Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Popular with hardcore mountain bikers, the historic Killdevil Track also makes for a superb tramping trip. There are several restored huts along the way – Tin Hut Shelter, Riordans Hut & Waingaro Forks Hut – detailing the rich mining and mustering history of the area. If you’re a history nut or fungi fanatic, this trip should be at the top of your list this autumn!
Distance: 21km (6-7hours)
Elevation: +1200m
The trailhead is located over the Takaka Hill along Uruwhenua Road (near Alpacas Off Grid accommodation!). The track immediately gets stuck into an 800m climb with many, MANY, many switchbacks. Take enough water with you for this section, as you’ll not pass any streams along the way.
A couple of hours in the bush opens up, offering lovely views over the Takaka Valley and Devil Range. At the 12km mark, you’ll reach the junction with the option to side-trip to Riordans Hut (3 bunk); built in 1926 by the Riordan brothers.
From the track junction, it’s another 7km of relatively gentle walking to Waigaro Forks Hut (4 bunk). There are a few side creek crossings, and as you approach the Waingaro River keep your ears peeled for the soft whistling of Whio! After crossing the bridge over a stunning gorge, you’ll soon reach the wee red-roofed hut.
If you’ve got the time, consider extending your trip to the stunning Lake Stanley and Soper Shelter – a newly but traditionally constructed ripper of a hut! The lake was created when a massive chunk of nearby Mount Snowdon collapsed during the Murchison earthquake of 1929, thus damming the river.
A popular route extension is adding on the Anatoki Track, but keep in mind that it is currently suffering from severe storm damage. I’d recommend just an out-and-back this time around 🙂
~Emma