KAKAHU ESCARPMENT & KAKAHU TRACK

The first part of the track follows the route of a wooden tramway which over a century ago brought marble chips from quarries in the gorge to the Hall Road kiln. It then passes through an open area where English trees were planted around 1900 as part of a plan to establish a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients.

Re-enter the bush through a gate with a sign and follow the track uphill until you reach a track junction; turn left here and continue up hill to the open paddocks. Follow the marked farm track round the edge of the bush; crossing a small stream before climbing up to Pinnacles Lookout. The lookout gives panoramic views over Kakahu Bush and to the coast. This view point is on top of a high bluff and care should be taken not to get too close to the edge.

From the lookout follow the marked route along the edge of the paddock, re-enter the bush and continue downhill over a small stream before climbing back up to the Balancing Rock; this huge stone sits on top of a buried pinnacle. Just past the Balancing Rock is a track junction, turn left and continue downhill along the track you came in on, back to the lime kiln and car park.

Information board about the old limestone kiln which was used between 1860's an 1880's.

The old limestone kiln was built around 1860 and was use for agricultural lime in Canterbury.

Limestone Kiln was a regular feature in Canterebury in the 1800's.

These limestone cliffs standout and are accessible across farm land, and is signposted on the way out of Geraldine.

Hugh limestone boulders are strewn across the paddock in many shapes.

You can wander around and see the formations of limestone cliffs and boulders sitting below.

You can see the erosion of weather and rain on the limestone which creates unusual shapes.

The cliffs rise high above and at the top are covered in bush and trees like another world.

You can see the different layers and textures of limestone coloured in the face of the cliffs.

Strips stretch down the cliff giving it this pattern.

Start of the Kakahu Track, this was a trying walk, you need to be fit to complete this one.

Climbs uphill into this bush line until it opens out at the top.

Hanging Rock you will discover at the top of the track standing proud and straight, unusual.

Base of the Standing Rock which is narrower at the base, how is it still standing?

This pinnacle of rock you see when you come across the top in the open before returning down into the surrounding bush.

Great views out to the east coast from the top of the ridge .

Another angled view to the east coast of the South Island.

View inland to the countryside towards Geraldine.

Kakahu Track view.