The Wangapeka Track
Updated 12th August 2008		"Run For Trampers By Trampers"

By Peter Kemp

Introduction  

The Wangapeka track can be walked in 4-5days comfortably. Expect any weather at any time of the year.Pack a fly rod as some of the rivers offer good fishing. We spent 9 days on and around the Wangapeka Track and because it was the middle of winter we had the whole track to ourselves.I haven’t gone into to much detail about our trip.But have included as many photos as I can for you to explore and plan your trip.If you want more detail contact us info@nelsonlakesshuttles.co.nz

Transport 

Most trampers walk The Wangapeka Track from East to West. This is by far the easier way to tackle the track. There are a number of Transport operators that run services from Nelson to the start of the track at Rolling River. Nelson Lakes Shuttles being one of them. Also the same applies to the Karamea end of the track. Unfortunetly it’s not advisable to leave your own car at either end of the track because of vandals. Another option is to get friends or family to drop you off or pick you up.

Rolling River Junction – Kings Creek Hut  3 – 4 Hours  

This section is easy walking with plenty of time to swim in the Wangapeka River.The old Kiwi Log Cabin is worth a visit and is still comfortable to sleep in.They don't make good old huts like these anymore. I miss the funny cartoon signs that Ross Curtis installed along this section. For some insane reason they were removed when he resigned as the Park Ranger. Kings Creek Hut is large and has two sleeping quarters. I must say it's not one of my favourite huts as it has no character and is often dark and damp. Cecil Kings old Hut is only 5 minutes up the track and you can still feel his presence in the hut.

Wangapeka Track	Kiwi Log Cabin (This Hut Has Been Removed)
Kings Creek Hut	Cecil Kings Hut

Kings Creek Hut - Stone Hut 2 – 3 Hours

Another easy stroll up to Stone Hut.The Wangapeka River branchs just above Cecil Kings Hut where there's a old sign which is self explanatory about the South Branch Wangapeka.(see photo above). As you travel up the North Branch Wangapeka check out the rapids & pools below the track. There are still a few Blue Ducks about.

There are a couple of good day trips from Stone Hut. Nugget Knob, Biggs Tops or Mt Luna offer wonderful views. I've done a couple of good alternative trips from this hut. Hurricane Hut in the Matiri Valley is one long day from here. Half way along the ridge there's a good Tarn to camp if you want to break the trip. 

Another trip is to climb Mt Luna and walk along the ridge to Kiwi Saddle Hut and either drop down to the Wangapeka Track or spend a couple of more days continuing along to John Reid Hut.Then drop down Chummies Track and back onto the road. 

Old Stone Hut	New Stone Hut
Stone Creek	The Wangapeka Saddle

Stone Hut – Helicopter Hut 4 – 5 Hours  

After leaving the hut you cross a huge slip from the 1929 earthquake and climb up to the Wangapeka saddleThe saddle is not high and you are still below the tree line. The rest of the trip to Helicopter hut is a down hill stroll crossing the as yet small Karamea River three times.There's a flood track for the last two crossings if the river is in flood. Helicopter Hut is well insulated and has a really efficient wood burner.

From the Wangapeka Saddle there's the option of crossing over the Biggs Tops to Trevor Carter Hut. Pick the weather as this route is very exposed in bad weather. A number of years ago a couple of College boys got caught out in a blizzard and lost their lives on this ridge. On clear day you get some great views into Head of The Karamea River and Kendell Creek.  (See photo below) 

Helicopter Hut	Broughs Tabernacle

Helicopter Hut – Taipo Hut 3- 4 Hours

 From the hut it's a easy climb to Broughs Tabernacle ruins where you get some good views down the Karamea Valley.The track drops steeply down to the Taipo Swing bridge and follows the Taipo River through some nice forest walking to Taipo Hut.

An alternative is route is via the “Lost Valley” This will add at least 2-3 hours to your trip to Taipo Hut or you may wish to stay a night at the new Trevor Carter Hut. The Lost Valley certainly lives up to it's name with the small tarns and moss hanging off the trees.You expect a dinosaur to appear out of the mist. Remember you must cross the Karamea river which is knee deep in normal conditions. You can either return to the main track via Saxon Falls Track or continue up the Karamea track past the old Trevor Carter Hut site to join the track at the Taipo Swing Bridge.You get to see the raw damage caused by the 1929 Murchison earthquake and it's a bit disconcerning passing huge rocks(see photo below) some big as a house laying in the valley. Dislodged off the mountains in the big shake.We experienced a large earthquake while staying at the old Trevor Carter Hut. About 3.00am there was a large roar as a rock slide peeled off one of the ridges above us.We both lay in our bunks thinking this is the end. But lucky for us it came down some where else in the valley.

Crossing The Karamea River To The Lost Valley	The Lost Valley
Crossing The Karamea In Front Of Luna Hut	Earthquake Rubble Karamea Valley
Track From Taipo Bridge To Taipo Hut	Wangapeka Track

Taipo Hut	Old Stag Flat Hut                                    (Hut Replaced 2007)

Taipo Hut - Belltown Hut 6- 8 Hours

Taipo Hut is well situated for the climb up to Little Wanganui Saddle.It's a long day to Bell Town Hut and you should leave theTaipo Hut early.From the hut it's a steady 1 hours climb to Stag Flat. It's worth the extra 10 minutes to call into Stag Flat Hut for a look and cuppa.The hut is still comfortable enough to spend a night(sleeps four). It's a steep 1 hours grunt up to the saddle from Stag Flat.But the views at the top make you forget the huffing and puffing and on a fine day a good spot for a cuppa.The look on Trishs face in the photo below best describes the steep climb up the saddle.

* Update 1st November 2007

Stag Flat Hut has been rebuilt. But has no fireplace

Stag Flat Hut	Climbing Little Wanganui Saddle
Little Wanganui Saddle	Little Wanganui Saddle
Little Wanganui Saddle Lakes

After passing the Saddle Lakes it's all down hill to Belltown Hut.The track although easy to follow is badly maintained compared to the Nelson side.Probably due to funding and the high rainfall on the West Coast side.*Tangent Creek can be a bit off a challange to get across in heavy rain.We only just managed to get across and in reflection we should've camped the night as we had also ran out of daylight.(Another good reason to leave Taipo Hut early).We had a rest day at the beautiful Little Wanganui Hut. This is one of our favourite huts.We made fresh piklets with rasberry jam.This is something we do on the last night of all our trips and always carry two fresh eggs for this purpose.I must add that we've never broken any eggs in our packs as yet. We couldn't believe that the Little Wanganui Hut and the swingbridge were washed away in a huge flood the following year. DOC have since built a new hut (Belltown Hut) on the old Belltown Hut site. Which is just across the river from the little Wanganui Hut site and of course on the same side of the river as the main track. Maybe the old timers were trying to tell us something when they chose the hut site.

*Update 10th November 2007

Tangent Creek is now bridged

Little Wanganui Hut (washed away by flood. Now relaced by Belltown Hut on the True Right Of Wangapeka River)	Little Wanganui Swing Bridge(Washed away by flood)

Bell Town - Road End 4 - 6 Hours

It's a easy tramp down the Little Wanganui River flats  in normal with a number of river crossings river flows.If the river happens to be in flood stay on the true and pick up the flood track which adds a couple of hours to your time.I've been forced to use the flood track a few times and although there's a bit of long road walk.The mature forests make it a nice alternative to the river bed.There is a phone at the road end but at times can be out of order because of vandals.I have walked the road to the Little Wanganui Hotel (about 2 hours). Something that I wouldn't recommend doing. As it's a long hard lonely road.So you are best to arrange for Nelson Lake Shuttles or friends to pick you up.

Track Update 2007

DOC have marked a track down the true right of the Wangapeka River. Removing the need to cross the Wangapeka when it's in flood.

Peter & Trish Kemp

1994 Wangapeka Tramp

Fares 

Click here for Wangapeka Track Trampers Transport  Information
For transport bookings and free information contact    info@nelsonlakesshuttles.co.nz  #Note if you have a Xtra mail address and you don't receive a return email from us. We always return your emails as soon as possible. Check your deleted or spam box. It is a Xtra problem stemming from their "Bubble Upgrade" and they assure us they hope to have it sorted soon.

Budget Fares Click here for single or couples to join existing booked shuttles with out having to pay the full minimum fare.
Vehicle Relocation Nelson Lakes Shuttles now offer a Vehicle Relocation Service. Drive your car to either end of the Wangapeka Track.We will deliver your car to the other end in time for your exit of the track. Please contact us for a obligation free quote info@nelsonlakesshuttles.co.nz  Or just click on the photo to the right.
Read about and see photos of our trip through the Leslie Karamea Track. Just click on the photo to the right.
Click here for up todate DOC Hut and Wangapeka Track Information
Click on picture for Westland / Buller weather forcast
Click here for a map of the Wangapeka Track

Done the Wangapeka. Still have energy to burn ? Why not return via the Heaphy Track. Check out the links listed below
Read about and see photos of our trip through the Heaphy Track. Just click on the photo to the right.
Check out our Web Site for those interesting places you might want to explore.
Click hear for information on New Zealand Birds. Not only can you view photos. But actually hear their bird calls.
Click On Picture To Find Out About Personal Locator Beacon Hire

When we overnight in Karamea. We stay at Bridge Farm Motels. To find out more just click on the picture

"Run For Trampers By Trampers"

For further information contact:

Peter & Trish Kemp
Nelson Lakes Shuttles
P.O. Box 75
St Arnaud 7053
Nelson Lakes
New Zealand
Phone:     +64 (3) 521-1900
Mobile             021 490095

Email info@nelsonlakesshuttles.co.nz 

Nelson Lakes Shuttles proudly transporting passengers since 1994

Peter & Trish have 30 years experience in the New Zealand Transport, Tramping and Accommodation Industries in the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions

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