Mavora - Greenstone Walkway

Tramping track

Time:  

4 days

Distance:  

50 km

Getting there

The walkway is located in the Mavora Lakes Park. From State Highway 94 between Mossburn and Te Anau branch off at Centre Hill or Burwood Station and follow unsealed roads for 39 km. There is no regular public transport to the Mavora Lakes in winter.

Transport connections are available from the end of the Greenstone Track to Glenorchy, or from the Divide on the Milford Road.

Description

This is a 50 km, four day tramping trip, linking the Mavora Lakes Camping Area with the Greenstone Track. 

North Mavora Lake to Careys Hut

Time: 2 hr
Distance: 10 km 

From the Mavora camping area follow the four wheel drive track around the lake edge to the head of North Mavora Lake and Careys Hut (1.5 - 2 hours).

Careys Hut - Boundary Hut

Time: 2 hr
Distance: 6 km 

From Carey's Hut the walkway climbs above the hut, then branches in two. The left branch is a very rough 4WD track, crossing the confluence of the Mararoa River and the Windon Burn. This branch of the track then continues for three hours to the Forks Hut (4 bunks). The right branch continues on the walkway to Boundary Hut.

Boundary Hut to Taipo Hut

Time: 3 - 4 hr
Distance: 12 km 

From the hut cross the swingbridge and follow marker posts on the true right of the Mararoa River. The track sidles up along the toe of the hill and the true right of the valley and continues onto Taipo Hut. Access to the hut on the north side of the river is by swingbridge.

Taipo Hut to Greenstone Hut

Time: 4 - 5 hr
Distance: 10 km 

The track follows the toe of the hill on the western side of the Pondburn Valley. Watch carefully opposite the middle of the top pond, as the track veers up a terrace into a forest, and continues to the saddle of the Passburn Valley (728 metres). The track drops steeply (marked by warratahs) to the stream (crossing on boulders), climbing and sidling around to the Greenstone Hut. The hut is sited in a bush clearing above the confluence of the Greenstone and Sly Burn, under the rocky pinnacles of Tooth Peaks.

Greenstone Hut to Greenstone Road End

Time: 3 - 5 hr
Distance: 11 km 

The Greenstone River is crossed by a swingbridge and the Greenstone Track continues downstream to the road end car park. Alternatively, follow up the Greenstone Valley to Lake McKellar, Howden Hut and The Divide. Allow an extra day for this section of the Greenstone Track.

Activities

Plan and prepare

• There is no heating or cooking facilities in Boundary or Taipo Huts so portable stoves must be carried
• The water supply is turned off in Careys, Boundary and Taipo Huts from May until October
• The walkway beyond Boundary Hut passes through Elfin Bay Station and this year is open between May and Labour Weekend in October
• Sections of the track are exposed to the rigours of mountain weather all year round and trampers should be well equipped. The track is marked by poles and warratahs
• Fires are prohibited on the Mavora - Greenstone Walkway, except at Greenstone and Careys Huts
• Pack out what you pack in. There are no facilities for rubbish
• No vehicles, including mountain and trail bikes, are to be taken past Boundary hut onto Elfin Bay Station
• Dogs and firearms are prohibited beyond Boundary Hut

What to expect on a tramping track:

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
• Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
• Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
• Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
• Tramping/hiking boots required

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