea, and Matai trees. Places like Riddells Reserve and the Pekapeka Gully represent the "new" story of the land—one of conservation and re-vegetation. By walking here, you are witnessing the forest's slow return to its former glory.

The track also links up with the broader Talbot Forest walkway system. If the 3.8-kilometre loop isn't enough for you, you can easily extend your adventure by following the connecting paths, allowing you to spend several hours exploring the different "rooms" of this regional park.

After the Walk

No New Zealand hike is complete without a "debrief" over coffee or a cold drink. Luckily, you are just a short drive away from one of the region's best spots.

The Green Man at Peel Forest is located only about 0.5km from the heart of the forest area (and a quick 15-20 minute drive from the Hislop Street trailhead). It is a legendary local haunt. Whether you want to sit by the roaring log fire in the winter with a craft beer or enjoy a light lunch in their sun-drenched outdoor area, it’s the perfect end to your outing. They are known for their hearty breakfasts and great coffee—exactly what you need after tackling that 250-metre elevation gain!

The Pekapeka Gully Track offers a slice of South Canterbury's best—stunning views, rich birdlife, and a physical challenge that leaves you feeling invigorated. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to hike for days to find true New Zealand wilderness; sometimes, it’s right at the end of a suburban street.