Walking & Hiking Around South Canterbury| Central South Island NZ

Group Walking High Country Track - Four Peaks High Country Track

Family Walking Along Caroline Bay Boardwalk - Fergus Blakiston

South Canterbury people are keen walkers and the Central South Island region, with its varied landscapes and attractive scenery has a high number of easily accessible and well maintained walking tracks.

From coastal trails to sub-alpine South Canterbury hiking tracks, short walks to multi-day hikes, there's something for everyone and most within a short drive from Timaru or the townships of Geraldine, Temuka, Pleasant Point or Waimate.

Enjoy walking through native forest, along riverways, through parks and reserves, over rolling farmland or historic high country stations. While many trails are publicly accessible, some require landowner permission or are accessible only with a local walking guide. Enjoy exploring the high number of public tracks or ask about a fantastic three day/night high country walking track experience, including historic high country accommodation and pack transport options.

Ask at the Timaru or Geraldine Visitor Centres for more details, including details on guides who can tailor a walking holiday package to your requirements.

Like anywhere in New Zealand, year round weather conditions can be variable. Check weather conditions with one of our Visitor Centres before you leave, make sure someone knows your intended route and expected return time and always carry extra layers of warm clothing, a drink bottle and some snacks.

Many of the trails can also be enjoyed on a mountain bike - as always walkers and cyclists should show each other courtesy and take care on blind corners.

Browse Trail Descriptions and Maps
For details of the most popular of South Canterbury’s walking and cycling trails, refer to the information and downloadable maps below.

Copies of Central South Island walking and cycling trail maps are available at our Visitor Centres, as are details of the day's weather.

All times given in the profiled walks are for reasonable walking speeds. Times will vary due to weather conditions, side trips, extended stops, etc.

Timaru District Walks and Cycling Trails

Walks Around Geraldine
The Geraldine Visitor Centre has details on many walks in and around Geraldine, including Talbot Forest and Peel Forest. Ask for a copy of the Walks for Families in Canterbury brochure or the Around and About Geraldine brochure.

Waimate District Walks
To view maps of 9 walks around the Waimate District click here

Studholmes Bush Track
Whitehorse Link Track
Whitehorse Track
Kelceys Bush Track
Gunns Bush Track
Mt Nimrod Track
Wainono Lagoon Track
Waihao River Track
Garlands Track

Walking & Hiking Trails Around South Canterbury