Discover the Emily Falls Track
Located in the picturesque Peel Forest in mid-Canterbury, the Emily Falls Track is a rewarding hiking experience with its stunning natural beauty. This track is particularly notable for its vibrant kōtukutuku (fuchsia trees), which bloom in August, creating a striking contrast against the forest's olive and green hues. The 13-metre-high Emily Falls, nestled in a charming amphitheatre, provides a scenic endpoint to this walk.
Track Description and Highlights
The hike begins with a steep ascent along Blandswood Lookout Road, where you'll find the track entrance on the left. The trail quickly climbs about 90 metres to a ridge adorned with the striking orange trunks of numerous kōtukutuku trees. After crossing the ridge, the path descends to Rata Stream, following and crossing it before skirting the stream's gorge. A brief rise, another stream crossing, and a final set of steep steps lead to Emily Stream and the waterfall. The falls boast a more substantial water flow than Acland Falls and feature a reasonable pool at their base.
The walk is approximately 1.6 km each way and takes about 45 minutes each way.
Historical Context
Emily Falls and the stream are named after Emily Acland, the wife of John Acland and daughter of Bishop Harper, Christchurch's first bishop. Emily was also an artist, and her paintings are preserved at the Christchurch Art Gallery, offering a glimpse into early Christchurch through her eyes.
How to Get There
To reach the Emily Falls Track, drive north on Peel Forest Road from Arundel for about 12 km, then turn left onto Blandwood Road. Continue until just before the Kowhai Stream, then turn right onto Lookout Road. There are several car parks along this road at the marked entrance to the reserve. If these are full, additional parking is available near the ford over the stream on Blandwood Road.
If you are looking for an extended day walk, continue on the Ridge Route to the top of Little Mount Peel / Huatekerekere from the end of the Emily Falls Track. Other easier options in Peel Forest include Acland Falls, Kahikatea Walk and the superb Big Tree Walk.
