Greymouth backcountry

Introduction

The backcountry is a popular recreation destination for experienced trampers who like a physical challenge and to 'get away from it all'. You might want to do some hunting, fishing, take in the scenery or travel to Canterbury on foot!

The West Coast of the South Island is the right place to do this because it has 'ideal backcountry' with its hills, ranges and mountains. The Greymouth Area has a number of opportunities for people to 'indulge'.

Features

The West Coast of the South Island is divided from the east by the Southern Alps. There are vast tracts of native forest, numerous rivers, and hills and mountains to explore.

Routes are available in that type of country for the tramper who wants a physically challenging experience. The backcountry is also good for fishing, hunting and photography.

Some routes have historical significance to Maori as they were trade routes into places like Canterbury for materials such as pounamu/greenstone. Europeans also used routes such as the Amuri Pass to bring stock over for the miners in the 19th Century after gold was discovered on the West Coast. Other routes were developed in the 1960s and 1970s by the deer culling programme carried out by the Forest and Wildlife Services. Many of the huts found on routes result from those times.

People wishing to go into the backcountry should have well developed skills for backcountry adventure. They should be experienced in bushcraft, river crossings and mountaineering. They should also be able to judge whether the trip they are planning is within their capabilities.

There are a number of other routes available in the Greymouth Area so check out the links in the See Also box.

Activities

It is possible to take part in a wide range of outdoor activities in the Greymouth backcountry.

Hunting and Trout Fishing

For the hunter/gatherer; there are numerous rivers loaded with trout including the Tutaekuri, Ahaura, Upper Grey, Trent and Robinson rivers and a huge area in between to hunt for deer and chamois.

Kayaking and Rafting

Popular rivers for whitewater kayaking and rafting, include the Crooked River and the Upper Grey.

Hot Pools

There is a remote hot pool located up the Haupiri River at the confluence with Cone Creek.

Weather

Weather in the backcountry changes rapidly and it can be very cold at any time of the year. Snow falls are not uncommon and heavy rain can cause even the smallest stream to rise rapidly.

Plan and prepare

Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.

Remember - your safety is your responsibility. It's important to plan, prepare and equip yourself well so that you can safely return from the bush and mountains.

• Check out the weather and track conditions at your nearest DOC office.
• Carry warm and waterproof clothing, a cooker and other equipment so that you are self sufficient.
• Carry a map, compass, first aid and survual kits, water bottle and plenty of hig-energy food.
• Hire an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon), mountain radio or a satellite phone for backup. Mobiles phones may not work in the mountains.
• Carry a tent or a fly on overnight trips.
• Leave details of your trip with a responsible person and check in when you return.
• Fill out the hut books on your trip.

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