Moeraki Valley Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
8 hr 30 min - 9 hr 30 min one way
Distance:
11.1 km
Description
Carpark to Moeraki Valley turn-off
Time: 1 hr
You can expect to reach the Moeraki Valley turnoff within two hours easy walk from the car park. The turn-off is sign posted on the left just before the swing bridge.
Moerakai Valley to Horseshoe Flat Hut
Time: 3 - 4 hr
Heading to Horseshoe Flat Hut, turn left at the Moeraki Valley track junction. From here markers point the way through beech and podocarp forest on the 'true right' of the river.
The track follows a branch of the Moeraki River before emerging onto the first of a series of swampy clearings with groves of ribbonwood and scrub. Be careful to follow markers through this area because while the track tends to head along the base of the hill it deviates close to the river at times.
Shortly before the hut, the track comes out onto the gravel riverbed. Walk upstream from here and you will see the hut in a grassy clearing on the 'true right'.
Horseshoe Flat Hut to Middle Head Hut
Time: 2 hr
Follow markers through bush and upstream along grassy flats before crossing the river at a suitable place. Take no chances - the river will be impassable after rain.
On the other side of the river continue upstream over gravel flats and look for markers that will take you climbing through open beech forest, through a short section of open scrub and across a creek of boulders flowing from Zelian Saddle. The hut is located near the confluence of this creek and the Middle Head branch of the Moeraki.
Middle Head Hut to Middle Head Basin
Time: 2 hr
Middle Head Basin is a worthwhile two hours tramp from Middle Head Hut. The track heads up above the hut and descends to cross the Moeraki River.
The track follows a marked route uphill through beech forest, past a rock bivvy, down into scrub and finally into tussock at the Middle Head Basin.
Getting there
Drive 40 km north of Haast Junction to where the northern end of the Haast to Paringa Cattle Track is located at a small car park just past Mimi Creek.
About the area
Remember the river will be impassable after rain. You are advised not to attempt these tracks without a Topomap G37 'Landsborough' and certainly not unless you are suitably fit, experienced and properly equipped. Once again - never attempt to cross swollen rivers - sit it out and wait until water levels drop. True right means the right side of the river looking downstream.
Plan and prepare
For track conditions, maps, weather forecasts and more information on the area contact Haast Visitor Centre.
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