Main menu:
Coleridge Valley
Tailrace Walk approx 30 mins
Starting point, Lake Coleridge Post Office, turn into Kowhai Drive and continue to the very end, pass through the gate marked Cemetery and follow the mown track.To the right you will see the tree struck by lightening in January 2000, opposite on your left is a dug out where in the 1960’s Hugh Burrows and his friends found what is said to be a moa cooking site.
Behind the graves you will see the Big cone pine trees.
Watch your head.From here follow the track through the trees, down to the point which sports a magnificent panoramic view of the Rakaia River, upstream is Algidus country and the Southern Alps. You will note a white post which marks the boundary for fishing between upper and lower Rakaia .
Turn right and follow the lower track down along the tailrace, through the willow and native trees. The clear and swift flowing water is the discharge from the Power Station. The tracks comes out just below the Station. During autumn, salmon can be seen from the bridge across the tail race. Walk on up to the station and back onto the green, the post office is ahead.
Arboretum Walk 15 — 60 minutes
Starting at the Post Office, walk up the Hummock s Road hill until you get to the end of the tar seal, go over the cattle stop and on your left the Arboretum track starts to wind its way up to a stone wall entrance.
Continue through the gate and follow the track to the information board where you can see all the possible tracks.
There are two main loops with side tracks and connections. The Arboretum is a sloping hill of about an acre with a great selection of exotic pines and native re-growth.
Walk to the Lake for the fit takes approx 90 minutes each way
Starting at the Post Office, walk on up the Hummocks Road hill until you get to the end of the tar seal, cross the cattle stop and follow the winding road which leads up the hill. On the left approx. half way up the hill you will find the surge chambers, these are holding tanks for the water which comes through tunnels from the lake. The large pipes are called penstocks and the water flows down through these to the Station continuing on into the Tailrace. Follow the road until you get to an intersection, go straight ahead to the intake. On the right you will see a newly planted plantation. The road eventually starts to go downward toward the lake down to the intake. Once you are on the Lake shore, take a break and enjoy the scenery. Lake Coleridge was originally called Whakamatau by the Maori.
Historical Walk Brochure guided and contained here
Takes approx 2 hours and includes theTailrace walk, the Arboretum and places of Historical interest in the village.
The Tailrace and Arboretum walk are both official Kiwiwalks. These walks are part of the HillaryCommission initiative to get more people, more active outdoors.
These walks are easy, short and suitable for most ages and abilities, free and accessible in leisure footwear.
Step out now and enjoy the benefits that walking can bring.
Toilets are situated by the Village Post Office.
Please remember that all land surrounding the village is privately owned, therefore you do not have the permission to walk through the paddocks.
All dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Keep to the left when walking as the roads are narrow and watch for cars. Use footpaths or tracks where provided.