Salisbury Falls

Salisbury Falls

Salisbury Falls is an absolute must do for anyone visiting Golden Bay.  It is an amazing stunning swimming hole in the Aorere River only 25 minutes from Collingwood Township heading towards The Heaphy Track.

There is a long drop toilet as well as donation box available there on entry.  There is a small, but beautiful waterfall that you can climb up the rocks to and sit in behind the falls, looking down on the deep green swimming hole.  Just down from the falls is the main Aorere River which is a deep and slow flowing part of this river and is another great place to swim or sunbath on the rocks.  There are plenty of great areas on the side of the river to climb up and jump into the river from various heights.

The original Salisbury suspension bridge was built in 1887 and was used by people working and living on the Quartz Range.  Eventually a road bridge was built in 1982, but only to be swept away in a flood 3 years later.  They built a replacement bridge shortly after, however the original swing bridge was  destroyed in a flood in December of 2010.  The site is still well worth a visit though as the area is naturally stunning with a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole.   The drive is 25 minutes past Collingwood towards Bainham with parking is on the side of the road where there is an informative historical plaque.  From there it is a gentle 5 minute walk through a paddock and down a track towards the river and falls.

Salisbury Falls

Salisbury Falls

Salisbury Falls featured in Peter Jackson’s featured Salisbury Falls in the famous trilogies. In the film “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”.  Salisbuy Falls was where Tauriel and Legolas meet before heading into Lake-town.

Stopping at the Langford Store along the way is definitely worth your while to be immersed somewhere back in time while you sip on a lovely cup of tea or coffee and enjoy home-made sweet treats.