Fuchsia And Raroa Walks - Rakiura National Park

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
An easy 1 hour return walk through unmilled native forest.
Map Data: Google, Digital Globe, Department of Conservation (DOC).

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below to explore this walk.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
The walk to the Fuchsia and Raroa Walks begins here - at the Department of Conservation's Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre in Oban.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
We head up the road and take the first left into Dundee Street.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
Following Dundee Street, we walk past the crest of this small hill.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
The start of the Fuchsia Walk is signposted on the right.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
This is the start of the Fuchsia Walk.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
We turn left here.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
We continue along the path to the left. The steps to the right lead to private property.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
The forest in this scenic reserve has never been milled. It was gifted to the NZ Government in the 1960s by Captain George Turner.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
Captain George Turner recognised the need to protect walks in the vicinity of Halfmoon Bay which had been undamaged by milling operations or land clearance. One would think that, by now, fifty years later, more people would have the intelligence to do the same.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
Danger! What's all this danger then..?

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
Aahh... As we get closer we can see that the ground under the steps has subsided slightly. Not really dangerous - but in need of maintenance. The short walks in Rakiura National Park are generally in excellent condition. Full marks to DOC as ever.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
The track climbs up and down - but generally the overall lay of the land is uphill when walking in this direction.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
Nearing the top of the Fuchsia Walk.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
Looking back towards the top entrance to the private property.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
Top of the Fuchsia Walk. Here the track exits onto Traill Park.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
Looking back at the Fuchsia Walk.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
Traill Park is a popular spot for Kiwi bird watching at night.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
Crossing the Traill Park rugby field we come to the start of the Raroa Walk - the second part of our journey.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National ParkJust as the Fuchsia Walk was predominately uphill, the Raroa Walk is mostly downhill.

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
And like the Fuchsia Walk, the Raroa Walk leads us through unmilled native forest gifted by Captain George Turner. What a guy...

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park34

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park

FUCHSIA AND RAROA WALKS - Rakiura National Park
The Raroa Walk ends at Thule Bay. From here it is an easy walk back to Halfmoon Bay - either walking along the road or returning via the Raroa and Fuchsia Walks.