Blue Tier Forest Reserve
Discover ancient giants and a lush, green forest on a rewarding walk through the Blue Tier Reserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical in rain or shine
Blue Tier Forest Reserve
Best Time
Magical in rain or shine
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient giants and a lush, green forest on a rewarding walk through the Blue Tier Reserve.
"A truly beautiful, and less known walk. Once you are under cover of the beautiful trees, your worries melt away."
🚗 Access Road Caution
The final 5km is a narrow track. 4WD recommended, or be ready to walk.
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Needed
Tracks can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof boots are best.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 97 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cradle Tree
Main walking track
Stand in awe of this colossal ancient tree, a true giant of the forest.
The Big Tree
Detour off main track
Another magnificent, ancient tree offering a sense of scale and wonder.
Spreading Myrtle
East of Weldborough
Seek out this unique and beautiful tree, a hidden gem for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road to the Reserve
Best Footwear & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Can anyone help me find the "Spreading Myrtle" tree?
All I know is that it's located in the northeast highlands somewhere. See image of it here.…
🚗 Access Road Caution
The final 5km is a narrow track. 4WD recommended, or be ready to walk.
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Needed
Tracks can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof boots are best.
🦟 Bug Repellent Essential
Leeches and mosquitoes are common, especially after rain.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The ancient trees and lush greenery are incredibly photogenic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Access Road Caution
The final 5km is a narrow track. 4WD recommended, or be ready to walk.
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Needed
Tracks can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof boots are best.
🦟 Bug Repellent Essential
Leeches and mosquitoes are common, especially after rain.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The ancient trees and lush greenery are incredibly photogenic.
🌲 Check for Closures
Storm damage can close the reserve. Always check ahead.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty and ancient trees of the Blue Tier Forest Reserve, calling it a magical and rewarding experience. However, the challenging access road and potential for muddy, leeches-prone tracks require careful preparation.
"A truly beautiful, and less known walk. A bit hard to get to with a narrow dirt road with multiple potholes. We parked 3/4 of the way down and decided to walk the rest of the way (some small cars managed to power their way through to the start point). Once you are under cover of the beautiful trees, your worries of how to get back to the main road melt away. It was so green beneath the canopy and both the cradle tree and the big tree were massive in height and circumference. A roughly 3km ish walk with some elevation gain/loss of 100 metres if you do the entire loop and detour to big tree. Thanks to the friends of the blue tier who probably help maintain this place."
Kathleen Young
"Beautiful experience! 2km walk approx. Lots to see & photograph. Possibly the most beautiful trees were near the car park & not far into the walk! Gorgeous!! Visited on a rainy day and was still gorgeous!"
Chelsea O'Connor
"Note that the final 5 kilometers of the road to the trail head is a truly one lane road with no place to pass another vehicle coming the other way. And unfortunately, after we made this drive we found that the trail is currently closed due to storm damage. We did, however, take a short walk and it was magical."
Wahila Wilkie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The final 5 kilometers of the road to the trailhead are a narrow, unsealed track with potholes. Many visitors recommend a 4WD vehicle, or be prepared to park further down and walk the rest of the way. Some small cars have managed to get through, but it's risky.
No, the final section is a one-lane track with no passing places and can be challenging. If you're concerned about scratching a rental car, it's best to park and walk.
The road is described as a narrow track, often with potholes and no place to turn around. Storm damage can also affect its condition.
It depends on your vehicle and comfort level. Some visitors can drive to the start, while others park and walk the final stretch due to the road's condition.
While the reserve is known, signage on the final track might be limited. Following GPS or maps is advisable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Blue Tier Forest Reserve is generally free. It's a natural reserve managed for public access.
As a natural reserve, there are no set opening or closing hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee for the walking tracks within the Blue Tier Forest Reserve.
While technically accessible anytime, visiting during daylight hours is highly recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery.
No permits are typically required for general day visits to the Blue Tier Forest Reserve.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The reserve is famous for its ancient, massive trees like the Cradle Tree and The Big Tree. The lush, green forest canopy is also a major draw.
The main loop walk is approximately 3km, with some elevation changes. Detouring to The Big Tree adds a bit more distance.
Maintenance can vary. Some reviews mention downed trees and ferns making tracks difficult to follow, especially after storms.
Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes are essential due to potentially muddy and uneven terrain.
Facilities are minimal. It's a natural reserve, so come prepared with your own water and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient trees, particularly the Cradle Tree and The Big Tree, are stunning subjects. The dense, green forest canopy and any unique flora like the Spreading Myrtle offer great photographic opportunities.
Yes, many visitors find the reserve gorgeous even on a rainy day, with the wet foliage enhancing the vibrant green colors.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the trees and the forest. A macro lens can be great for smaller details.
Low light conditions under the dense canopy can be a challenge, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be beneficial.
Absolutely! The Spreading Myrtle is a unique find and a great subject for nature photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit