Little Mount Peel
Located in Canterbury region, New Zealand.
Last weekend we had a crack at Little Mount Peel via South Ridge Track. This is far as we got but was I so impressed with the girl's efforts through some pretty muddy and steep terrain. They probably would have gone all the way up but getting down happily was more important and for us down is harder than up. Not a bad spot for a hot chocolate break though huh? We recently got a Jetboil Minimo and damn that thing is quick and easy to use! Highly recommend looking into one if you're after some portable cooking power. The Peel forest area has lots of different walks for all abilities! Even a 15-minute track to some mighty fine ancient Tōtara. There are stunning waterfalls and if you want to make the climb up, amazing views once you get past the bush line! Totally worth a day trip or even a weekend visit. 10/10 will definitely visit again.
Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve
Further Information
Little Mt Peel, Huatekerekere via South Ridge Track
Track Access / Information
Walking a short distance up Lookout Road to the start. Note, Lookout Road isn't suitable for parking. From the car park at Blandswood, walk up the steep Blandswood Lookout Road for about 50m before entering the Emily Falls and Rata Falls Tracks, head along this track until it separates onto the South Ridge Track. The South Ridge is steep and involves a couple of rocky scrambles. South Ridge Track connects with Deer Spur at the top of the mountain and Emily Falls Track near the bottom. When descending from Little Mount Peel/Huatekerekere it is important to keep to the ridge until the track sign shows the route down a tussock-covered spur to the bushline and Emily Stream
Weather / What to wear?
The climate of the high-country areas of Peel Forest Park is quite different from that of the lowland areas. The rainfall increases with increasing distance from the coast, and the winds influence the climatic cycle. Peel Forest’s diverse rainfall distribution is particularly influenced by the dry northwest winds. The average rainfall is 1160 mm per annum. Snow may fall at any time of the year and short-duration heavy snowfalls are often experienced between June and September. As with any outdoor activities in New Zealand, the elements are always unpredictable and ever-changing. We recommend you use check-in with appropriate weather forecast service before you set off, but always have wind/waterproof jackets and hats on hand, in case of any circumstance changes.
Extra Info
Toilets - At the carpark, there is a toilet, note: this is the only facilities here. Dogs - are not permitted in either Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve or Mt Peel Waikari Hills Conservation Area. Hunting - in Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve hunting block has a restricted hunting season. Hunting is not allowed from 1st October to 1st April (inclusive of Easter and Anzac weekends). Red deer, chamois and pig are present, as well as the occasional tahr. Mount Peel Waikari Hills Conservation Area hunting block is open for hunting all year. Tahr, red deer, chamois and pig can be found. All hunters must have a hunting permit obtainable from any DOC office or online.
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Child friendly hike
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Department of Conservation (DOC)
For full Little Mount Peel information please use the click-through provided
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Entering the elements
Choosing the right gear/food options can be daunting, here's how to keep the whole family safe, feed, warm and happy
Directions
Google map track infomation
9.5 km north of Geraldine, turn off SH72 (Inland Scenic Route) onto Peel Forest Road and follow this for 13 km. Turn into Blandswood Road and follow this for 2 km to the junction with Lookout Road. Park in the car park at the junction.
So how did the children find it?
A message from Alba and Maya
Alba says: I liked it so, so, so much. Mud got everywhere. We crossed some rivers and climbed up really high. It was steep sometimes. It was beautiful and lovely up the top.
Maya says: There was mud and it was slippery dippery. And Mum and me fell over in the mud.
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