Although we were unable to walk from the Erskine Falls end due to ongoing works on the access steps, the day was still a resounding success.

22 people set off up the Erskine River from the Kia Ora Caravan Park end at Lorne, and had a leisurely 6 km up-and-return walk along its banks. The day was warm, but plenty of shade was offered through the riparian vegetation.

Along the way, we stopped at the historic Sanctuary, a natural amphitheatre on the Erskine banks, used in the 1850s for services by visiting clergymen.

After successfully negotiating those stepping stones, we crossed the Erskine one more time, and lunched at a beautiful small waterfall.

On our return we finished at a waterhole at the base of a broad series of cascades, and a few intrepid walkers donned bathing gear.

Interestingly, many participants, though experienced walkers, had never explored this fabulous walk. The journey can be done as a 5km return trip, that doesn’t require any river crossing, so is suitable for any time of the year.

Joe Bolza