Summary
The Karangarua and Douglas valleys offer hunters, trampers and mountaineers many challenging opportunities and rewards within the rugged backcountry environment of Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
The forests in these catchments are varied - rimu, kāmahi and tree ferns are common in the lower altitude forest, giving way to southern rātā, kāmahi and Hall's tōtara in the montane forest. From 900- to 1000 m the forest grades into subalpine scrub, with snow tussocks, mountain daisies and grasses giving way to bare rock and ice above.
Douglas Valley
The brochure provides an introduction to the area including how to get there, and information about hunting and dogs.
Route/track descriptions include:
Karangarua River valley
- Karangarua River bridge - Cassel Flat Hut
- Cassel Flat Hut - Lame Duck Hut
- Lame Duck Hut - Christmas Flat Hut
Douglas River valley
- Cassel Flat to Horace Walker via Regina Creek
- Christmas Flat to Horace Walker via Red Deer Col
- Christmas Flat to Horace Walker via Douglas Pass