Amateur Photographer
TALBOT FOREST WALK
Talbot Forest Walk is situated in the Talbots Forest Scenic Reserve in Geraldine off Tripps Street, South Canterbury about 2 hours from Christchurch. It is a 3.8km walk connecting the four short walks that meet up with local streets around the reserve, and connect with each other to complete the forest walk. You can either start with the Reservoir Track which will lead you on the right track of Matai, then cross over to Kahikatea Track, and then up across the Pekapeka Gully giving you great views of the countryside and Geraldine. This section is uphill but has lots of seated spots to stop rest along the way, and then through onto Riddlells Reserve and back across to the other side of the Totara Track, and back to the car park. You can choose which direction to go with the well marked tracks, however, you can get side tracked if you are not familiar with these area, so I would suggest using a trail app such as ALLTRAILS, that would keep you on the right path to enjoy the bird life, native bush forest, and scenery during this nature walk. Ground can be covered in think tree roots through the forest sections, also slippery and muddy in areas so good footwear is a must.
First Marks of Tracks to take on the Talbot Forest Walk.
Reservoir Track option.
Lovely covered bush with heaps of bird life all around you.
Bush is lush, green and the track is generally easy to follow.
The Matai Trees reach up towards the sky like soliders above the canopy amazing.
Some steps along the paths well made and some built into the roots of trees so be aware.
Many forest arches where the trees meet above your head and the sun scatters through the greenery.
Knarly Old Kahikatea trees are scattered through the Kahikatea track well above the canopy to give the birdlife ample places to rest and sing through this forest.
Third track marker you will come across in either direction.
Wider track through Kahikatea track parts are widings, up and down through here.
Track leads you gently around, up and down and through the tangle of roots, tress, and streams that run through the forest.
Some times you cant see where the track will lead giving you a surprise round every bend.
Top of pekepeka gully a good place to rest, see the views, and is uphill part of the way then leads down and around and into the pine forest section to connect with Riddells Reserve.
Heading down and around the far side of Pekapeka Gully.
Pine forest with shade and cool breeze with a wide comfortable track.
There are short parts of the pine forest that are uphill to reach the next section of the track.
Top part of Riddells Reserve Track that will wind up at the crossing over to Totara track to finish your walk.
More sections with tall pines and bush on boths sides, cool too.
Totara track marker after Riddells Reserve off to the right against the bush.
Other section of Totara Track gently track back to complete track
Enjoyable walk and would recommend to all who enjoy the outdoors.
