Emily Falls Track in Peel Forest starts near the end of the sealed part of Blandwood Road in Blandwood. Drive down Rangitata Gorge Road from Peel Forest about 2 km and turn left into Blandwood Road. Just before you reach the Kowahi Stream, turn left into Lookout Road. There are a few car parks along this road at the marked entrance to the reserve. If these are taken, head back to Blandwood Road. There is more parking near the ford over the stream.
Start the walk by hiking up a steep section of Blandswood Lookout Road until you see the track entrance on the left. The track climbs quickly about 90 metres to a ridge, shrouded in beautiful kotukutuku (NZ native tree fuchsia). The orange colour of these trees is stunning against the olive and greens of the forest. Walking in August when they flower would be spectacular!
Once over the ridge, the track drops down to Rata Stream, follows then crosses the stream, then runs along the edge of the stream’s gorge, followed by a brief hump, another stream crossing and a final set of steep steps to Emily Stream and the waterfall. The falls are 13 metres high and sit within an attractive small amphitheatre. There is more water flow than the Acland Falls and a reasonable pool at the base.
The stream and falls are named after Emily Acland, John Acland's wife and the daughter of Bishop Harper, the first Bishop of Christchurch. Emily also painted in early Christchurch, and her paintings are held at the Christchurch Art Gallery.
The walk is about 1.6 km each way and takes about 45 minutes each way. The Ridge Route to the top of Little Mount Peel / Huatekerekere starts near the end of Emily Falls Track.
