Nicols Creek Track

Track overview

By day and by night, this short track close to the city provides a magical experience. Nicols Falls is a 20min walk from the road, while the glowworms, 10mins walk up, provide a sparkly forest adventure!

• 1.3km track
• 113m elevation climb
• 40 mins return
• Walking, running

About this track

The track takes you through thick forest of 1.3km track up to Nicols Falls. This 5m Horsetail Waterfall is always far more stunning after a rain event. While this is not a particularly long trail, the gradient and grading of the track provide a challenge. Sturdy footwear is required and given creek environment; the trail can be slippery. At night, take the markers to the Glowworms, there are some walls that have the twinkling larvae; however, you will find best viewing is in the creek itself. Take care and appropriate torches, clothing and footwear.

Directions

The track entrance is located on Leith Valley Road, there is parking on the side of the road. If using Google maps if you follow instructions to “Nicols Creek MTB tracks” you will find yourself in the right location. HOWEVER, the mountain biking tracks follow the creek upstream on the righthand side of the creek, while Glowworms and the Waterfall walking tracks are on the left-hand side.

No Bus access to this track - you will need your own car.

Know before you go:

Rocks can be slippery! As you are walking in a wet creek environment, wear sturdy footwear.

Did you know?  The species of glowworm that can be found in New Zealand is called Arachnocampa luminosa. It is the larvae of a Fungal Gnat that are carnivorous – sometimes they even eat themselves! The bioluminescence attracts moths and other flies who then get caught in the sticky silk webs they produce. Yum.

Dogs

Dogs allowed off leash on this track.

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