Opihi Walkway Timaru: Riverside Stopbank Walk Temuka to Pleasant Point

Last updated November 2026

The Opihi Walkway is a long, flat riverside route that follows the grassy tops of stopbanks along the Ōpihi River from the Temuka area to Pleasant Point. It takes around three hours one way at a comfortable pace and offers open river flats with distant views of the Southern Alps and willows lining most of the route.

Track Facts

Before You Go

Start

Arowhenua Road carpark, about 100 metres from the SH1 bridge at Arowhenua (Temuka side)

End point

Pleasant Point (one-way walk, arrange transport or return the same way)

Time

3 hours one way

Difficulty

Medium (council trail guide); long but flat, on the grassy stopbank tops

Surface

Grassy stopbank tops, mostly flat

Uses

Walking, running, mountain biking

Entry

Free

Dogs

Permitted (under control)

Getting to Know Opihi Walkway

The Opihi Walkway follows the grassy tops of the river stopbanks along the Ōpihi River, one of South Canterbury’s main lowland rivers. It is a flat, exposed route with open farmland and pasture on the inland side and willows lining the river edge.

The Southern Alps are visible as a backdrop on clear days. The walk has a gentle, rural character without significant elevation change, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

At the start from the Temuka end, open pasture sits to the left with the river and willows to the right. The route requires a short detour of about 150 metres across a small bridge at one point to stay on the stopbank closer to the river. Several small roads cross the banks along the way.

As the route approaches Pleasant Point, it passes Parr’s waterwheel at Butlers Crossing, a historic feature on the riverbank, and holiday cribs nestled in the trees near the water. Fishing and swimming are popular in the Pleasant Point section of the river. The river is not often visible from the stopbank tops due to the willows.

The walkway is listed in the Timaru District Council Walk and Bike Trail Guide, which notes the opportunity to stop for a picnic, swim or fish along the way. It forms part of the broader network of recreational tracks in the Timaru district.

Access and Route Details

Start at the carpark on Arowhenua Road. Go through the gate onto the stopbank and turn left. When crossing under the bridge at Halstead Road, take the right stopbank to reach Tengawai Bridge rather than the left option. The route ends near Pleasant Point, where users can connect with local roads or arrange return transport.

The council’s trail guide gives 11 km one way. Shorter out-and-back sections are possible from either end for those seeking a less demanding outing.

Further Reading

Opihi Walkway FAQs

Where does the Opihi Walkway start?
The main access point with a carpark is on Arowhenua Road, about 100 metres from the SH1 bridge at Arowhenua on the Temuka side.

How long does the Opihi Walkway take?
About 3 hours one way at a comfortable pace. Most people either return the same way or arrange transport at the far end.

Is the Opihi Walkway suitable for cycling?
Yes — the flat stopbank surface makes it suitable for mountain biking as well as walking and running.

What is the waterwheel at Butlers Crossing?
Parr’s waterwheel is a historic feature on the riverbank near the Pleasant Point end of the walkway, visible as the route passes Butlers Crossing.

Are dogs allowed on the Opihi Walkway?
Dogs are permitted but should be kept under control near other users.

Is the Opihi Walkway free to use?
Yes, the walkway is free and open to the public.

Can I swim or fish along the Opihi Walkway?
Fishing and swimming are popular in the Pleasant Point section of the river near the end of the route.

Is there parking at both ends?
Parking is available at the Arowhenua Road start. At the Pleasant Point end, users typically arrange transport or return the same way.

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Sources and data notes 1

• Track Facts: Track line and facts: Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0). Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.