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Tracks & walks

Whataroa, Butler and Perth valleys tracks

West Coast region

Lower Whataroa valley and the Butler Range from Big Creek. Photo: Katrina Henderson.

Lower Whataroa valley and the Butler Range from Big Creek

West Coast region.

The Whataroa, Butler and Perth river valleys sit between State Highway 6 and the Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana and provide rugged backcountry opportunities for those with suitable skills and experience.

From the flats of the lower Whataroa River, the network of tramping tracks and routes weave up the three river systems into the heart of the mountains. Rainforest, raging rivers, massive boulders, snowy mountain tops and native flora and fauna feature strongly throughout journeys in this backcountry area.

Be prepared however: these tracks and routes are difficult, and the weather and conditions can change rapidly. With over five metres of rain annually you need to be ready to sit it out and wait if necessary.

Time:

3 days +

Features

Rugged forest, raging rivers and high mountain peaks are just a few of the features of the Whataroa, Butler and Perth valleys.

Track description

Tramping track and route descriptions for the Whataroa, Butler and Perth catchments.

Places to stay

There are four standard huts and one basic hut in this area.

Plan and prepare

Find out about how to get to the start of the tracks, and how to plan for a safe, enjoyable trip.

Highlights:

Building bridges video

This video shows how hunting on the West Coast can be tough work, with long walks, steep terrain, as well as one of the most difficult animals in New Zealand to hunt, the introduced Himalayan tahr.

Find out more

Publications

Whataroa, Butler and Perth valleys track and route guide (PDF, 591K)

Glacier region walks brochure (PDF, 2780K)

Weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Track category definitions

Plan and prepare for your trip

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Safety alerts for West Coast tracks

Contacts

Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre
Phone:	+64 3 752 0796
Address:	13 State Highway 6 Franz Josef Glacier 7856
Email:
Full office details

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