Walk 7

Friday 11th & Saturday 12^th 

This is not an easy walk. The grading of hard to very hard reflects that this is not a walking track – it is instead a trapping line.

Although only around 4 km, the walk will take around 4 hours. Be prepared to walk on all fours (both arms and legs). You must be well-balanced and steady on your feet to take part in this walk.

This incredibly magical walk takes place in an Eco Sanctuary. Guides from Predator Free Russell will walk you through a couple of trap lines, before finishing for Platters and wine at Omata Estate.

You will need to watch your step many times. There are hundreds of seedlings from the mature kahikatea. There are numerous self-seeded plants due to the successful eradication of pests over a number of years.

You will be rewarded by seeing mature trees such as tanekaha, pukatea, kahikatea, and puriri. Evidence of kiwis residing in the sanctuary is obvious. Other birds you are more likely to see or hear include kukupa (kereru – wood pigeon), miromiro (tomtit), ruru (morepork), piwakawaka (fantails), mātātā (fernbirds), riroriro (grey warbler) and tauhou (silvereye).

The walk finishes at Omata Estate, a boutique vineyard situated in a stunning location on a sheltered hilltop with wonderful views across the wines to the Bay. Their lovely wooden restaurant, brick paths, terraced and sunny garden are reminiscent of an old French vineyard, which creates a perfect atmosphere to sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine with a gourmet platter.