11 minute read
9 TOP WEST COAST WALKS
© AA Traveller 2021
1. OPARARA ARCH WALK
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Where is it?
McCallums Mill Rd, 25km north of Karamea.
Oparara Arch © West Coast Tourism NZ
Terrain: Well-formed easy tramping track.
Need to know: McCallums Mill Rd is narrow and steep with a gravel surface, so large vehicles and campervans are not permitted. Maximum height restriction of 2.8m. 1080 operation at times, some sections may close. Check alerts. Under an hour; 2km return. Basic fitness required. Easy tramping track.
TRACK OVERVIEW: A great little walk for people of all ages. Choose the left track just before you reach the Oparara Bridge and the track will take you along the river, through beech and podocarp forest and then dense native bush, eventually arriving at phenomenal limestone outcrops. In a short time you’ll reach the impressive limestone Oparara Arch, thought to be the largest of its kind in Australasia. Featuring exquisite shapes and colours, when the light is right, this place is heaven for painters and photographers.
2. CHARMING CREEK WALKWAY
Charming Creek © Adobe Stock
Where is it?
There are normally two points of access to the walkway but due to an active and highly dangerous slip the southern end access that is clearly signposted from SH 67 at Ngākawau, 35km northeast of Westport, is currently closed. The northern end is open and access is through Seddonville, 50km northeast of Westport on SH 67, and 10km along a gravel road to the walkway entrance at the abandoned Charming Creek mine site. Contact Westport i-SITE Visitor Centre on 03 789 6658 to arrange transport to and from the track ends.
Need to know: 2hr one way; 9.5km one way. Low-moderate fitness required. Undulating trail. Access for dogs on lead only.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Please note: Mangatini Falls is currently inaccessible from the southern end access from SH 67 at Ngākawau, 35km northeast of Westport due to a large slip. The falls can be accessed from the northern end through Seddonville, 50km northeast of Westport on SH 67. Ngākawau track end to Watson’s Mill (3.5km; 1hr 15min one-way): The track starts with an easy 30min walk to an area where bins historically used for transporting timber and coal can be seen. From here the track enters the Lower Ngākawau Gorge and follows on to the suspension bridge, where you can admire views up and down the gorge. The impressive Mangatini Falls are visible from the track beyond the bridge. A 50m tunnel leads to a section of track called the Verandah with brilliant views of the river and Upper Ngākawau Gorge. The track then leads to the river flats of Charming Creek and the historic site of Watson’s Mill. Watson’s Mill to the historic Charming Creek mine entrance/car park (6km; 1hr 45min one-way): From Watson’s Mill follow the old railway tracks through old cutover and farm paddocks to Mumm’s Mill site. The track then leads onto the old Charming Creek mine entrance and car park. Charming Creek Walkway is made up of two sections and can be walked in either direction. Low-to-moderate fitness is required on this undulating track.
3. CAPE FOULWIND WALKWAY
Where is it?
The track is about 16km southwest of Westport. Follow Cape Foulwind Rd (SH 67A) for 11km to the former Holcim cement works. Turn left into Tauranga Bay Rd to access the Tauranga Bay car park (southern end). For visitors doing the longer walk, which includes the seal colony and the lighthouse, there is access from Cape Foulwind lighthouse car park (northern end).
Need to know: The walk is one-way and you'll need to arrange transport from Cape Foulwind car park or return along the same walkway. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather on this coastal walk; carry a weatherproof or windproof jacket, hat and gloves. 1hr 15min; 3.4km one way (car park to seal colony 30min, 1km return). Low-moderate fitness required. Flat/undulating track. Access for dogs on a lead only.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Starting at the southern end of the walkway, a short walk from the Tauranga Bay car park takes you along the fully wheelchair-accessible path to the viewpoint overlooking the Tauranga Bay seal colony. You can then return to the Tauranga Bay car park or continue the walking track over undulating farmland with an occasional stile over fences to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse and car park. From the viewing platform near the lighthouse, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Paparoa Range and Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana and along the western coastline, both north and south.
4. PAPAROA TRACK & PIKE29 MEMORIAL TRACK
Where is it?
The track runs from Blackball on the eastern side of the Paparoa Range to Punakāiki on the western side.
TRACK OVERVIEW:
Day 1: Beginning near Blackball on the existing Croesus Track, with remnants of the area’s gold-mining history, the track ascends through beech and podocarp forest before crossing alpine scrub and tussock. You’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the Grey River to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west. Day 2: Open tops give way to alpine forest stunted by the harsh environment. Continue along the escarpment with sheer drops and stunning views down the Pike Stream in the east, west to Punakāiki and northwest to Westport. After descending, walk through ancient podocarp forest under towering cliffs. Day 3: Hike down into the upper Pororari River valley. The track sidles a spectacular gorge and descend towards the coast through beech forest interspersed with northern rātā. Experience the lower gorge with its limestone cliffs; and pass through lush rainforest with glades of nīkau palms. The track ends near Punakāiki.
Paparoa Track © Stewart Nimmo
There will soon be the option to walk the Pike29 Memorial Track on day two. Here, a memorial will tell the story of the 29 men that died in the Pike River Mine disaster.
5. TRUMAN TRACK
Where is it?
From SH 6, the track starts 3km north of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre in Punakāiki.
Terrain: Well-formed and maintained paths.
Need to know: No dogs. 30min; 1.4km return. Easy walking track. Basic fitness required.
TRACK OVERVIEW The short but delightful Truman Track takes walkers through pristine subtropical forest where flourishing stands of rātā loom above the path and nīkau palms are found. If the forest alone wasn’t pretty enough, eventually you will pop out on to the fabulous cliff-lined coast with caves, a blowhole and a waterfall that thunders onto a rocky beach. Go down the stairway to gain access to the beach, but know this is a very boisterous coastline so keep your wits about you as you explore. And be respectful of the wildlife; you’ll see all sorts down here from petrels to fur seals, weka to Hector's dolphins and, when the kōwhai are in flower, the birds flock to this neck of the woods. If it’s low tide and you’ve time to explore the rock pools, look out for the magnificent starfish who also live here.
6. POINT ELIZABETH WALKWAY
Where is it?
Point Elizabeth Walkway is a 15-minute/12.5km drive north of Greymouth.
Terrain: This is a level and well-maintained track suitable for adults as well as little ones with energy to burn.
Need to know: 1hr 45min; 5.5km one way. Basic fitness required. Easy walking track.
TRACK OVERVIEW: At just over 5.5km and taking roughly 1 hour 45 minutes one way,you’re not in the wilderness for long but while you're walking, it feels remote and intrepid with few others on the track. Following an old water race built by 19th century gold miners and weaving in and out of subtropical rainforest, there is a thick forest canopy overhead and, due to its proximity to the coast, a roar of pounding surf as the soundtrack.While it is graded as easy (it’s relatively flat and suitable for families with children) you’re vulnerable to nature’s wild elements, so be prepared.Rugged coastline and the decidedly rocky Point Elizabeth lookout add to the excitement, affording glorious views of the West Coast, while the birdlife, extensive in number, put on quite a show.
7. HOKITIKA GORGE WALK
Hokitika Gorge © West Coast Tourism
Where is it?
Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve, Whitcombe Valley Rd, 33km east of Hokitika.
Terrain: Boardwalks, bush tracks, well maintained.
Be prepared: Pack insect repellent for sandflies.
Need to know: No dogs. 30min return; 650m each way. Basic fitness required. Easy tramping track.
TRACK OVERVIEW: The walking track starts at the car park and, after the first few steps, you’ll find yourself in a cool and impressive podocarp forest .Very soon, you’ll pop out onto the viewing platform. When you look down the magnificent Hokitika Gorge, you’ll see how powerfully water carves its way through the land, capable of creating impressive gorges like this one. Up to this point, the track is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. From here, go another short distance along elegantly constructed board walks until you reach a swing bridge for a glimpse of the turquoise waters of the Hokitika River flowing through the gorge. For more views, cross the swing bridge to another platform providing more stunning vistas.
8. FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER WALKWAY
Where is it?
Head south from the Franz Josef township then turn left onto Glacier Access Rd. Starts from the car park at the end of the road.
Need to know: 1hr 30min return; 5.4km. Low fitness required. Easy tramping track. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: At just over 5.5km and taking roughly 1 hour 45 minutes one way, you’re not in the wilderness for long but while you're walking, it feels remote and intrepid with few others on the track. Following an old water race built by 19th century gold miners and weaving in and out of subtropical rainforest, there is a thick forest canopy overhead and, due to its proximity to the coast, a roar of pounding surf as the soundtrack. While it is graded as easy (it’s relatively flat and suitable for families with children) you’re vulnerable to nature’s wild elements, so be prepared. Rugged coastline and the decidedly rocky Point Elizabeth lookout add to the excitement, affording glorious views of the West Coast, while the birdlife, extensive in number, put on quite a show.
9. LAKE MATHESON WALK
Where is it?
From Fox Glacier township, turn onto Cook Flat Rd. Travel 5km then turn right onto the side-road to Lake Matheson.
Need to know: Car park to jetty 40min; 1km return Lake Circuit 1.5hr; 2.6km return. Low fitness required. Easy walking with some undulations. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: The first section to Jetty Viewpoint is suitable for assisted wheelchairs. After crossing the Clearwater suspension bridge, the walk leads past tall kahikatea and rimu as well as a rich profusion of smaller plants. The jetty provides a magnificent mountain view reflected in the dark waters. From Jetty Viewpoint, continue further around the lake and you'll find a similarly magnificent mountain reflection shrouded in native foliage at the ‘View of Views’ at the top end of the lake, and again at Reflection Island. Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. Overnight camping is not permitted in or near the car park. Drones are not permitted.
Guided tour on Franz Josef Glacier © Adobe Stock
