Last updated October 2026
The Gunns Bush Track is a walk along “an enchanting moss carpet”, as the Department of Conservation (DOC) puts it, in the Hunters Hills 10 km north-west of Waimate and about 38 km from Timaru.
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, 4.1 km and 1 hr 40 min return via the same track. It follows a stream, makes a small loop and returns the same way, passing many large tree fuchsia.
The track is mostly well formed but has some steep and sometimes muddy sections. Dogs are allowed if kept under control at all times.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Hunters Hills area: a wallaby control operation spread toxic cereal bait pellets by helicopter on 9 October 2026 in the Hunter Hills and Aranui conservation areas, and DOC says “There may be toxic carcasses and bait (green coloured pellets) in the area.”
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Gunns Bush Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Planning Your Visit
- Start
- Car park at the end of Gunns Bush Road, past the Christian Camp
- Distance from the city
- About 38 km from Timaru; 10 km north-west of Waimate
- Walking time
- 1 hr 40 min return
- Track length
- 4.1 km return via the same track
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate walking track
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
- Wheelchairs and buggies
- Not suitable
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (wallaby control operation with toxic bait in the Hunters Hills area). Check DOC before you go.
What You'll Find Here
The first part of the walk is the highlight: moss grows thickly underfoot, turning the track into what DOC calls a magic green carpet.
The track then follows the stream and makes a small loop before heading back the way you came.
Along the way you pass many large tree fuchsia, kōtukutuku, which commonly grow in regenerating forest. DOC notes it is the largest fuchsia in the world and one of New Zealand’s few native deciduous trees.
DOC grades it easy to intermediate, with a few steep, muddy patches, and it is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
Getting There
DOC’s directions: from the eastern outskirts of Waimate, turn off Timaru Road (State Highway 82) onto Maytown Road, then take the second right onto Waimate Hunter Road.
At Gunns Corner go straight ahead on Upper Hook Road. After about 9 km turn left onto Gunns Bush Road and follow it past the Christian Camp to the car park at the road end.
Know Before You Go
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Hunters Hills area: toxic cereal bait pellets were spread by helicopter on 9 October 2026 for wallaby control, the Hunter Hills and Aranui conservation areas are open with warning signs in place, and there may be toxic bait in the area.
See DOC’s pesticide summary map for the operation area. Keep dogs under control, check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Official Sources for Gunns Bush Track
Department of Conservation: Gunns Bush Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Waimate District Council: information on Waimate and nearby reserves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gunns Bush Track
How long is the Gunns Bush Track?
DOC gives 4.1 km and 1 hr 40 min return via the same track.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, mostly well formed with some steep and muddy sections.
Can I take my dog?
Yes. DOC’s rule is “Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.”
Where does it start?
At the car park at the end of Gunns Bush Road, past the Christian Camp, north-west of Waimate.
Is it suitable for buggies?
No. DOC says it is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
What makes it special?
The moss carpet underfoot and the large tree fuchsia, the largest fuchsia in the world.
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