New Zealand Walks: Hacket Track a feature in Mt

Hacket Track a feature in Mt Richmond Forest Park By Yvonne van Eerden

The weather was very mild in Nelson with no wind and looked like being a good day for tramping, so we headed to the Mt Richmond Forest Park about 30 minutes from Nelson in the Aniseed Valley where we would walk the Hacket Track.

The Hacket Track carpark had a very good sign showing where we were and where we would go. Hacket Hut was 5.8 km two hours (each way) and Whispering Falls was about 30 minutes from the crossroads further on the Hacket Track.

We headed off and crossed the bridge over the Roding River. Everything was very nice and green.

Above: On the way beside the Roding River to the Hacket Hut. Below left: A slip where you had to be careful navigating.

This area was new to us so there was plenty of scenery for us to absorb and take photos of. We planned to be out for the day bringing along our lunch and of course tea, we were in no rush.

We first walked on a 4WD road enjoying our surroundings then came across the swing bridge which was fun to cross, then just off the 4WD road came the walking track beside the Hacket Creek.

The track was in great condition other than one slip where you had to be very cautious and help each other. The track changed from being smooth with pine needles to rocky and uneven but this was just fine.

At the Hacket Track crossroad with Whispering Falls we had morning tea and spoke to a tramper who was doing part of the Te Araroa Walkway. We also met a friendly robin who enjoyed our company. Hacket Hut was in a very nice grassy area with trees further around.

We picked out a shady area under some trees to have our lunch and we were joined by another tramper who was heading to the Starveall Hut for an overnight as she was also doing a part of the Te Araroa Trail..

After a good lunch we headed back to go to Whispering Falls. We had to cross the river as the bridge Above: At the beginning of the track.

Below left: Hacket Hut.

Below right: The first swing bridge. It was huge.

Hacket Track a feature in Mt Richmond Forest Park

Above left: Crossing the river to the Whispering Falls. Above right: A friendly robin.

Below left: The waterfall was like a chandelier. This was the first one we came to then walked further to the next waterfall.

Below right: The second waterall. This was certainly an incredible place to visit. had been washed away in 2013.

After checking out the best place to cross we made sure we had good footing as the rocks were very slippery but the water level was fine. We had been warned that if there had been rain the river would be uncrossable. The first waterfall was like a huge chandelier, just amazing. We continued on as we knew there were actually two waterfalls. It was a little wet underfoot but the track was very safe and well marked.

The second waterfall was whispering, we were mezmerised by the falls and so delighted that we had crossed the river to see the falls. It was an amazing sight. We had never seen anything like it in our lifetime so it was a very unique special place for sure.

We wandered back to cross the river again and with our soaking wet boots headed back to the car park, soon enough our boots were only a little wet and we had no problem walking. We were cautious again at the slip and crossed safely.

As usual we had a fabulous day out enjoying everything we saw. A great place to visit and I am sure we will go again sometime in the future when we visit Nelson.