Smith Creek - Tauherenikau River
Tramping track
Time:
4 hr return
Distance:
13 km
Getting there
Turn off State Highway 2 onto Marchant Road at the YMCA Camp Kaitoke turnoff and follow the road to the carpark at the end of the road. An alternative start to the walk is from the YMCA Camp Kaitoke where safe parking is provided for a small fee.
About the area
Tararua Forest Park near Wellington features an abundance of tramping and hunting opportunities.
Description
This 4 hr return daytrip in the southern Tararua Range takes you over the Puffer Saddle and down Smith Creek with its fine stands of red/hard beech forest, to its confluence with the Tauherenikau River.
You can also walk further up the Tauherenikau valley to Marchant Creek for views of the river and the young podocarp forest regenerating in the manuka on the flats.
Plan and prepare
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