Last updated November 2026
The Pourakino Picnic Area Loop Track is an easy short walk along historic tramlines through regenerating silver beech forest in the Longwood Forest, Western Southland, about 41 km from Invercargill.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, a 1.7 km loop of about 45 minutes. It follows Granity Stream past bridges used by early loggers, the More family, whose sawmill once stood here. DOC warns not to use the old stone bridge at Pourakino. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Pourakino Picnic Area Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Pourakino Picnic Area, reached via Knutsford Road from Otautau
- Distance from the city
- About 41 km from Invercargill
- Walking time
- 45 min
- Track length
- 1.7 km loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate walking track
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Facilities
- Fire boxes, picnic tables and a toilet at the picnic area
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Pourakino Picnic Area Loop Track
The loop follows historic tramlines close to Granity Stream, with good views of the bridges used by early loggers. Interpretation boards along the track explain key points and the history of the area.
The site was once a large sawmill owned by the More family of Riverton. In 1900, More and Sons won the rights to mill the Pourakino Valley, building three sawmills, several tramways and bridges to move timber. A large bridge and some of the rail survive along the track.
Today the surrounding Longwood Forest is regenerating silver beech, giving the walk a green setting. The picnic area at the start has fire boxes, picnic tables and a toilet, so it pairs well with a picnic.
Getting There
DOC’s directions: from Invercargill, travel north on State Highway 6 to the Lorneville roundabout and take the first exit onto State Highway 99 towards Riverton. Continue 24 km, turn right onto Gropers Bush-Thornbury Road and continue 21 km. In Otautau, turn left onto Knutsford Road and follow the forestry signs to the picnic area.
DOC says there is no access to the picnic area via Pourakino Valley Road, even though navigation apps like Google Maps may try to send you that way.
Track Conditions and Safety
Do not use the old stone bridge at Pourakino: DOC warns there is a risk of falling and structural collapse.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had alerts for the Longwood Forest Conservation Area: Bald Hill Road “is closed due to a large slip”, and public access is restricted within Kiwi Forest because of forestry operations. Neither alert names this track, but check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
From locals
When did the logging start in Pourakino Valley, and who ran it?
Would a pram manage the loop, or is the track too rough?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
Like Invercargill’s outdoors?
Explore Invercargill Weekly has a walk or park idea every week, plus local news and weekend picks. Free every Thursday.
Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Pourakino Picnic Area Loop Track?
DOC gives a 1.7 km loop taking about 45 minutes.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, on a leash only.
How do I get there?
Via State Highway 99 and Gropers Bush-Thornbury Road to Otautau, then Knutsford Road. There is no access via Pourakino Valley Road.
What history will I see?
Historic logging tramlines, a large bridge and rail from the More family’s sawmilling operation, with interpretation boards.
Can I cross the old stone bridge?
No. DOC says not to use it because of the risk of falling and structural collapse.
What facilities are there?
The picnic area has fire boxes, picnic tables and a toilet.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Pourakino Picnic Area Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Department of Conservation: Longwood Forest Conservation Area: other tracks and current alerts for the Longwood Forest.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.