Peel Forest: Ferns, Forest Walks and Acland Falls

Peel Forest appeals to travellers who want to make forests and nature trails the focus of their trip. Nearby, you’ll find pristine podocarp forest, large native trees, abundant ferns and the track to the 14-metre-high Acland Falls. The different walks each offer a distinct experience, so you can plan your trip around whether you mainly want to explore forest landscapes or visit a specific waterfall.

Ferns in the Podocarp Forest

The Fern Walk passes through pristine podocarp forest and is where you can see most of Peel Forest’s 68 fern species. Early on the walk is Mills Bush, a 16.2-hectare area with large lowland tōtara, mataī and kahikatea trees. Many of these trees are probably around 1,000 years old. On the Fern Walk, fern diversity and magnificent trees come together in one nature experience.

The landscape’s history is also part of the picture. The saw pits in the area are a reminder of why only a remnant of the kahikatea swamp forest remains. They add another dimension to a visit, alongside the ferns and trees: here, you can also connect today’s forest landscape with its past.

Walks with Different Highlights

The Kahikatea Walk offers easy, flat walking, with boardwalks crossing wetter areas. The Acland Falls Track offers a different experience, leading from Clarke Flat or Te Wanahu Flat to the 14-metre-high Acland Falls. You can choose between an easy, flat walk with boardwalks and a track to a waterfall for two distinct nature experiences.

Tracks from Peel Forest Campground lead to swamp forest, old logging saw pits, Acland Falls or the Rangitata River. The campground’s operating dates vary by season, so check the dates before your trip if you plan to include it in your itinerary.

The Wider Timaru District

On a broader scale, the Timaru District offers a distinctive landscape of rural farmland, rugged coastline and sandy beaches. Caroline Bay is a sandy beach sheltered by the harbour breakwater. A colony of little penguins has established itself in and around the bay.

Culture is also one of the Timaru District’s highlights. Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre is an immersive cultural centre featuring eight tribal taonga that have been returned to their homeland and people. If you’re weighing up forest and nature trails alongside coastal or cultural experiences when planning your trip, you can consider Peel Forest and the wider Timaru District as different areas of focus.

Find a Holiday Rental to Match Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip. Peel Forest is the natural choice if you’re interested in forests, ferns and nearby walks. If you’d also like to explore coastal landscapes or cultural attractions, the wider Timaru District offers a broader setting. This lets you choose your search area based on the experiences that matter most for your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Staveley, West Eyreton, Tai Tapu, Southburn, Lake Pearson, Ferniehurst, Waikari, Lincoln University.

For the wider travel overview: Canterbury.