Otoko Walkway

The walk commences at the left of a highway rest area and descends a set of steps to the tunnel entrance (walkers are not advised to enter the tunnel as the old concrete structure is now in an unsound condition). From this point the walk follows the clearly visible railway formation across open farm land for 2 km before crossing the Waihuka river alongside the concrete piers of an old railway bridge. The walk from here continues through the hill cuttings and benchings made with pick and shovel by the railway workers some 80 years ago. Wooden culverts, large concrete sumps, fish plates and spikes can be seen along the walk. After passing through the light bush on the edge of the Otoko Scenic Reserve, where spectacular yellow-flowering kowhai can be seen in the spring, the walkway leaves the railway formation. The tracks turns left down a farm vehicle track, follows the Waihuka river for a short distance and finishes at the State Highway opposite the Otoko Hall. Before making the turn down the farm track a short walk along the railway line offers views of a small picturesque waterfall set among native bush.