Big River tracks
Located in Victoria Forest Park in the West Coast region
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Introduction
Explore a remarkable array of goldmining relics in Big River, one of the most intact mining areas.Walking and tramping
Intermediate: Great Walk/Easier tramping trackAdvanced: Tramping track
Mountain biking
Advanced: Grade 4Other activities
- Four wheel driving
- Horse riding
Dog access
Big River is at the heart of the "Quartzopolis Goldfields". You can easily spend a full day exploring the old township and mine site, including the restored poppet head, steam winding engine and boiler plant. A little further afield is the old dam site and old sawmill.
Waiuta - Big River
Time: 3 hr 30 min - 5 hr one way
Distance: 11 km
The track is signposted from “Pro Road” Waiuta. It follows an old benched pack track and passes the Big River South Mine, the St George Mine and stamper battery, and other old mining sites. Return via the same track or continue on to Inangahua River or to Reefton on the 4WD track.
Big River – Golden Lead Battery
Time: 3–4 hr one way
Distance: 7 km
Leave Big River Hut, head north and cross Big River at the Battery site. Follow the old mine road for 1 km until you reach Big River Engine House. From there, a low-gradient road takes you to a historic sawmill site where the track continues along an old coal tramway.
At the end of the tramway, the track turns into a backcountry trail and descends steeply until you reach Deep Creek and the Golden Lead Battery. Return to Big River Hut via the same track.
Reefton - Big River 4WD road
Time: 3–4 hr driving / 7–8 hr walking one way
Distance: 25 km
A four wheel drive track starts 9 km along Soldiers Road, after the Alborns Track carpark. Soldiers Road turnoff is signposted on SH7, just south of Reefton.
The track, twisting through regenerating beech forest, passes many mining sites before opening out to the barren Big River settlement. This track includes sections of gravel road and rougher rocky sections, as well as stream crossings which flood in heavy rain. It is for experienced four wheel drivers only. Enjoy lunch or an overnight stay at Big River Hut. Drive out the same way.
The road can also be used as a walking and mountain biking track.
Mountain biking
Reefton - Big River is a challenging ride on a rough 4WD track. It includes mixed surfaces of gravel, mud and rock with some steep descents.
Big River - Waiuta is technical benched single track that continues on from the end of the Big River 4WD track. Expect to experience a challenging range of surfaces from mud and corduroy to mixed flowing sections and smooth, gentle downhill.
Four wheel driving
The drive on the 4WD road into Big River is a challenging and classic trip.
Horse riding
The 4WD road into Big River from Soldiers Rd is a long and challenging horse ride for experienced riders.
Walking access is either from Waiuta or the Lewis Pass highway 11 km east of Reefton. 4WD access is from Reefton via Soldiers Road.
The route between Golden Lead Battery and Progress Water Race following Deep Creek is no longer maintained.
Longer walks and overnight tramps call for something extra in terms of stamina, equipment, experience and provisions.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly on the tops. Rain can quickly make even small streams treacherous to cross. Before starting out it is best to check with Reefton Visitor Centre for the latest weather and track information.
Wasps can be common from December to April, carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.
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
| Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 731 1895 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | paparoavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
| Postal Address: |
4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
| Full office details | |
| Reefton Visitor Information Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 732 8391 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | rvcinfo@xtra.co.nz |
| Address: |
67–69 Broadway Reefton |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 100 Reefton 7851 |
| Full office details | |
