Franz Josef / Waiau, New Zealand
21 Cowan Street
N/A
+64 37520360
Good for kids
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
One of the interesting and easy hikes around Franz Josef, is the Callery Gorge Walk, This is approximately a 5 km return hike, that shares trailhead with the shorter Tartare Tunnel track at the end of the Cowan Street cul-de-sac in town. The hike is relatively flat for the first 1.25km or so before entering a more heavily forested area with a beautiful trail winding through large boulders, fallen tree trunks, creeks and root covered paths. Lots of rich green environs that at times look like something out of a Lord or the Rings scene. The trail ends at a beautiful short suspension bridge over a nice little gorge with deep blue pools. This trail took us around an hour and fifteen minutes. We hiked in light rain, finding the trail traction just fine. Overall, a good option for those looking for easy walks through forested areas near town in Franz Josef.
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Easy to get to the start of this walk from the town and about 45 min walk to the bridge across the gorge with good view of the river below. The bridge is closed at the far end and you have to return the same way.
Beautiful scenery during the walk till the end. At the end is the hanging bridge crossing the beautiful bluish river. Unfortunately the going on must stop to the end of the bridge. Walking up the hill and down to the river bank takes about 40 minutes from Franz Josef village. Highly recommended for the nature lovers!
Callery Gorge and Tatare Tunnels - Easy to do both in 3-3.5 hours with plenty of time to play on the suspension bridge and in the tunnel, respectively. Tatare Tunnels shares a trailhead with the Callery Gorge Walk. You walk for about 500 meters up the service road, until you come to a fork. Go left for Tatare Tunnels, and right for Callery Gorge. I set out around 8 am and first went to Callery Gorge (about 35-40 mins.) then turned around and went back to the fork, then up to the Tatare Tunnels. I returned to my car around 11:15 am, with lots of time spent on the Callery Gorge suspension bridge and in the tunnels. The initial part of the Callery Gorge hike is up a service road, past the water supply tanks, and some...???EXPLOSIVES??? (see picture). You continue to the left. and the path becomes more of a trail. Trail was a bit soggy in some places after a few days rain. You will soon come to a wooden bridge with a small stream/waterfall flowing underneath. A bit underwhelming...Don't worry, you're not there yet. Continue down the trail and come to the second bridge, the suspension bridge. A sign will stop you at the end of the suspension bridge when you can go no further. Go early and have the suspension bridge to yourself, as I did. Lots of fast flowing blue-gray water after the rain!
Nice short walk to a swing bridge over the Callery River. Easy terrain suitable for most.
Short but really nice walk. You will end up in a bridge and after you need to return. But it's a nice swing bridge to get a beautiful view of the river.
Nice walk much of it on a gravel road, the last part more of a trail. Trail is through the forest, so no views. Nice bird songs but the forest is pretty dense and I was not able to see any.
Nice hike. At night you can see glow works on the right hand side.
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