Takitimu Mountains routes
Track category
Route
Description
Aparima Hut to Spence Burn Junction
Time: 1 hr
Follow the old bulldozed track through the forest onto the open terrace overlooking the Waterloo Valley. Along this terrace, about 30 minutes from the hut, there is a prominent bend in the Aparima River and a marked route enters the forest near the edge of the high bank. A large peat wetlands is reached after about 20 minutes. Cross the toe of the wetland to the track junction on the opposite forest edge.
Spence Burn Junction to Aparima Forks Hut
Time: 1 hr 15 min
From the track junction follow the forest edge to the head of the peat wetland. After approximately half an hour the track stops on the true left bank of the main stream, downstream of the forks. Cross the main stream and some small wet clearings. The Aparima Forks hut is located on a terrace a short distance above, on the true right bank.
Spence Burn Junction to Spence Hut
Time: 2 hr 30 min - 3 hours
Enter the forest at the track junction and drop down to the Aparima River below the forks and ford the river. The marked route climbs sharply and then generally traverses the true right side of the valley well above the river. It crosses to the other side after about 1.5 hours, then generally follows the true left bank until opposite the Spence Hut (2 bunks), situated on an open site on the true right bank of the river.
Wairaki River Valley
A track to the Upper Wairaki Hut in the headwaters of the catchment, starts at the hut. The track (not signposted) drops down from the hut to the river and is difficult to find. Cross the river and follow the true left of the valley for about three hours.
The Lower Wairaki Hut is sited close to where the Wairaki River leaves the forest.
Access from Ohai to the Lower Wairaki Hut is only possible through Beaumont Station and permission from the owners must be sought, phone +64 3 225 4721.
Getting there
These routes are part of the Takitimu tramping tracks which begin at Dunrobin Valley Road and formed legal access is limited.
Note: The tramping track starts at Pleasant Creek on Dunrobin Valley Road, and the Princhester Road and adjoining land owners generally grant access across their properties if asked, but permission must be sought.
Pleasant Valley Station +64 3 248 7252
Waterloo Station +64 3 248 6145
Takitimu Mountain tramping tracks lead into these more challenging routes or over to Princhester Hut to the Te Anau area.
Activities
Climbing
Fishing
Good trout fishing is to be had in both the Aparima and Wairaki Rivers. Anglers should hold a current fishing licence and adhere to its regulations.
Places to stay
Cheviot Downs Hut
Access to the Cheviot Downs Hut is by four wheel drive track through Cheviot Downs Station and permission is required, phone +64 3 249 8508. The hut provides good views over the Te Anau basin and Fiordland, and gives access to climbs in the Excelsior Peak area.
Guides and commercial tourism providers