Washpen Falls Track is a privately owned walk nestled in the Canterbury Foothills near the Rakaia River. It’s about 4 km long and very pretty and scenic. I was quite surprised to find such a beautiful piece of paradise, full of native trees and birds, in the midst of Canterbury farms, which are better known for their gorse hedges and pine windbreaks.
At the beginning of the track, there’s a wee self-service information centre with an honesty box. In 2025, entry was $10 per adult and $5 per child. I was told that cash is preferred, but bank transfer is also an option.
The track starts behind the information centre and first leads through a band of pine forest. It then winds into a gorge where shepherds used to find refuge during high winds. From there, the track passes a shelter (still under construction in September 2025) and finally drops down to Washpen Falls. I’m not usually a waterfall person, but these falls are genuinely scenic. The symmetrical pool at their base makes a great spot to pause and admire this natural wonder. The rest of the track continues through a mixture of pine and beech forest. A wee pond called Stone Lake provides the chance to practise your boating skills, with a small boat freely available to play with.
I admit I didn’t expect much from this walk, but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s suitable for beginners and perfect for kids, with plenty to keep everyone entertained as it passes through many different habitats in a short distance: a deep gorge with caves, a creek, beech forest, pine forest, tussock, and farmland. My 4-year-old son loved it!
Oh, and at the information centre you can pick up a leaflet with about 20 points of interest along the way. The notes are entertaining and worth reading. For example, did you know that cabbage tree stems don’t burn, so early European settlers used them as chimneys? Or what links honeydew, bees, and black mould on beech trees? Be sure to grab a copy, pay your entry fee, and come back 🙂
Stats: 4 km, 3h 30min, 180 m ascent. Route shown on NZ TopoMap (GPX download below).
Participants: Michal Klajban (leader, scribe, GPX) + Elliot (4 year), Kim + Geoff + Ezra, Kristie + Oakley
Tramped on 13th September 2025.
Photos
Map
Max elevation: 599 m
Min elevation: 444 m
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