PAINES FORD TRAMLINE TRACK & LIMESTONE CLIFFS

The track follows the line of a tramline that operated between the early 1880s and 1905, and was used to take timber from the Takaka Valley down to Waitapu wharf. It provides access to some excellent swimming holes in the Takaka River as well as to rock climbing areas.

There is a large picnic area with a toilet beside the highway bridge.

Paines Ford Scenic Reserve takes its name from the original ford across the flood-prone Takaka River on the main road into Takaka. A modern bridge now replaces the ford.

The walk is easy and follows beside the Takaka River and native forest.

View through the bush to Takaka River.

Interesting limestone rock formations that are part of the river.

In quiet parts of the river you can get lovely reflections of the rocks and vegetation.

The river bends sharply and leaves a large gravel bank on the other side of the rivers path.

Now you start to see the limestone cliffs rise about the tree line.

You have to deviate from the track to see the cliffs keep you eyes open for the signs indicating where they are in the bush.

Amazing forms are seen creating by the eroding limestone, can you see a face here?

Everywhere you look among the cliffs you find something different or unusual.

The colour of the limestone creating a contrast to the bush that surrounds it for great photos.

This is a popular place for people to practice their climbing skills, as I discovered on this walk.

Flowering plants are all along this path in many colours and forms.

This cliffs are steep and sheer when you are up close, but provide a challenge for those who come to climb them.

Some ares of limestone cliff look like they are stacked one upon another as they reach higher to the horizon.

Cracks appear in the huge slabs of limestone on some of the cliffs.

Weather has made deep cracks and openings in the limestone cliffs over time.