Last updated October 2026
The Studholme Bush Scenic Reserve tracks offer a wide range of walks and rides on State Highway 82 just outside Waimate, about 45 km from Timaru. They run from an easy, fun family cycle along the flat Railway Track to steep climbs with great views out over Waimate.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades the walking tracks as easy to intermediate, with individual tracks from 15 to 45 minutes one way, and some are Grade 1 or Grade 3 mountain bike tracks.
A 15 m waterfall is a short side trip. Dogs are not allowed. 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 Studholme Bush Scenic Reserve 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.
Visiting Studholme Bush Scenic Reserve tracks: The Essentials
- Start
- Car park on State Highway 82 (Hakataramea Highway), about 3.5 km from Waimate
- Distance from the city
- About 45 km from Timaru
- Walking time
- 15–45 min one way per track; 50 min to the Whitehorse monument
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate walking track
- Mountain biking
- Grade 1 (Railway, Whitehorse Link) and Grade 3 (Bellbird)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- 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.
The Background
Railway Track (30 min one way)
An easy, level track on the old Waimate to Waihao Forks railway, which opened in 1882, stopped carrying passengers in 1931 and closed in 1953. The 2 km embankment runs with Deep Creek on one side and wetlands and regenerating bush on the other. It is also a Grade 1 bike track.
Ngaio Track (35 min one way)
After a few hundred metres this track climbs steeply, with great views over Waimate. DOC notes the many ngaio trees are unusual this far inland, thriving in the gorge’s microclimate.
Waterfall, Bellbird and Quail tracks
The Waterfall Track (30 min return) reaches a waterfall about 15 m high, fed by a small stream that may run dry in drought. Reach it via the Railway Track and about 15 minutes up the Bellbird Track.
The Bellbird Track (45 min one way, Grade 3 bike track) runs 2 km through regenerating bush to the top of the Ngaio Track, and the Quail Track (35 min one way) links Bellbird back to the Railway Track.
Whitehorse Link Track (15 min one way)
This link connects to Waimate District Council’s Centrewood Park and the monument to the Clydesdale horse, the steep walk to which gives great views over Waimate.
History and Nature
The reserve is named after Michael Studholme, the first European settler in Waimate, who arrived in New Zealand with his two brothers in 1848. It was donated to the public by the Gama Foundation in 2008 and gifted to DOC to manage in 2009.
The bush mixes regenerating podocarp and hardwoods with some coastal species. A fire in December 2010, started by a tree falling on power lines, burnt 154 hectares, and DOC expects native bush to regenerate through the gorse and broom over the coming decades.
Getting There
Follow State Highway 82 (Hakataramea Highway) from Waimate. After about 3.5 km the car park is on the right. 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. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Official Sources for Studholme Bush Scenic Reserve tracks
Department of Conservation: Studholme Bush Scenic Reserve 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 Centrewood Park and the Whitehorse monument.
Your Questions Answered
How long are the Studholme Bush tracks?
DOC gives 15 to 45 minutes one way for individual tracks, 30 minutes return for the Waterfall Track, and a steep 50 minutes to the Whitehorse monument.
How hard are they?
DOC grades them as easy to intermediate walking tracks. The Railway Track is flat; the Ngaio Track climbs steeply.
Can I bike there?
Yes. The Railway Track and Whitehorse Link are Grade 1 bike tracks, and the Bellbird Track is Grade 3.
Is there a waterfall?
Yes, about 15 m high, reached via the Railway and Bellbird tracks. It may run dry in drought.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed.
Where do I park?
At the car park on State Highway 82, about 3.5 km from Waimate.
Can I walk to the Whitehorse monument?
Yes. The Whitehorse Link Track connects to Centrewood Park and the Clydesdale monument.
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