Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Nelson > Golden Bay > Grove Scenic Reserve
Grove Scenic Reserve
- Location
- From Takaka, drive north-east towards Pohara Beach. At Clifton turn right and follow the signs (for about 1 km) to a small car park and picnic area.
- Description
A 20 minute walking track makes its way easily upwards to a viewing platform through a series of limestone blocks, some sculpted into wonderful shapes by water. The tentacle-like roots of northern rata trees that hang down many of the blocks create an eerie atmosphere. Nikau palms are also a feature of the reserve.
Usually, northern rata begins its life in accumulated forest debris high in the branches of a tree. At the Grove, however, sufficient plant material is available on the limestone blocks for rata to take a hold there. As the rata trees get bigger, they send roots down to the ground, enveloping their rocky hosts like a giant hand.
Rata is a favourite food of the possum, New Zealand's most prolific forest pest. The Grove is now the subject of the South Island's first 'Project Crimson' programme, an initiative designed to protect rata trees and their close relative the pohutukawa.
No camping, fires or dogs are allowed in the reserve.
- Level
- Easy
- Amenities
-
- Birds
- Carpark
- Historical
- Lookouts
- Picnics
- Plant Life
- Swimming
- Source
- www.doc.govt.nz
- Discussion
- Start a discussion on this walk