Catlins River-Wisp Loop Track
Located in Catlins coastal area in the Otago region
Introduction
An attractive, forest-lined river walk of three sections that has several natural features and access to good fishing.Two 12 km routes loop
Dog access
The Catlins River-Wisp Loop Track includes two 12 km routes: the Catlins River Walk and Wisp Loop Walk. The routes can be walked in either direction and can be done as a 24 km two day tramp or one long day tramp.
Sections of the track can be walked independently of the others, as there are many entry/exit points along the way. The Wisp Loop returns along the forestry roads and could be mountain biked separately.
The Rocky Knoll extension track is a side route that runs off the Wisp Loop Walk, and is well worth the short climb to get the views and also see some nice sub-alpine vegetation not often accessible in the Catlins to the general tourist.
Catlins River Walk
The 5-6 hour Catlins River Walk is a well formed tramping track following the Catlins River between The Wisp and the Tawanui camping ground. There are a few short steep grades and can be walked in sections, via connecting tracks from the forestry road.
Section walking times
- Tawanui to Franks Creek – 2.5 hr
- Franks Creek to Wallis Stream – 1.5 hr
- Wallis Stream to The Wisp – 1 hr
Features
The first part of the track is through exotic forest which soon gives way to silver beech. Over the length of the track four wire-rope suspension bridges cross the Catlins River with it many waterfalls and rapids. There are opportunities to see rare birds such as the rifleman and möhua/yellowhead. At the Tawanui end many of the silver beech trees host the native mistletoe Peraxilla colensoi. In December/January it is worth looking out for this hemi-parasite’s impressive scarlet flowers.
Wisp Loop Walk
The 4-5 hour higher-altitude Wisp Loop Walk forms a loop with the Catlins River Walk and is via forestry roads and the Rocky Knoll lookout tramping track extension.
Features
Access to Rocky Knoll on the Rata Range gives extensive views to the coast and over the inland Catlins. The track has easy walking along foresty roads, where you will see plantation radiata pine, douglas fir, eucalyptus forest, silver beech forest and sub-alpine vegetation. At The Wisp end of the tracks, there is a picnic area with a toilet.
The Wisp Loop returns along the forestry roads and this could be mountain biked separately.
South of Owaka on the Southern Scenic Route SH92, turn right onto Catlins Valley Road, right onto Morris Saddle Road, then left at cattle-stop.
- Road access to The Wisp is via the Chloris Pass Road from the Owaka Valley.
- Road access to the Tawanui Camping ground is via an extension of Catlins Valley Road or Morris Saddle Road from Owaka Valley.
- Rocky Knoll Loop may occasionally close because of forestry operations. Check with the DOC Owaka office +64 3 419 1000 or Rayonier Southland +64 3 211 1290 before setting out .
- Rocky Knoll Walk has exposed sections - check the weather before setting out.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Murihiku / Invercargill Office | |
| Phone: | +64 3 211 2400 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | invercargill@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
7th Floor CUE on Don 33 Don Street Invercargill 9810 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 743 Invercargill 9840 |
| Full office details | |