The loop track starts from the carpark at the end of the side road behind Kellys Creek Shelter. It winds through the diverse podocarp-broadleaf forest of the West Coast. It climbs up over a small hill and comes back out near the shelter. A short connecting track leads back to the carpark. The track is named after Dr Leonard Cockayne, a renowned botanist, who provided the original inspiration to create Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Getting there

Most of the short walks start at or near the Arthur's Pass village, on SH 73, about 150 km from Christchurch.

Several bus services run between Christchurch and the West Coast daily, stopping at the village. The Tranzalpine scenic train journey also stops at Arthur's Pass.