Last updated October 2026
The Kelceys Bush tracks are two short walks in a forest remnant north-west of Waimate, about 41 km from Timaru, where you can stroll to a small waterfall or picnic beside a sparkling stream.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades them as easy to intermediate walking tracks: the Sanders Falls Walk takes 20 minutes one way and the Intake Track 40 minutes one way. Both pass remains of Waimate’s early water supply.
The Intake Track has unbridged creek crossings. Dogs are allowed if kept under control, and hunters may be present. 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 Kelceys Bush tracks 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.
Before You Go
- Start
- Kelceys Bush, via Mill Road, Waimate
- Distance from the city
- About 41 km from Timaru
- Walking time
- Sanders Falls Walk 20 min one way; Intake Track 40 min one way
- Track length
- About 1.2 km (calculated from DOC’s track line)
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate walking track
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
- 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.
About Kelceys Bush tracks
Sanders Falls Walk
A gentle climb and some steps lead to a viewing platform overlooking Sanders Falls. The pipe beside the track and at the falls supplied Waimate’s water from 1915 until a major flood in 1932. A short branch leads to a lookout and seat with views up the valley.
Intake Track
This track heads upstream along Waimate Creek past the Rock Pool weir. The pipe beside the track and the weir are the remains of Waimate’s second water supply, which ran from 1926 to 1954. There are several unbridged creek crossings, so be ready to get your feet wet.
The forest is mainly broadleaf, kāpuka, with māhoe, ribbonwood, tree fuchsia and the occasional kahikatea, mataī and tōtara. Listen for birdsong as you go.
History of Kelceys Bush
The bush is named after brothers Julius and Frank Kelcy, who helped clear the surrounding land after the Waimate fire; the spelling changed over time. Despite firewood milling and grazing that continued until 1965, it was a popular picnic spot, especially in the 1920s and 1930s.
In 1901 the local MP suggested part of the bush be reserved for its forest and birdlife. Since 2002 the Friends of Kelceys Bush community group has helped manage and protect the area.
Know Before You Go
Hunting is permitted in Kelceys Bush Conservation Area and hunters may be present at any time. 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.
Getting There
DOC’s directions: in Waimate, turn off Queen Street (State Highway 82) onto Mill Road and follow it to Kelceys Bush.
Official Sources for Kelceys Bush tracks
Department of Conservation: Kelceys Bush tracks: 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.
Your Questions Answered
How long are the Kelceys Bush tracks?
DOC gives 20 minutes one way for the Sanders Falls Walk and 40 minutes one way for the Intake Track.
How hard are they?
DOC grades them as easy to intermediate walking tracks. The Sanders Falls Walk has a gentle climb and steps.
Is there a waterfall?
Yes. The Sanders Falls Walk ends at a viewing platform over the falls.
Will I get wet feet?
Possibly on the Intake Track, which has several unbridged creek crossings.
Can I take my dog?
Yes. DOC’s rule is “Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.”
Are there hunters?
Hunting is permitted in Kelceys Bush Conservation Area, and hunters may be present at any time.
Where is Kelceys Bush?
North-west of Waimate. Turn off Queen Street (State Highway 82) onto Mill Road and follow it to Kelceys Bush.
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