Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Nelson > Golden Bay > Paynes Ford Scenic Reserve

Paynes Ford Scenic Reserve

Location
Paynes Ford Scenic Reserve is located along State Highway 60, 3 km south of Takaka. Takaka is 107 km northwest of Nelson on State Highway 60.
Description

Paynes Ford Scenic Reserve is known for its impressive line of bluffs – one of New Zealand’s popular rock-climbing areas. It takes its name from the original ford across the flood-prone Takaka River on the main road into Takaka. A modern bridge now replaces the ford.

There is a large picnic area beside the highway bridge. At the southern end of this area is a toilet, where the Paynes Ford Tramline Track (a 30 minute walk) begins.

The track provides access to the climbing areas and some excellent swimming holes in the Takaka River. It follows the line of a railway that operated between the early 1880s and 1905 and was used to take timber from the Takaka Valley down to Waitapu wharf.

Duration
1.0 hours
Level
Medium
Amenities
  • Birds
  • Historical
  • Picnics
  • Plant Life
  • Swimming
  • Toilets
Source
www.doc.govt.nz
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