Charming Creek Walkway

Scenery and history combine as you walk along an historic bush tramway through the lower Ngākawau Gorge and the Charming Creek valley to the abandoned Charming Creek Coal Mine, passing historic saw milling and mining remains. The gorge nestles among steep bluffs while below, water foams past immense boulders in the riverbed.

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 toarrange transport to and from the track ends.

ACCESS FOR DOGS ON LEAD ONLY

TIME & DISTANCE: 2hr one way; 9.5km one way.

FITNESS: Low-moderate fitness required.

TERRAIN: Undulating trail.

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.

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