What a wonderful hidden area. The Californian Redwoods are stunning and the peaceful riverside walk takes you to a unique hidden spring that is simple beautiful. The waters are stunning. I appreciate there has been controversy over there now being a charge to visit but this is private land and beautifully maintained which costs money so, as tourists, we were happy to pay and support this. Kani was very friendly and welcoming.
This is on the north side of the lake, opposite from the main town, but it's really worth visiting. You can easily spend a couple of hours strolling through this reserve, and there are also picnic tables on the secondary trail. Parking is convenient. Although in theory you can make a circle around the springs counterclockwise, the left side (by the golf course) is really not very scenic. Instead, go up to the headwaters, then comeback through the secondary trail. You can also visit nearby Okere Falls which is about 15-20 minutes away. Then come back into town and enjoy a nice meal on Eat Streat.
We got the recommendation to do this walk from a kiwi-friend as he said it was free of charge. As we entered we were at first surprised that it now costs 18$. But as Kani explained us, that the maori just recently got their Land back from the crown (after 100 Years) and that this is a very important place for the maoris we agreed on it and the money was totaly worth it!
Beautiful walk trought big redwood trees and along beautiful springs with astonishly clear water and dancing sand springs, just breathtaking.
The gem of a place is amazing, this is the third time i've been here. it never ceases to amaze. The clarity of the water is something stunning, being a small walk it can be fitted in with other stuff, or it can be enjoyed for as long as you like. Yes it now costs, but so do many other things.
A magical place not to be missed, try and speak to Kani, she was was a joy to talk to and very helpful. The water is the clearest I have seen and the redwood grove quite special, a natural sanctuary.
