Tweedies Gully Walk

Out and back

Highlights & Must-See Features

The undisputed crown jewel of the Tweedies Gully Walk was the panoramic view from the summit lookout. Standing at the top, you were treated to a breathtaking vista of Pegasus Bay. On a clear day, the coastline stretched out in a shimmering arc, with the blue of the Pacific meeting the horizon in a seamless blur. It was the perfect spot to watch the white foam of the breakers hitting the shore far below.

A sturdy wooden picnic bench sat at the lookout, and it was practically a local tradition to stop here for a thermos of tea or a sandwich. From this vantage point, you could truly appreciate the rugged geography of the Hurunui coastline, characterised by its dramatic cliffs and hidden bays.

Another highlight was the sheer density of the Kānuka forest in the lower sections. In late spring and early summer, the white blossoms could make the canopy look as though it had been dusted with a light frosting of snow. For photographers, the contrast between the deep greens of the gully and the brilliant turquoise of the ocean provided endless opportunities for that perfect "Kiwi summer" shot.

Getting There

Gore Bay is located about 8 kilometres from the township of Cheviot, roughly an hour and a half’s drive north of Christchurch. To find the trailhead, you would drive down into the Gore Bay settlement and follow the road along the beach.

There was no formal, paved car park for the walk. Instead, hikers would park their vehicles on the wide grass verge of the road near the start of the track. It was a humble beginning for such a scenic trail, marked simply by a DOC sign pointing the way into the trees. Because Gore Bay is a relatively quiet spot outside of the peak Christmas holidays, finding a space was rarely an issue.

Wildlife Spotting

The Tweedies Gully reserve is a haven for native birdlife, and the walk was often accompanied by a constant soundtrack of chirps, whistles, and the distinctive "whoosh" of wings.

• Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon): These are the heavyweights of the bush. You would often see them perched precariously on thin branches or flying between the Kānuka trees. Their iridescent green and purple feathers are a sight to behold in the sunlight.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed companions. They follow hikers to catch the insects stirred up by footsteps, performing acrobatic aerial displays right in front of your face.
• Korimako (Bellbird) & Tūī: While harder to spot through the foliage, their complex, melodic songs echoed through the gully. If you visited in the early morning, the "dawn chorus" here was truly spectacular.
• Riroriro (Grey Warbler): Often heard but seldom seen, their long, trilling song is one of the most iconic sounds of the New Zealand bush.

The best time for birdwatching was always early morning or late afternoon when the birds were most active and the light was soft.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Summer: Perfect for a morning hike followed by a swim at Gore Bay. However, the upper section is very exposed, so sun protection was a must.
• Autumn: Often provided the most stable weather and the clearest views across Pegasus Bay.
• Winter: The air was crisp and the views were often sharper, though the clay track was at its muddiest.
• Spring: The best time for bird activity and seeing the forest in its most vibrant green.

• Wind Protection: Even on a warm day, the onshore breeze at the lookout could be biting. A lightweight windproof jacket was an essential item in any hiker's pack.
• Footwear: Because of the clay foundation, sturdy shoes with good grip were highly recommended. This wasn't a track for jandals!
• Hydration: There were no water sources along the track, so carrying a bottle of water was necessary, especially during the climb.
• Family Friendly: When it was open, the walk was a fantastic option for families. It was short enough for children to manage, and the "treasure hunt" of finding birds kept them engaged.

Local & Regional Context

The area around Gore Bay and Cheviot is steeped in history and geological interest. The most famous nearby landmark is the Cathedral Cliffs, just a short drive from the Tweedies Gully trailhead. These towering siltstone pillars were formed by thousands of years of erosion and look like something out of a gothic cathedral—hence the name.

The Hurunui region itself was historically a significant area for both Māori and early European settlers. For Ngāi Tahu, the coastline provided a rich "mahinga kai" (food gathering area). Later, in the 19th century, Cheviot became famous as the "Ready Money" Robinson estate, one of the largest and most successful sheep stations in the country.

The closure of the Tweedies Gully Walk is a poignant reminder of the "dynamic" nature of the New Zealand landscape. This part of the coast is geologically young and constantly shifting. While the 2022 floods were a setback, they are part of the ongoing story of how the land here is shaped by water and weather.

After the Walk

Once the descent was finished, the best way to reward yourself was to head back into Cheviot. This friendly rural town has a great vibe for hikers.

• The Cheviot Trust Hotel: A classic Kiwi pub. It’s the perfect place for a hearty meal or a cold drink. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the portions are generous—exactly what you need after a hill climb.
• Local Cafes: Cheviot has several charming cafes serving great coffee and "Kiwi-style" cabinet food. Grabbing a ginger crunch or a savoury scone for the drive home is a must.
• Gore Bay Beach: If the weather is warm, nothing beats a stroll along the beach or a quick dip in the waves to cool down.

While we wait for the day the Tweedies Gully Walk might reopen, we can still appreciate the rugged beauty of Gore Bay from the shore and look forward to the time when we can once again climb through the Kānuka to see the Pacific stretching out toward the horizon.