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On top of the world – Takaka Hill Loop
Time: full track – 3 hours or link track – 2 hours
Choose a clear day, put on your sturdy shoes,bring a picnic lunch and prepare to be enthralled by this lofty walk through unique rock formations, native forest, open shrublands and incredible views atop New Zealand’s deepest cave system.
The start of this track is well signposted on the southern side of the highway near the highest point of the road over the Takaka Hill. The ample carpark is easily accessible. This track is essentially circular and about halfway along the track you have the option to cut through the middle via the link track which reduces the walk time to about two hours.
Starting from the carpark there is an initial climb past the radio masts and from here on the walking is relatively easy.The track winds around the hillside and over sections of unique karst rock formations which are typical of the Takaka Hill. They were formed through the weathering of New Zealand’s oldest rocks. Layers of shells,laid down under the sea have been compressed,heated and uplifted. Millions of years of rain has dissolved the resulting marble into distinctive shapes and formed deep shafts and passages. Take care through these
rough sections of terrain. The areas of karst terrain are broken by open shrublands where regeneration of interesting plant life can be seen. A number of unusual lime-loving plants have evolved to suit the unique soil and climate of the Takaka Hill,such as the narrow leafed kowhai, Sophora Longicarinata. The shrublands are broken with lovely sections of beech forest,home to many species of native birds including parakeets,and here you may see the giant carnivorous snail powelliphanta. The track is well signposted and there are a number of signs warning of tomo. These are shafts which drop into the tomo cave system that runs underground throughout this whole area. The Takaka Hill is home to the deepest caves in New Zealand and attracts cavers from all over the world.
There are a few rules to be aware of when exploring this unique walkway. Because it is located on a working farm, stock are sometimes encountered and you are asked not to disturb them. Weather should be your guide when deciding to undertake this walk and you are advised not to visit the area during mist or fog because of reduced visibility. If the weather is cold or it looks like rain, bring warm waterproof clothing because parts of the walkway are completely exposed to the elements. Remember to bring drinking water as there is none available on the walk.
More Walks in Tasman
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