Introduction Look after the environment Waiuta

Victoria Forest Park is the largest park of its type in All native plants, wildlife, natural features and historic sites Access the country. Covering an area of 206,000 hectares it are strictly protected. Please take your rubbish away and One of the West Coast’s best known ghost towns, incorporates the Victoria and Brunner Ranges and the light fires only in proper fireplaces. signposted from the Reefton highway (SH7), 21 km south upper catchments of the Inangahua, Maruia and Upper of Reefton. Follow the sealed and shingle road a further 16 It is essential that hunting permits are obtained from Grey Rivers. km to Waiuta. The road is suitable for most vehicles. the Department of Conservation before any hunting There is access to the park via a network of tracks, many expeditions. Please check that dogs are permitted in Accommodation is available at Waiuta Lodge and dating from the mining days with relics amid regenerated the areas you intend to visit. bookings can be made at the Reefton Visitor Centre. forest. Others lead to untouched landscapes with stunning There are also several informal camping sites. A detailed river, lake and mountain scenery, as well as pristine beech brochure on Waiuta is available. forest. There are several Ecological Areas and a wildlife Reefton All walks are signposted from the information site on Top corridor. Walks described in this brochure can take Road. anything from a few minutes to a couple of days. Times Reefton Heritage Walk (Reefton Historic Trust Board) given are for walking only, so allow extra for resting and Time: 30 minutes round trip Waiuta Town Walk enjoying the views. This walk starts from the Reefton Visitor Centre and Time: 1 hour 30 minute, round trip passes 24 historic buildings, many dating from the Distance: 2 km More information on these tracks and other recreational 19th century. These include shops, churches, lodges, the This walk circumnavigates the town, passing the opportunities is available at the Reefton Visitor Centre. courthouse and the Reefton School of Mines. Blackwater mine, the remains of shops, old house sites and recreation areas. Historic photos depicting the town Bottled Lightning Powerhouse Walk (Reefton Historic Look after yourself are interpreted along the walk. Trust Board) Swimming Pool Walk The shorter walks can be covered by moderately fit people Time: 40 minutes round trip wearing suitable footwear and equipped with warm, Starts from Reefton Visitor Centre and heads up Time: 15 minutes, round trip weather-proof clothing, a small first aid kit and something Broadway to a footbrige over the Inangahua River Distance: 450 m to eat and drink. Longer walks and overnight tramps which gives access to the powerhouse site. It was here This track leads to the town pool which, although naturally call for something extra in terms of stamina, that New Zealand’s first public display of electricity was intact, is now surrounded by regenerating bush. Mine equipment, experience and provisions. generated in 1888. Return via the Rosstown Road and the buildings and foundations can be visited on the return leg. main highway bridge. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly on Prohibition Mine and Ball Mill the tops. Rain can quickly make even small streams Alborns Track Time: 5 min one way, driving treacherous to cross. Before starting out it is best to check Time: 1 hour 30 minute loop Distance: 2.2 km one way with Reefton Visitor Centre for the latest weather and track Distance: 2.7 km “Pro Road” winds to the top of the country’s information. Begins at a car park 9 km along Soldiers Road, deepest mineshaft (879m) where there are fine views from a 580m altitude. The old foundations of a Ball Mill where Wasps are particularly common from December to April. which leaves the Reefton highway (SH7) just south of town. quartz was ground to extract gold can also be seen. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings. Scattered among old coal mine workings are remains of makeshift winch equipment, including an old Leyland lorry. Snowy Battery Track It is also important to leave details of intended routes and Other features are distinctive coal measure vegetation and Time: 2 hours 30 minutes return expected time of return with a reliable contact. views of the Victoria and Paparoa Ranges. Distance: 5.1 km Maps: A reliable compass and map in the NZTopo50 Tawhai Walk A well formed down hill track leads you to the 1:50,000 series are recommended for the longer walks and remains of a massive gold extraction plant, including large Time: 5 minute loop overnight tramps. cyanide tanks and machinery foundations. Return by the Distance: 250 m Warning: There are many hazards associated with former same track or by either following the water race from the Just south of the Reefton Saddle on the mine areas such as exposed shafts and drives, decaying battery to the powerhouse site then up a gentle graded Reefton highway (SH7) is a picnic area with tap water and structures and equipment, and industrial waste. It is track to Waiuta; or from the powerhouse, crossing the river a toilet. A track suitable for wheelchairs (assisted only) therefore important that you stay on roads and tracks and to Hukarere Road for a prearranged pick up. goes through beech forest. do not enter tunnels.

Other things to see and do More information Reefton Visitor centre www.doc.govt.nz The distinctive Reefton Centre has full track information, Walks and activities in the fascinating beech forest and mining displays and a range The ecological areas and conservation lands in Victoria Reefton area of conservation retail products. Forest Park and the Reefton area are administered by the Department of Conservation as part of the West WEST COAST TAI POUTINI Reefton Slab Hut Coast Tai Poutini Conservancy. The local management This replica pioneer dwelling on Reefton’s main street and conservation work in this area is provided by the evokes memories of the early town. Greymouth Mawheranui Area Office and the Reefton Field Reefton School of Mines Centre. An historic building, renowned for its mineral collection. Enquire at the visitor centre for visits by arrangement. Greymouth Mawheranui Area Office Blacks Point Museum Department of Conservation An old church, 2 km from Reefton along the Lewis Pass PO Box 370 highway, contains photographs and relics from early mines Greymouth and settlements. The former Morning Star battery behind Ph 03 768 0427 the museum operates regularly. Fax 03 768 7417 Fishing The district is an angler’s paradise, famous for its brown Brochures, maps, hut tickets and trout. The Inangahua, Grey and Waitahu rivers and Larrys general information are available Protect plants and Creek are all worth a try. from these offices: animals Remove rubbish Hunting Reefton Visitor Centre Game includes red and fallow deer, chamois, goats, pigs 67-69 Broadway Bury toilet waste and possums. Inquire at the Greymouth Mawheranui Area PO Box 100 Keep streams and Office regarding permits. Reefton lakes clean Mountain biking Ph 03 732 8391 Take care Reefton has an exciting supply of mountain biking tracks Fax 03 732 8616 with fires that use old historic roads and pack tracks. Although they West Coast Tai Poutini Camp carefully are suited to riders with reasonable skill levels and fitness, Conservancy Office Keep to the track they are of good quality, with historic features, wilderness Department of Conservation value, and moderate gradients. For the more adventurous, Consider others Private Bag 701 there are unused historic tracks and forest roads around Respect our cultural 10 Sewell Street Reefton that can be explored (permission must be granted heritage Hokitika where mining or forestry activities and private lands are Ph 03 756 9100 Enjoy your visit concerned.) Fax 03 756 9195 Toitu te whenua email: [email protected] (Leave the land Safety undisturbed)

Published by Any problems or comments on the tracks please pass Department of Conservation onto any of the offices listed. If it is a safety issue you may West Coast Tai Poutini Conservancy contact: Private Bag 701 Hokitika (photo: Gordon Roberts) Waiuta 2010 Crown copyright

9 421005 173819 > Waitahu Track (links Murray Creek with Waitahu Valley) Rahu Saddle Routes Big River Time: 2 hours Distance: 3 km Access: From the Reefton side of the Rahu Saddle on the One of the most intact mining areas, it has a remarkable This historic pack track turns off the top of the Lewis Pass highway, four routes lead toward or onto the array of goldmining relics including a poppet head and Murray Creek circuit, dropping down at an easy grade to Victoria Range tops. steam winder. There is also a 20 bunk hut. connect with the Kirwins Track network via an impressive suspension bridge over the Waitahu River. Duffy Creek Route Access: Walking access is either from Waiuta or the Lewis Pass highway 11 km east of Reefton. 4WD access is from A popular mountain biking circuit from Reefton starts on Time: 3 hours return Reefton via Soldiers Road. the Murray Creek Track, continues along the Waitahu Track Distance: 4.4 km return and exits at Gannons Road (approx. 5 hours for round trip). Leads to a large ephemeral lake with fine views of Four wheel drive granite cliffs at the head of the valley. Time: 4 hours return A four wheel drive track starts 9 km along Kirwans Lake Stream Route Soldiers Road, after the Alborns Track Ti m e : 3 h o u r s 3 0 m i n u t e s o n e w a y t o h u t carpark. Soldiers Road turnoff is signposted on SH7, just Access: From the end of Boatmans Road which turns off Distance: 7.2 km one way south of Reefton. the Reefton highway 12 km north of Reefton. The rough track leads to a clearing with two small tarns, plenty of camping space and a two-bunk hut. The track, twisting through regenerating beech forest, Kirwans Track Unmarked track from this point takes 45 minutes to the passes many mining sites before opening out to the barren Time: 2 or 3 days, round trip bushline and another 45 minutes to a saddle with views Big River settlement. This track is for experienced four Distance: 39.8 km over into Maruia valley. wheel drivers only. There is a steady six-hour climb up a well- Waiuta to Big River formed pack track to the modern Kirwans hut (12 bunk) Mt Haast Route near the bushline. A 50 minute side trip up to 1297 metre Time: 6 hours return Time: 3.5 to 5 hours one way Kirwans Hill provides views of a ruggedly beautiful part of Distance: 10.7 km Distance: 5 km return the Victoria Range. From open-cast quartz mine workings A two hour climb to the bushline on a well formed The track is signposted from “Pro Road” near the hut, a steep descent partly follows the line of an Waiuta. It follows an old benched pack track and passes route, then another hour along the right-hand ridge to old cableway to the Lord Brassey stamper battery. The a pyramid-shaped peak of 1,587m Mt Haast, providing the Big River South Mine, the St George Mine and stamper track descends further to the 6-bunk Montgomerie Hut. battery, and other old mining sites. spectacular views of nearby glacial valleys and the Main From the hut, a rough four-wheel drive road leads down Divide. Big River to Inangahua River the Waitahu Valley to Gannons bridge, where a short track Klondyke Routes Time: 6 to 7 hours one way returns to Boatmans road end. Mountain biking is generally Time/Distance (one way) Distance: 10.1 km only done on the pack track from Boatmans carpark to Right route (valley): 2 hours; 4.5 km The journey passes the Golden Lead Battery historic Kirwins hut. Left route (spur): 2 hours 30 minutes; 2km site and joins the Progress Water Race Track, to finish at An alternative route can be taken on the return trip to the Inangahua Swingbridge Picnic area. Parts of the track Reefton by taking the Waitahu Track and connecting with The Klondyke Valley route leads you up the valley to a are quite steep and become more difficult in wet weather. the Murray Creek circuit, finishing at Blacks Point. tussock basin enclosed by steep granite cliffs. Rewards include fine views and forest changes plus Larry’s Creek Track The Klondyke Spur route is a steeper climb leading above historic relics including coalmine trams, sawmills, hut sites the bushline onto the ridge, providing spectacular views of and a quartz battery. Time: 1 hour 30 minutes return the Victoria Range. Experienced trampers may continue Distance: 4.8 km return along the spur and drop into the right branch of the Rahu The track starts at the end of a 6km forestry road, River to join with the valley route as a round trip. Inangahua Suspension Bridge which turns off SH69 just over the Larry River bridge, 16km Do not attempt to take a low sidle as this will lead you north of Reefton. It follows the true right bank of Larry to dangerous bluffs. Access: 11 km east of Reefton on the Lewis Pass highway. River, winding through beech forest and ending at the Progress Water Race Track old Caledonian goldmine where historic remnants can be seen. Care must be taken crossing Larry River. Slab Hut Creek Time: 2 hours return Distance: 5 km return The acces road is signposted 7 km south of Reefton on The suspension footbridge crosses the Inangahua the Reefton highway (SH7). A popular and recreational River, leading to a good track which follows the disused goldpanning area. Facilities include picnic table and water race, occasionally crossing side gullies via steps. barbeque sites, toilets and water. A self registration The track ends at the Deep Creek-Inangahua River camping system is operated here. confluence. Those walkers who have more time on their hands can continue on to the Golden Lead Battery. Golden Lead Battery historic site Time: 6 hours return from Inangahua Swingbridge Distance: 6.3 km return Follow the Progress Water Race walking track (above), then continue along the Big River/Inangahua track. This rougher track climbs and descends numerous spurs and crosses two bridges to reach the restored Golden Lead Battery, which stands in a small grassy clearing. In the fine weather it is possible to walk in the creekbed, avoiding the steeper sections of the track. Golden Lead Battery (photo: Jim Staton) Slab Hut Creek (photo: DOC)

Murray Creek / Blacks Point Track standards

Access: An extensive track system starts at the Murray EasyE access short Creek carpark at Blacks Point, 2 km east of Reefton on wwalk - wheelchair the Lewis Pass highway. Access can also be gained from aaccessible Lankeys Creek and the Waitahu Valley. SShort walk - easy Golden Fleece Battery Walk walkingw for up to an hour Time: 15 minutes round trip Distance: 550 m WalkingW track - gentle Begins on the Murray Creek Track, then drops walkingw from a few through the bush to a bridge across the creek, where it minutesm to a day passes through the former Morning Star stamping battery site and comes out near the Blacks Point Museum. TrampingT track - backcountryb skills and Murray Creek Track experiencee needed Time: 5 hours round trip RouteR - navigation and Distance: 9.7 km highh level backcountry Encompasses the Inglewood and Ajax skillss and experience gold mines, Chandlers open-cast coal pit and the site of required.r Cement Town. Relics include mine shafts, a steam winch, boilers and a stamping battery. The track starts and ends MountainM Biking - at the carpark. The best access for mountain bikers is up trackstr in this area are the historic Murray Creek Road. If biking the circuit, be suitablesu for intermediate aware that the track between the Ajax Mine and Blacks to advanced Point is for advanced riders only. Lankey Creek Tram Track Time: 2 hours to join with Murray Creek Track Distance: 4 km Starts at the Lankey Creek carpark on the main highway about 3 km east of Blacks Point. The track climbs steeply to a tram formation that overlooks the Inangahua River and Lankey Creek. Here, there are old coal and gold mines with remains of winches and a battery. The track joins the Murray Creek Track just past the Energetic Gold Mine site. Turn left here to continue back to the main highway at Blacks Point (35 minutes), or for a longer walk continue on the Murray Creek loop (4.5hours).