The route initially follows a 4WD farm track on the true left of the Haupiri River to a car park. From the car park, the route to Elizabeth Hut is marked.

The remains of a natural hot-spring bath are found just upstream of the Haupiri River and Cone Creek junction, 40 m off the marked route. 

Trent Saddle and Tutaekuri Route

The route consists of open grassy flats and sometimes unmarked braided river travel, marked tracks through West Coast bush, an alpine crossing and negotiating gorges in the upper Trent River.

Beyond Elizabeth Hut a marked route continues over the Trent Saddle (3 hr) to Top Trent (Lagoon) Hut (another 2 hr). From Top Trent Hut there is unmarked riverbed travel down the Trent River to the Mid Trent Hut (6 hr).

The route out to the Waikiti Downs carpark via the Tutaekuri River is 7 hr, with an optional side trip to stay at Tutaekuri Hut (45 min detour up the Tutaekuri River). It can be completed in either direction.

Drive north from Greymouth to Ngahere on SH7 and turn right on to Nelson Creek Road just past Ngahere (approximately 25 km).

Follow this road for approximately 30 km, then turn right on to Heaphy Road, just past Lake Haupiri. The carpark is signposted.

This route is accessed through private land. Contact the landowners for access: Gloriavale Christian Community, phone +64 3 738 0224.

Trent Saddle reaches 1071 m elevation – it is exposed, and good warm clothing is needed in the winter.

Parties should be experienced and self-contained with cookers and a tent/tent fly in case of delays. Maps and a compass are essential.

Parts of this route run along ever-changing braided riverbeds and travel along them is at the discretion of tramping parties. Rivers rise quickly in wet weather and a good knowledge of river crossing is essential.

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.

How to cross rivers safely