10 minute read
8 TOP WALKS IN MARLBOROUGH & NELSON
© AA Traveller 2021
1. WAINUI FALLS TRACK
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Where is it? The track begins from a car park at Wainui Bay, about 20km northeast of Tākaka. Look for the directional sign about 300m after crossing the Wainui River Bridge.
Good to know: Stay together as a group and keep children close as the track has some steep drop-offs in places.
Be prepared: Ensure you take food and water and wear sturdy footwear.
Need to know: 1hr 20min; 3.4km return. Low to moderate fitness required. Gentle, 1 flight of stairs. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Start by crossing farmland for a short distance, then walk through a forest of nīkau palms, rātā trees and ferns. The track climbs rapidly alongside spectacular granite boulders, following the Wainui River. There’s a great suspension bridge on the way; below this you can see old logs piled up after massive floods. You will know you are close to the falls when you can hear the sound of rushing water. Return to the Wainui Bay car park on the same track. After the walk, take some time to explore nearby Tākaka, a town full of character and friendly faces. The town is the main centre for Golden Bay with a range of accommodation options, restaurants and cafés – including some of the finest organic, vegetarian and vegan cafés in New Zealand. If you’re interested in art and craft, you will want to follow the Art Trail.
2. ABEL TASMAN COAST TRACK
Bridge crossing, Abel Tasman © Lightstyle
Where is it? Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Tasman region.
Terrain: Well-marked and signposted,but some sections may be steep and rough and the track could be muddy. There is one compulsory tidal crossing.
Know before you go: Check tide times for crossing Awaroa Inlet. There are four huts and 19 campsites along the track, which must be booked in advance year round. Get in quick as this track is very popular. Note: 1080 operation at times; some track sections will close.
Need to know: 5 days/4 nights; 60km. Medium fitness required. Intermediate tramping track. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: On the first day, cross the Mārahau causeway and walk through coastal forest. The track turns inland and later descends into Anchorage Bay. The next day you will cross the Torrent Bay Estuary and walk through forested areas then return to the coast at Bark Bay. On the third day, walk across Bark Bay estuary or follow the all-tide track. After climbing over Tonga Saddle, descend to Awaroa Inlet. The following day, cross Awaroa Inlet (tidal) and continue along the track, alternating between sandy beaches and rocky headlands, until Whariwharangi Bay. On the last day climb the saddle overlooking the Wainui Inlet. The track goes down to the shore and follows the estuary to Wainui Bay car park.
3. TĀKAKA HILL WALKWAY
Tākaka Hill © Adobe Stock
Where is it? Start at the Tākaka Hill Summit, 32km from Tākaka Township, 147 Tākaka Hill Highway.
Terrain: Tramping trails, gravel roads, farm and 4WD tracks.
Need to know: 2-3hrs; 5.1km. Average fitness required. Intermediate tramping track. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: A well-marked trail that offers great views and all sorts of botanical and geological curiosities. Sometimes it’s referred to as Marble Mountain because this is limestone country which means you’ll find all sorts of interesting shapes in the rocks. With the highest point 950m above sea level, on a clear day the views are breathtaking; looking east you’ll see out to the Tasman Mountains in Kahurangi National Park as well as across to Tākaka Valley and Golden Bay. Do remember that this track is on private land, so please be respectful.
4. HEAPHY TRACK
Where is it? Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Tasman and West Coast regions.
Terrain: Well-formed and well-marked track. All major stream and river crossings are bridged.
Good to know: Four-day hike. Climb to Flanaghans Corner, the highest point at 915m before descending to Heaphy River. 1080 operation at times and some track sections will close. As one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, this track is very popular and all huts must be booked in advance especially from late October to late April. From 1 May to 30 November mountain bikers also use this track.
Need to know: 4 days/3 nights; 78.4km. Medium fitness required. Intermediate tramping track. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: One end of the track is near Collingwood, Golden Bay. The first day starts at Brown Hut. Hike up to Aorere Shelter and enjoy views over the valley. The viewpoint at Flanaghans Corner is the highest point (915m). On the next day you’ll walk through areas of tussock and beech trees. Enjoy the expansive tussocklands of Gouland Downs and views of the Tasman Sea and Heaphy River. On the third day, descend to the Heaphy River then continue through native forest. Approaching the river mouth, there are more nīkau palms and the sound of the ocean on the wild West Coast. On the last day follow the track along the rugged coastline and pass through native forests. Pass Crayfish Point (tidal) and rest at Scotts Beach. Climb over Kohaihai Bluff and continue along by the river until the Kohaihai car park (near Karamea, north of Westport).
5. QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK
Queen Charlotte Track © Bare Kiwi
Where is it? In Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru sounds. Most people start at Meretoto, Ship Cove and head to Mistletoe Bay in Anakiwa, although you can do it in either direction.
Terrain: Well-formed tracks, steep, rough and muddy in some places. All major stream and river crossings have bridges.
Pedal power: This trail is also one of Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails’ Great Rides. Please note that even though cycling on this track is permitted all year round, the section between Meretoto/Ship Cove and Kenepuru Saddle is closed to cyclists during the busy summer season from 1 December to the end of February.
Need to know: No dogs. 3-5 days one way; 71km. Intermediate fitness required. Some climbing.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Have a boat drop you off at Ship Cove and, once you’ve explored this historic site and enjoyed the interpretation panels, set off through bush and admire the beech forest. After just 50min, you’ll be greeted by a stunning view across Queen Charlotte Sound before starting your descent into Resolution Bay and the DOC’s Schoolhouse Bay campsite. From here it’s another three hours to Endeavour Inlet, partially following the shore, before another four hours brings you to Camp Bay campsite. Pressing on to Torea Saddle, this is the most challenging portion, but the view from the ridge will see all your cares evaporate. Onwards to Mistletoe Bay, about four hours from Torea Saddle, then another four hours sees you pop out in Anakiwa. Here there’s a jetty, so you can arrange water transport to whisk you back to wherever you want to go to next.
6. LAKE CHALICE HUT WALK
Where is it? Staircase Rd, Mt Richmond Forest Park, Marlborough Region.
Terrain: Well-maintained tramping tracks, sometimes steep and rocky.
Take care: Wasps can be a bit of a problem, with the worst time of year between December and April. Sandflies can also be an issue.
Good to know: Forestry operations can close roads – Goulter Rd closed during the weekends.
Need to know: 1hr to hut; 2.6km 2hr 30min loop from hut; 6.5km. Strong fitness required. Sometimes steep and rocky Access for dogs with DOC permit only.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Leaving the car park, you’ll go down a steep track through forest and bush to the hut which is found at the eastern end of the peaceful two kilometre-long alpine lake. The hut has eight beds which are available on a first come, first served basis. Once at the hut, having claimed your bunk space, the loop around this beautiful body of water makes for a charming walk; it will take about two hours to complete your circumnavigation. There is a fireplace at the hut which is most welcome on cooler nights and if the skies are clear the stargazing is amazing.
7. LAKE ROTOITI CIRCUIT
Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes © Nelson Tasman Tourism
Where is it? Start from Kerr Bay on Lake Rotoiti near St Arnaud.
Terrain: Bush tracks, some of them challenging, muddy after rain.
Still waters: Along the way you’ll see a sign for Whiskey Falls, named for an illicit still found there in the 1880s. This requires a short detour but is worth it if time is on your side.
Need to know: 7-10 hr loop track; 23-31km loop track. Strong fitness required. Advanced tramping track. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Your walk begins at Kerr Bay, where you’ll also find information panels telling you everything you need to know to tackle this walk. Following the markers, head along the eastern side of the lake which is fringed with mountains, notably majestic 1421m Pōrangahau (Mt Robert). Bird fanciers will stop to admire everything from korimako/bellbirds, pīwakawaka/fantails, toutouwai/robins and titipounamu/rifleman. Little spotted kiwi are also resident around here. After about three hours of walking through beautiful bush and beech forest and having crossed a couple of streams, you’ll arrive at Lake Head Jetty. Twenty minutes later you’ll find Lake Head Hut, which isn’t far from a picturesque swing bridge. Follow the markers to Travers River, then join up with Lower Travers Valley Track which will take you to Coldwater Hut. This section is more challenging, with a steady and relatively steep climb heading away from the lake before reaching a gravel road which goes to West Bay. Joining the Peninsula Nature Walk, the trails become easier, until it reaches the western end of Kerr Bay, back where you started.
8. SPEARGRASS TRACK
Bushline Hut, Nelson Lakes © Nelson Tasman Tourism
Where is it? Set off from the car park at Mt Robert Rd, a short drive from St Arnaud on SH 63.
Terrain: Well-graded tramping tracks, mostly flat except for a climb at either end.
Need to know: 2.5hr each way; 7.4km. Intermediate fitness required. Easy to intermediate tramping track. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Make your way down from the car park, and follow the river for a decent chunk of the walk before beginning your climb to the hut; you’ll know when you’re close to your destination when you cross the sturdy bridge over Te Horowai/Speargrass Creek. The track is largely flat although do expect a bit of uphill work at either end. When you arrive at Speargrass Hut you’ll find a very cosy double-glazed well-insulated 12-bunk hut. It’s serviced, there are mattresses and a wood burner for heating. Operating on a first-come first-served basis, you can also camp out the front on the pretty grassy clearing if you’d rather. Very peaceful.
