Rakaia Gorge Walkway, Methven, Canterbury

Where does the Rakaia Gorge Track start?

The first time I did this half day walk, it took me forever to find the actual start of the track, so let me give you a run down.

• Park in the carpark for the Discovery Jet Boat (follow the signs – its on the Christchurch side of the bridge)
• Walk through the carpark back towards the bridge and you will find the official sign for the track
• When you see the Rakaia Gorge Bridge, look up to your right (across from the Lodge signage) and this little trail is the start.  From there you will be fine

How long is the Rakaia Gorge walk?

Full Rakaia Gorge Track:  This out and back track will take about 3 hours return for adults, but I would allow 3-4 hours if you are walking with children.  It is quite undulating the whole way and you will work up a sweat.  The Rakaia Gorge Walkway is 10.4km return.

Rakaia Gorge Lookout Point (pictured below):  If you do not want to walk the whole track, try walking to the lookout point (see the large photo below)  There are beautiful views over the mountains and the Rakaia River.  The lookout point will take 30-45 minutes each way.  With our three and four year old, it took us around 1 hour 40 minutes return.

Walking the Rakaia Gorge Track with kids

The first part of the Rakaia Gorge walk is quite narrow and on the edge of the hill. I’d be happy for my 5 year old to walk by himself, but I’d definitely hold my 3 year olds hand along the way in parts (he’s a little clumsy). Otherwise I’d just pop him into a backpack. There is a nice amount of undulation and you get to look back over the gorge which is so pretty, even on a cloudy day.  

We went after a good amount of rain, so when walking over the farmlands on the second part of the walk there were quite a lot of large puddles on the track.  I brought my tramping boots the second time just because of that, but running shoes would be fine.

The end

Near the end, you come to the loop part of the track (signposted junction)  You can go straight ahead, then up the hill to the last viewpoint (where you can also access Terrace Downs Golf Resort – think “cafe and toilets here”) and come back around the loop.  Or if you are pressed for time, you could head straight up the hill to the right (its pretty steep, but a lot faster to reach the end of the walk)

Coal Mine detour

One of the interesting things about the track is there are some old coal mines, just a few minutes detour off the track.  Keep an eye out for this detour on the second half of the Rakaia Gorge Track.

Rakaia Gorge Bridge

The Rakaia Gorge Bridge is a historic piece of architecture that dates back to 1945 and is the oldest remaining bridge across the Rakaia River (although there were some previous versions before this).  This Mid Canterbury icon traverses the 145km long Rakaia River that begins in the alpines and heads out the Pacific Ocean. The view from the bridge is stunning so don’t forget to cross it as a pedestrian and stop for some scenic photos.

Rakaia Gorge FAQs

Can you swim at the Rakaia Gorge?  Yes but find a sheltered spot.  The current can be really strong at times.  Please also be aware of the jetboats and fishing boats in the Rakaia River.

Why is the Rakaia Gorge so blue?  The Rakaia Gorge is fed from the Southern Alps and due to glacial erosion is filled with glacial silt.  The silt doesn’t sink to the bottom and as light hits the glacial flour, our eyes only see the blue green colours.  Pretty cool huh?  And this is why we see such a bright blue green colour in the Rakaia Gorge.

When its super cloudy or has rained (which stirs up the silt) then it will more likely be a muddy grey or brown colour.  

Can you take dogs to the Rakaia Gorge?  No, dogs aren’t allowed on Department of Conversation land

What to do at the Rakaia Gorge

• Walk on the Rakaia Gorge Track or to the lookout point
• Swim in the river
• Take a ride on the Rakaia Gorge Jet Boat, the Discovery Jet.  They have family friendly and adrenalin seeking trips and launch right at the river.
• Go fishing in the Rakaia River
• Have a picnic: this is a popular spot for picnics all year around.  Plenty of space on the rivers edge (albeit stony)  Lots of people with portable bbqs who love a great view.

Nearby Washpen Falls Track, 10 mins from Rakaia Gorge, New Zealand