Anatoki/Waingaro Circuit

Track category

Tramping track
Mountain bike - Advanced
Mountain bike - Expert

Time:

3-5 days

Description

Anatoki Peaks and Aorere Peak,
Kahurangi National Park

The following information describes the circuit starting from Anatoki carpark.

Carpark to Anatoki Forks Hut: 8 hr

Follow the markers and ford Go Ahead Creek before sidling up to join onto the track which is the old benched gold miner's track. Note the land either side of the access track to this point is private land. Please respect it and leave gates as you find them. Note also that the rivers and streams are not bridged and can be dangerous to cross when in flood. After approximately 4 hours you reach Anatoki Bend, about half way to the hut. It is possible to camp here. From the Bend the track passes through many side gullies until you reach Anatoki Forks Hut (standard 6 bunk hut),

Anatoki Forks Hut to Waingaro Forks Hut: 7-10 hr

After a short distance a junction appears in the track. Take the left branch to historic Waingaro Forks Hut. This first section of track follows the remains of water races and then climbs steadily to the saddle, crossing and re-crossing a stream, before descending to the Stanley River and a large clearing suitable for camping. From here the track goes to the western end of Lake Stanley and then on to the eastern end of the lake and what was the site of the now removed Smokey Drip Hut. It is not safe to camp at the old hut site. From here it is a further 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes to the historic Waingaro Forks Hut (basic 4 bunk hut).

Waingaro Forks Hut to roadend: 6-7 hr

Approximately 200 metres upstream from the hut there is a swingbridge crossing the Waingaro River. The track climbs steadily up the Lockett Range. After a couple of hours Skeet Creek is reached. Fill your water bottle here. It's a further 20-30 minutes to the turn-off to historic Riordans Hut (basic 3 bunk hut) and a further 30 minutes to the hut. On the way from Riordans Hut look out for the restored historic Tin Hut, located in bush 60 metres below the track. The roof is visible from the track. From here the track descends through regenerating bush, in a series of zigzags, down Kill-Devil Ridge to the end of the track. Uruwhenua Road is reached and it's a further three kilometres to State Highway 60.

Getting there

Turn off State Highway 60, 1 km south of Takaka township onto Kotinga Road. Continue on Kotinga Road until the Anatoki Track sign. From here it is approximately 3 km to a small carpark and intentions shelter at the start of the track.

Activities

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is allowed from the Uruwhenua Road end to Waingaro Hut.

Time: 1-2 days
Distance: 19 km

Kill Devil mountain bike trial

Hunting

Hunting in the Anatoki area

Hunting in Golden Bay

Plan and prepare

Experience required

• The Anatoki and Waingaro Tracks are classified Backcountry Adventurer tracks, suitable for experienced backcountry trampers only.
• You need to be well-equipped and fit.
• The terrain is often rough.
• There are a number of unbridged rivers and streams.
• Rain and flooded streams and rivers can alter plans and freezing conditions can occur at any time of year.
• Leave your intentions with a friend or relative prior to the start of your trip. Remember to notify them when you have completed your trip.

Map required

• You need to carry and know how to use a topographic map.
• Topo50 map BP24 Takaka covers this area.
• Consider purchasing a Kahurangi National Park parkmap from the Nelson Regional Visitor Centre or the DOC Golden Bay Area Office.

Remember - your safety is your responsibility.

back to top