The Wangapeka route crosses Kahurangi National Park, from the Waimea Basin in the east to the West Coast near Karamea. It crosses two saddles, each of over 1,000 m, and travels through the beautiful beech-forested valleys of the Wangapeka, Karamea, Taipo and Little Wanganui rivers.

The route is described here from east to west. Times given are estimated for a reasonably fit party. True right is the right-hand side of a river as you face downstream.

Rolling River to Stone Hut

This section is classified as a tramping track. 

Rolling River car park to Kings Creek Hut

Time: 3 hr 30 min
Distance: 11.4 km 

The track follows the river to Kings Creek Hut. Approximately 1 hr 30 min from Rolling Junction road end, carefully cross the debris from the landslip which created a dam across the Wangapeka River in 2012. Note: trampers should move quickly, following the marked route and, if possible, use a spotter to watch for falling rocks. In heavy rainfall, trampers downstream of the dam should move to at least 20 m above the Wangapeka riverbed level if they see the water suddenly becoming discoloured. The track continues along the true right of the Wangapeka River to the junction of Kiwi Stream, cross the bridge to the true left and continue for 30 minutes to Kings Creek Hut.

From this junction, trampers can do a side trip to Kiwi Saddle Hut (4 hr). Cross the Wangapeka River and Kiwi Stream bridges and follow the track on the true left up to the hut. This allows good access to explore Mount Patriarch and the Luna Tops in fair weather.

The restored Cecil Kings Hut is 5 min further up the maintrack from Kings Creek Hut. There are good, sunny camping sites near the river here.

Kings Creek Hut to Stone Hut

Time: 2 hr 30 min
Distance: 8.3 km 

The track continues to climb steadily alongside the gradually narrowing Wangapeka River, to a bridge half an hour before Stone Hut. There are good camping sites at the hut.

Stone Hut to Wangapeka Road car park

This section is classified as a route – suitable for people with a high level of backcountry (remote area) skills and experience. Navigation and survival skills are required. 

Stone Hut to Helicopter Flat Hut

Time: 4 hr
Distance: 10.4 km 

The route crosses a huge slip, then climbs steeply to Wangapeka Saddle (1,009 m), where the route over the spectacular Biggs Tops to Trevor Carter Hut begins (see below).

From the saddle the route descends on a gentle grade, fording Chime Creek or (if it is in flood) crossing by a walkwire 100 m upstream. It continues down to the Karamea river bed, crosses the river and proceeds down the true left bank. There are two more crossings of the Karamea, but if the river is in flood, fording can be avoided by a signposted diversion (an extra 20 min). Other unbridged side creeks may be impossible to cross after heavy rain.

The route soon arrives at Waters Creek, just before Helicopter Flat Hut. If the creek is in high flood there is another walkwire crossing 30 m upstream.

Biggs Tops/Trevor Carter Hut alternative between Wangapeka Saddle and Taipo footbridge

Time: 5 hr

At Wangapeka Saddle a route leads over Biggs Tops and heads steeply down to Trevor Carter Hut. From here there are three ways to get back on the main route: Lost Valley Track to Helicopter Flat Hut; Saxon Falls Track, rejoining near Tabernacle lookout; or across the Karamea and along its true left bank to Taipo footbridge.

Helicopter Flat Hut to Taipo Hut

Time: 3 hr 30 min
Distance: 8.6 km 

The route follows the Karamea River and sidles through bush to the Tabernacle lookout above, where the river drops away over Saxon Falls. It then continues and drops down to the Taipo footbridge. From the bridge, the route climbs steadily beside Taipo River for several kilometres to Taipo Hut. There are good camping sites below the helicopter pad.

Taipo Hut to Belltown Manunui Hut

Time: 7 hr
Distance: 11.2 km 

The route gradually gets steeper towards Stag Flat Bivvy which is adjacent to the route. From the bivvy the route winds steeply up to the Little Wanganui Saddle, the highest point on the route (1,087 m); snow can be a problem here during winter.

It then passes Saddle Lakes and drops steeply to the Little Wanganui River. Just prior to crossing to the true right via a swing bridge, a signposted side-track leads to Little Wanganui Gorge Shelter, 150 m from the main track.

After crossing the swing bridge the route continues to Tangent Creek, then climbs above the river and sidles around the gorge, returning to the river at Smith Creek. McHarrie Creek (between Tangent and Smith Creeks) is unbridged and cannot be crossed during high rainfall. A little further downstream the route leads to a junction on the right where Belltown Manunui Hut is set back 60 m from the main track.

Belltown Manunui Hut to Wangapeka Road car park

Time: 4 hr
Distance: 9 km 

After leaving the hut, the route continues for another 1 km, crosses the Lawrence Stream swing bridge, then passes over a large grassy clearing known as Gilmor Clearing. The route then heads away from the river, following an old access road for approximately 3 km before heading back toward the Little Wanganui River. It is a further 4 km to the end of the route at the Wangapeka Road car park.

The section of route between the Little Wanganui Saddle and Wangapeka road-end is often the most affected by adverse weather. Due to damaging cyclones in 2014, 2015 and 2018 expect windfallen trees and slips which can be difficult to negotiate, users should be fit and experienced to deal with these conditions, and take care when crossing damaged areas. Note: These slips also affect the Leslie/Karamea Track as it shares two entry/exit points with the Wangapeka.

Caution required on Dart River Ford on the Wangapeka River

Dart Ford
Image: Ivan Rogers | DOC

If you’re planning to cross the Dart Ford by vehicle, identify suitable conditions first. 

Due to ongoing gravel migration filling the ford, the river is flowing over the ford even at low water levels. The ford may be impassable after heavy rain. 

Check river flow for Wangapeka at Walter Peak on the Tasman District Council website before you set off.

As a guide, if the flow indicated on the graph exceeds 40 cumecs then it is not advisable to cross.  However, the river may still be unsafe to cross because: 

• the flow shown on the website can be inaccurate, or
• the Dart River may be flowing higher than the Wangapeka indicates, or
• the culverts under the ford may be choked with gravel.  

So you must re-assess the flow conditions once you arrive in terms of your vehicle and driving skill level. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast for your return trip too.

Visitors should also be aware that slips and debris on the road can happen at any time

Private transport

From Tapawera (62 km from Nelson), follow the signposts west to the Wangapeka valley. On the Wangapeka River junction with Dart River is a concrete ford. The river may flow over the ford, even at low water levels, and can become impassable after heavy rain.

Cross the ford and continue 7 km up the valley to Prices clearing, where there is an information kiosk and intentions book. The track starts 1 km further on at the Rolling River car park.

This gravel road is not suitable for caravans or campervans.

From the West Coast road, turn off at Little Wanganui (80 km north of Westport, 18 km south of Karamea) and drive inland for 5 km on Wangapeka Road to the car park, where the track begins.

Public transport

From Nelson, Motueka and Tapawera, on-demand transport services are available to the start of the track. Similar services are available from the Karamea end, as well as an air service that returns visitors to their starting point.

NZTopo map sheets: BQ22 Karamea, BQ23 Wangapeka Saddle, BQ24 Tapawera

Skills and fitness

Navigation and survival skills are required. Above-average fitness and sturdy boots are recommended.

Most major rivers have bridges or a high-water alternative track, but expect unbridged streams and river crossings.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

Hazards to prepare for

No working phone at Wangapeka information kiosk at Prices Clearing.

Bad weather can occur at any time, so be prepared with warm and waterproof clothing and extra food. Always fill in hut books and tell someone your plans.

Wasps are particularly common from December to April. If you are allergic to wasp stings take medication (such as antihistamines) with you.

Biting sandflies can detract from your experience on the route, especially during summer months. Cover up and apply repellent to any exposed skin.