This track provides a moderate tramping experience on an old goldminers track through mature native bush. It leads to Kiwi Saddle Hut. 

Walk up the Wangapeka Track for 3 hours (9.5 km) to the start of the Kiwi Track.

This route is marked to the upper bush edge, Then make your way up to the top following the leading ridge.

You can also walk to the top of Mount Patriarch from Kiwi Saddle Hut - this route is 2 hours 50 min, 3.6 km return from the hut.

It is possible to combine with Chummies Track and John Reid Hut to do a 3-day loop track.

From Tapawera, cross the Motueka River and head southwest along Tadmor Valley Rd, then turn right onto Tadmor-Bushend Rd. From Matariki the road is unsealed. Follow the road to the Dart River Ford - this cannot be crossed when running high. 4WD recommended.

Continue for a further 8 km to the start of the Wangapeka Track at Rolling Junction, where a grassed area allows parking, and an information panel provides a map and track details.

Walk up the Wangapeka Track for 3 hours (9.5 km) to the start of the Kiwi Saddle Track.

Caution required on Dart River Ford on the Wangapeka River

Dart Ford
Image: Ivan Rogers | DOC

If you’re planning to cross the Dart Ford by vehicle, identify suitable conditions first. 

Due to ongoing gravel migration filling the ford, the river is flowing over the ford even at low water levels. The ford may be impassable after heavy rain. 

We recommend the use of a 4WD vehicle to safely negotiate the ford.

Check river flow for Wangapeka at Walter Peak on the Tasman District Council website before you set off.

As a guide, if the flow indicated on the graph exceeds 40 cumecs then it is not advisable to cross.  However, the river may still be unsafe to cross because: 

• the flow shown on the website can be inaccurate, or
• the Dart River may be flowing higher than the Wangapeka indicates, or
• the culverts under the ford may be choked with gravel.  

So you must re-assess the flow conditions once you arrive in terms of your vehicle and driving skill level. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast for your return trip too.

Kiwi Saddle Track is located in an alpine environment. Always be prepared for freezing conditions and take extra care if snow and ice are present.