Takitimu Mountains tramping tracks
Track category
Tramping track
Getting there
Formed legal access is limited to the Aparima River Track which starts at Pleasant Creek on Dunrobin Valley Road, and the Princhester Road. 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
These tracks lead into the Spence Burn junction. Challenging routes can also be traversed through forest area taking you to Aparima Forks Hut or Spence Hut.
Activities
Climbing
Fishing
About the area
Dunrobin Road to Aparima Hut via Aparima River Track
Time: 2 hr
This moderate tramp commences at the bridge over Pleasant Creek on the Dunrobin Valley Road, just before the boundary of the farm owned by Pleasant Valley Partnership. The marked route generally follows the true right of the Aparima River, passing through red tussock, beech forest and past wire-rush peat wetlands. A swingbridge over the river is sited 5 minutes from the Aparima Hut.
Aparima Hut to Becketts Hut
Time: 2 hr 15 min
Becketts hut is sited just inside the forest edge at the top of a small tussock clearing on the true left of the Waterloo Burn.
Note: The floor of the Waterloo Burn valley is part of Waterloo Station.
Lower Princhester Hut to Becketts Hut
Time: 3 hr 30 min - 4 hr
Lower Princhester Hut is sited at the end of Princhester Road (gravel), which branches off State Highway 94 just over Princhester Creek. A marked route climbs gradually up the true right of the Bog Burn catchment to a saddle in the Waterloo Burn headwaters. From there it bears left and downhill, crossing the Waterloo Burn.
The route then follows the true left bank before recrossing just before open flats are reached. Becketts Hut is on the true left about an hour down the valley.
Guides and commercial tourism providers