Image: Archie Tarn | ©
Rimu tree on the Amethyst Rimu Walk
Amethyst Rimu Walk

Located in Harihari area in the West Coast region

View some of the largest rimu trees still standing in New Zealand on this track.

The track starts from Amethyst Hydro access road. Walk along the road you will pass the penstock, an exposed pipe which carries the water to the powerhouse building by the car park.

Continue uphill to the terrace. You will walk through mature, unmodified, mixed podocarp forest, consisting predominantly of rimu, along with some fine examples of mataī, kahikatea and miro.

Two very short side tracks lead to two trees of particular significance – Mahanga a Tāne/twins of Tāne of the forest and Te Manawanui/the largest which endures. These magnificent rimu are some of the largest standing in Aotearoa New Zealand. Learn more about them in ‘nature and conservation’.

This walk crosses Tarpot Creek which rises quick in heavy rain, making it dangerous to cross. Do not attempt this walk in heavy rain or if heavy rain is forecast.

Return the way you came.

This walk is a joint initiative of the Harihari Community Association, DOC, Electronet Group, Ngāti Māhaki, and Ngāti Waewae.

Access is 8 km north of Harihari on the northern side of the Wanganui River bridge, approximately 64 km southeast of Hokitika on SH6.

Park near the powerhouse. Do not park at the track start.

The Amethyst Rimu Walk is accessed via walking up the Amethyst Hydro access road. The road is used by heavy vehicles, so stay alert and be prepared to move to the side of the road.

Tarpot Creek rises quickly in heavy rain, making it dangerous to cross. Do not attempt this walk in heavy rain or if heavy rain is forecast.

These magnificent trees are two of the largest known rimu in New Zealand.

Te Manawanui/the largest which endures, has a height of 35.1 metres. The is one of the largest rimu known to exist and was named to recognise its size. As well as surviving at least two possibly three ruptures of the Alpine Fault, Te Manawanui scores 449 points with the New Zealand Trees Register. This makes it the largest known rimu in the South Island, and the third largest in New Zealand.

Mahanga a Tāne/twins of Tāne of the forest, has a height of 34 metres. It is actually two trees which have grown together at some stage of their earlier life.