This is a good option for older children – it’s not suitable for buggies as it has some sections of steps and is quite narrow in places. There is a picnic area approximately halfway – next to Ryans Creek, where at low tide you are able to view remnants of the logging that once occurred in the area.
This circular walk begins along an existing road, and follows old disused logging roads and undulating tracks through coastal vegetation. The track can be muddy in places. Ryans Creek track is accessible from either Thule Road end or Kaipipi Road end. From the coastal section, there are scenic views of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera. Walkers can also see wading birds feeding on mud-flats at low tide at Vaila Voe Bay, about 15 minutes from Thule Bay.
Time:
3 hr 30 min – 4 hr return from the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre
Getting there:
To walk the circuit anti-clockwise, from Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre, turn left and follow Main Road. Take the right turn at the airstrip turnoff and continue along Main Road until reaching the DOC signpost marking the start of Ryan’s Creek, Fern Gully, Kaipipi Bay and North Arm tracks. Continue straight on until the DOC signs at the junction with the old Ryan’s Creek road. Turn left for Ryan’s Creek. From the picnic site at Ryan’s Creek, the track follows the coastline, with Paterson Inlet on your right, back to the end of Thule Road. Follow the road back to Halfmoon Bay or return via Raroa Walk (on the left next to Rankin St) and across the rugby ground to Fuchsia Walk.
