Sledge Track presents a stunning and varied adventure past swimming holes and waterfalls and up a series of steps to Hardings Park, where serious walkers can take a breather before tackling the more challenging loop tracks. Officially opened in 2003, Sledge Track follows an old roadway to Hardings Park, a scenic reserve of more than 860 hectares of native bush at the southern end of the Turitea Water Reserve. The track was restored by retired farmer Ian Argyle and volunteers using global positioning system readings and old survey maps to ensure the track sits within the road reserve. Families with small children can enjoy the first part of the track up to the swimming hole and picnic table (10-15 minutes), or if they are keen, push on to Argyle Rocks (30-50 minutes). Older children will enjoy the challenge of reaching the Lookout Point near the Quartz Creek junction. Beyond here Sledge Track climbs steeply for 1.5km to reach Toe Toe Junction. This climb and the tracks beyond are recommended for fit and experienced trampers only. See the map and walking times for more detailed guidance. Whether you are on the track for an easy walk to a cool swimming hole and picnic spot or a serious tramp, keep an eye out for kapokapowai, the giant bush dragonfly, or New Zealand’s native carnivorous land snail (Powelliphanta sp) and its favourite food the large native earthworm (up to 60cm long!) The track’s leaf litter is also home to a rare centipede. Overhead, listen out for the many Tui, Korimako (bellbirds), Kereru, Ruru and Karearea (NZ Falcon) that call the valley home. Palmerston North City Council traps and poisons intensively in the area to support the native wildlife and plants. Make your journey’s destination the Argyle Rocks in the Kahuterawa Stream, which following rain offers a
spectacular sight of cascading water. Go a little further along, between the Jill White Falls and Pritchards Point, to view the valley’s massive rimu tree. Twenty-five metres tall, the five-metre circumference tree is believed to be 600-800 years old.