Bush Walks

Native forest tracks that start at the farm gate

About Bush Walks

A bush walk is a walk through native forest — podocarp, beech, kanuka or regenerating scrub — as distinct from open-country walking. Many New Zealand farms hold a block of original or regenerating bush in a gully too steep to graze, and a good number have cut and maintained a track through it for their own use. Walking one of these is a quieter experience than a popular public track: you are often the only person on it, the birdsong is uninterrupted, and your host can tell you what was logged, what was left and what has come back.

What to Expect

Most farm bush walks are short loops of twenty minutes to two hours, usually starting within walking distance of the house. Tracks are private and maintained to a farm standard rather than a Department of Conservation one — expect mud, roots, the occasional stile and stream crossing rather than boardwalk and signage. Hosts will normally point you at the route, tell you how long it takes and mention anything to watch for. Some farms provide a hand-drawn map. Ask about stock: a track may pass through a paddock with cattle in it.

What to Bring

Walking shoes or boots with grip

A rain jacket — bush weather changes fast

Water

Insect repellent for sandflies

A phone, and tell someone your route

Safety Guidelines

Tell your host where you are going and when you expect to be back
Tracks are private and may not be marked or graded
Streams rise quickly after rain — do not cross if in doubt
Clean and check footwear for kauri dieback where kauri are present
Close every gate behind you

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a bush walk different from a scenic walk?

A bush walk goes through native forest and is usually enclosed, shaded and damp underfoot. A scenic walk is open country walked for the view. Farms often offer both, and the two frequently join up.

Are farm tracks signposted?

Usually not. They are private tracks maintained for the farm's own use, so ask your host for directions and an honest estimate of how long the loop takes.

Do I need boots?

Shoes with real grip are enough for most short loops. After rain, boots are much better — New Zealand bush tracks hold mud long after the weather clears.