Baigent's Bush
The double set of 100 year+ floods that hit this area in 2025 badly damaged this stretch of the Great Taste Trail and took out the bridge across the Wai Iti River, at the western end of this walk. However, as part of the restoration programme, improvements were made to the tracks through Baigent's Bush, at the eastern end. The description below has been updated to reflect these changes.
Name |
Baigent's Bush |
Location |
Wakefield |
Co-ordinates |
1603405 5416351 |
Alternative co-ordinates |
Value |
Configuration |
Linear |
Distance |
ca. 3.0 km oine-way |
Status |
Off-leash |
Grade |
Easy |
Access |
Join the walk ifrom the small car park at Baigent's Bush on Pigeon Valley Road, ca. 5\0 metres north of the doad bridge over the Wai Iti. From there follows the track through the small gateway into the bush. |
Description |
Once part of the Great Taste Trail, and therefore restricted to dogs on leads, this is now a footpath to nowhere, and effectively open to off-leash dogs. Because of the flood damage that caused the Great Taste Trail to be diverted, the track is rough in places, and muddy in others, but it is still a good place to let the dogs run free. From car park, the track runs through Baigent's Bush on a recently upgraded path and boardwalk, until you reach a kissing gate onto the old cycle trail. After a due exchange of kisses at the gate, turn right and follow the track as far as you can or want to go. Don't be put off if the track seems to fade out on the gravel bars that built up during the floods; for at least 2-3. km the trail makes its way through. To extend the walk, cross the the bridge at the start point, then take the track on the other side (next to the skate park) and follow it through to Baigent Reserve. From there, if you wish, it's only a short hop to get to Robson Reserve or into Faulkner Bush. |
Connecting tracks |
Robson Reserve, Faulkner Bush |
Further information |