Wakamarina Track
Track category
Tramping track
Mountain bike - Advanced
Time:
7 hrs one way
Description
The track is classified as a tramping track on the Blenheim side as well as the Havelock side. It is steep and rough in places, particularly between Devil's Creek Hut and Foster's Clearing; boots are recommended.
Kiwi Road to Foster's Clearing, 2 hr
From the car park on Kiwi Road a well-graded track follows the eastern side of Bartletts Ridge before crossing the head of Bartletts Creek and climbing to the Foster Creek- Bartletts Creek saddle, known as Foster's Clearing. A short side track leads east up the ridge to Foster's Hut (4 bunks).
Fosters Clearing to Devil's Creek Hut, 3 hr
Below Foster's Clearing the track descends into the head of Foster Creek, skirting around its headwaters and crossing a series of slaty schist creeks. It then climbs to a saddle between Foster and Devil's Creeks.
From this saddle the track climbs along the Devil's Creek-Foster Creek ridge and then descends to the benched track of the main Wakamarina Valley. The hut is just five minutes away, in a large clearing on a terrace above the Wakamarina River.
View from Wakamarina Track
Devil's Creek Hut to Butchers Flat, 2 hr
From Devil's Creek Hut a benched track sidles above the river, eventually leaving the beech forest and crossing a burnt-over face to Doom Creek.
A bridge crosses Doom Creek before a short climb up to the benched track that leads to the road end at Butchers Flat.
Getting there
Blenheim side
Turn off State Highway 6 on to Northbank Road, 6 km north of Renwick (16 km from Blenheim). Follow Northbank Road for 5 km, then Onamalutu Road for 11 km, past Onamalutu Domain, to Flowers Creek ford. A final 5 km up Kiwi Road leads to the car park at the start of the track.
Road access is also possible from Bartletts Valley. This route to the track is longer and recommended for 4WD vehicles only.
Havelock side
Access to the track is via a road from Canvastown, 9 km west of Havelock on the Nelson-Blenheim Highway. The road leads 15 km up the Wakamarina Valley to Butchers Flat car park. A road suitable for 4WD vehicles only continues a further 1.5 km to a carpark just before Doom Creek.
Activities
Dog walking
Dog walking
A permit is required - contact Sounds Area Office. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Dog access in the Sounds
Plan and prepare
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in this area under permit. A maximum of four dogs per party is allowed.
Safety
The track is rough in places and care must be taken. The weather is changeable, especially at high altitudes, so take warm, waterproof clothing and plenty of food. Remember your safety is your responsibility. To report any safety hazards in the outdoors call DOC Hotline 0800 362 468.
Historic sites
Historic sites remind us of our past. Please do not disturb them.
Order a parkmap
Download an order form for the Mt Richmond Forest Park parkmap (PDF, 48K). The parkmap costs $19.00 plus postage and handling.
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