Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia/Clarence walks
Located in Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence in the Marlborough region
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Introduction
Walk in the footsteps of early Maori and the first run-holders, through the rugged high country landscape and beside the mighty Clarence River.55 km one way
Mountain biking
Intermediate: Grade 3Dog access
Kahutara car park to Warden Hut
Distance: 18 km
The vehicle track first crosses Kahutara River and then begins climbing through farmland. A fantastic panorama awaits the visitor at Blind Saddle (1190 m), a good place to pause and check the weather.
After Bushy Saddle (540 m), the track steepens; native forest clads the mountains on either side, gradually changing to shrublands then alpine vegetation near the top. As the track descends from the saddle, incredible landforms can be seen in the surrounding mountains.
Near the valley bottom is Tent Poles Hut (emergency accommodation only), an historic, corrugated iron hut. Soon after, the track crosses Seymour Stream to Warden Hut (12 bunks). Nearby is historic Bluff Dump Hut, built in 1928. Warden Hut is a great base for weekend tramping and mountain biking as well as hunting (outside of the special lease area only).
Warden Hut to Forbes Hut via Seymour Stream
Distance: 9 km
Below Warden Hut, the track stays in the bed of Seymour Stream (being a bulldozer track, it is rideable on a mountain bike).
Historic Black Spur Hut is 2 km downstream from Warden Hut. Black Spur Hut was built in the 1920s out of slabs of poplar and is hidden behind a volcanic spur. Further downstream you will reach a junction in the track. Beyond this junction, the land is under special lease - vehicles must keep to the track.
At the junction, follow the track downstream to the confluence of Seymour Stream and Clarence River, where you will find Forbes Hut (10 bunks). Forbes Hut is a great base for fishing and exploring the historic Quail Flat area. As the hut is close to the river it also provides a stop-off for river users.
Warden Hut to Palmer Hut
Distance: 26 km
Turning left at the junction and crossing Seymour Stream, leads over foothills to Palmer Hut, situated at the confluence of Palmer Stream and Clarence River. On route you will find the historic Old Willows Hut, a slab hut from the early 1920s. From here an unmarked route, for experienced trampers only, crosses the Seaward Kaikoura Range via Palmer Saddle (970 m) to the Kaikoura–Waiau Road.
Forbes Hut to Quail Flat
Distance: 3 km
Follow the marked track over the flats to Quail Flat, the homestead area of Joseph Ward’s run. The cob homestead dates from the 1860s or 1870s. Visitors are welcome to look around the historic buildings at Quail Flat but accommodation is not available for public use.
Quail Flat to Goose Flat
Distance: 19 km
The marked track travels through scrubland and limestone country to Goose Flat. This is a good place for river users to stop over or for a spot of fishing. Goose Flat Hut was destroyed by fire in 2021.
Goose Flat to Stoney Flat
Distance: 6 km
Follow the track to the road end at the confluence of Fidget Stream and Clarence River. The road end at Stoney Flat is a good base for hunting and exploring.
The main access into the Clarence is over Blind Saddle Road. From Kaikoura, follow SH1 south for 5 km to the Waiau/Mt Lyford turnoff and head inland to the car park at Kahutara River bridge, 25 km from Kaikoura. There is a locked gate here restricting horse and vehicle access.
Vehicle access beyond this point into the Clarence is arranged by contacting Colin Nimmo of Muzzle Station on +64 3 319 5791. A road maintenance fee is charged for motorised vehicles.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed by permit only from Nelson Visitor Centre. They must have a vet's certificate showing that they have been treated for sheep measles (Taenia ovis) less than 1 month and more than 2 days prior to entering the reserve.
Certificates must be carried into the reserve and shown on request.
Stay safe when crossing rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
Contacts
| Whakatū / Nelson Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 1/37 Halifax Street Nelson 7010 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 5 Nelson 7042 |
| Full office details | |
