A turquoise river flows down a valley toward a bridge
Rakaia River and New Bridge in Rakaia Gorge

Rakaia Gorge Overlook Loop (Lake Coleridge – Rakaia River Area, New Zealand)

Jim Brisbine·
New Zealand
·98 views

Trip Date: December 29, 2015

2015 NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE VACATION

Rakaia Gorge Day Hike

Rakaia Gorge Viewpoint
Rakaia Gorge Overlook

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Trip Report Summary

Region: New Zealand

Sub-Region: South Island

Sub-Sub-Region: Canterbury / Waitaha

Sub-Sub-Sub Region: Lake Coleridge – Rakaia River Area

Starting & Ending Point: Rakaia Gorge Trailhead at Rakaia Gorge Bridge on Highway 77 (Elev. 940 feet / 290 meters)

Way Points: Rakaia Gorge Viewpoint & Rakaia Bluff & Rakaia Gorge Overlook (trail hike via Rakaia Gorge Walkway)

Sidetrip: Rakaia River shoreline (trail hike)

Approximate Stats: 6.3 miles / 10.1 kilometers traveled; 1500 feet / 460 meters gained & lost; 4.1 hours elapsed.

Trip Vicinity Map
Lake Coleridge – Rakaia River Location Map

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Full Trip Report

During our short visit to the Lake Coleridge area, Eileen and I took a hike along the beautiful Rakaia River Gorge. We started at the parking lot near the river bridge and followed a nice trail alongside the river, which has an unearthly turquoise color. We stopped at a high viewpoint before looping down to the river shore and then returning on our outbound trail. If you are looking for an easy lowland hike that delivers great scenery, this one is highly recommended!

Rakaia River Bridges From Trail

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Eileen At Rakaia Gorge Overlook

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Route Map

Rakaia River Gorge Overlook Loop Route Map (CalTopo)

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Click to enlarge…

Rakaia River and New Bridge in Rakaia Gorge
Eileen At Rakaia Gorge Overlook
Jim and Eileen At Rakaia Gorge Overlook
Rakaia River Bridges From Trail