Short Walks In Fairlie

19 September 2022

Jack Lovelock Memorial Track

Duration

1 ½ hours, 8kms

Description of walk

This walk will take you through both suburban and rural Fairlie. Beautiful views of Four Peaks, Alpaca Gems and lifestyle farm views of the mountains. If you choose to complete the whole track, there are three fords/river crossings which are sometimes flowing, so your feet might get wet!

How to get there

Starting from Fairlie township, walk up School Road and then right onto Jack Lovelock track, continue the loop and return to central Fairlie.

Intensity

Easy shingle terrain, an easy walk (or bike) suitable for all ages.

Facilities & important information

After you have completed the walk, chill out at the Fairlie village playground or dip your feet in the river! The township of Fairlie provides full service facilities including car and campervan parking, public toilets and a range of food outlets and other shops. Accessible year round.

Dogs allowed

Yes

Fairlie River Walk

Duration

30-40 minutes one way

How to get there

From Fairlie township, just before the Allandale Bridge walk past the Fairlie Top 10 Holiday Park. The walkway begins just past the Holiday Park on the right.

Intensity

Easy, suitable for most levels of fitness

Description of walk

The walkway follows the river through evidence of the 1994 floods to end at a track leading to Talbot Rock. From the end of the track you can either return via the same path or up Talbot Street. Another option is to follow a rugged marked track to the left from where the walkway emerges out of the trees. This is called the Opihi River Track and comes out at Opihi Gorge Road.

Facilities & important information

The township of Fairlie provides full service facilities including public toilets and a range of food outlets and other shops.
Accessible year round.

Dogs allowed

Yes through to Talbot Road turnoff. After that, the trail crosses multiple properties and some may have restrictions on dogs.

Opihi Walkway

Duration

2 hours, 12 km one way

How to get there

From Fairlie township, cross the Allandale Bridge and the walk starts on the left hand side. This is well signposted and displays the different sections of the walk. This track can also be started at the Kimbell village end at Stoneleigh Road. Heading north from Kimbell, you will see Stoneleigh Road on the right and again, the start of the track is well signposted.

Intensity

Easy terrain, some minor undulations, suitable for most levels of fitness

Description of walk

This is a one way track between the rural townships of Fairlie and Kimbell. It’s 12 km one way, of safe easygoing terrain. The track was completed by the Fairlie Lions (a charitable group) and runs alongside the Opihi River. It’s suitable for walkers and mountain bikers. It’s a pleasant walk with occasional stops by the river bed, peaceful rural views, as well as mountain vistas.

Facilities & important information

Plenty of public car parking in Fairlie township. Public toilets, and a wide range of food outlets and other points of interest in Fairlie. At Kimbell there is a pub with a sunny beer garden, and two art galleries. Accessible year round, although may be some snow around in winter.

Dogs allowed

Yes, on leash.

Lake Opuha Walk

Duration

10 minutes+

How to get there

From Fairlie township, head out on the Geraldine – Fairlie Highway (SH 79). After a few minutes, turn left at the Farm Barn Cafe onto Mt Michael Road. Continue onto Trentham Road then right onto Bennetts Road.

Intensity

Easy

Description of walk

Park your car at the grassed area then follow the gravel/clay 4WD track around the eastern shores of Lake Opuha. Walk as far as you like, then return the same way. This is a lovely walk with picturesque views of the lake and surrounding countryside and mountains.

Facilities & important information

There is a large grassy picnic area and the lake is ideal for enjoying swimming and other recreational activities in summer – it is not glacier-fed so is a nice temperature!

Dogs allowed

Yes, on leash.


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