Waitutu Track New Zealand Guided Walk

View other Guided Walks

Waitutu Track Guided Walk - 4 days Tuatapere to Tuatapere

The Waitutu Track, New Zealand is a four day all inclusive guided walk starting in Tuatapere. We follow the south coast through bush and along beach to Port Craig Village.

Along the old tramline and a chance to explore the stunning Waitutu Forest, the largest piece of untouched native bush in New Zealand, before heading inland by jetboat up the Wairaurahiri River New Zealand's "longest waterfall" from the southern ocean into the heart of southern Fiordland National Park and Lake Hauroko.

After a good days walking recharge your batteries in our premium rooms at Port Craig and Waitutu Lodge, hot showers, helipacking and sumptuous meals .... those creature comforts you needn't miss.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tuatapere

Check in to The Waiau Hotel, recently voted New Zealand's top country hotel. Around 5pm wander along the road to the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track office to meet your guide and make plans for the next few days. Dine with the guide at 7.30 pm. Settle in for a good nights sleep to prepare for tomorrow's adventure.

Shuttles are available at extra cost from Queenstown (7.30am), Invercargill (2pm) and Te Anau (7.30am) but are not included in the package.

Day 2: Track transport Tuatapere to Rarakau Carpark. Walk to Port Craig Village
Walk 5 - 6 hours / 16 km ( 9.6 m )

Up for an early breakfast departing Tuatapere at 8.30am for Bluecliffs Beach and Rarakau Carpark on the edge of Fiordland National Park. The walk from Bluecliffs Beach follows the beach and coastal tracks. Fiordland crested penguins, Hector dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and whales can occasionally be seen as we follow the sweeping Te Waewae Bay to Port Craig Village. Explore the remains of this once bustling milling town with a Heritage Trail and brochure.

Our first night on the trail is spent in the Port Craig Village a modern bush lodge set above Mussell Bay.

Day 3: Viaducts, Waitutu Lodge

Walk 5 - 6 hours / 16km ( 9.6 m )

Today we head west along an old coastal track cut in 1896 to provide access to gold mining settlements at Preservation Inlet. In the 1920's a bush tramway was built to transport logs to the mill at Port Craig. This included the construction of four large wooden viaduct's. The largest is the spectacular Percy Burn Viaduct, the highest remaining wooden viaduct in the world.

Our destination for the night is the Waitutu Lodge set just across the Wairaurahiri River in the stunning Waitutu Forest. This is the largest tract of untouched native forest in New Zealand featuring giant Rimu and Totara hundreds of years old. Learn about the intricate habitats that provide homes for an abundance of wildlife including the South Island kaka, wood pigeon, long tailed bat and yellow crowned parakeet.

Day 4: Wairaurahiri River, Lake Hauroko, Tuatapere

Take a short walk in the Waitutu Forest with giant rimu and totara trees hundreds of years old. Jump on to your jetboat and head up the Wairaurahiri River, said to be New Zealand's steepest river leading from the southern ocean up to Lake Hauroko. No spins or twirls here. Access to country like this is why the Hamilton jet was invented.

At Lake Hauroko we transit by road back to Tuatapere arriving around 4pm.

Jet boating time: one and a half hours.

General Information

Accommodation

Accommodation is based on share twin. That's two singles or one double sharing a room. If you are single and want to stay that way we can arrange single rooms.

In Tuatapere we stay at the Waiau Hotel with twin share and double rooms with ensuite.

Port Craig Village and Waitutu Lodge are modern back country huts featuring gas heating and cooking, solar lighting, flush toilets and drying rooms.

All crockery and cooking equipment are provided and your track guide will even cook you porridge for breakfast! Rooms at are twin single or double with shared toilet facilities. Sorry only twin single rooms are available at Waitutu Lodge. Hot showers are available. All linen is provided. Carry only your own personal items.

A self contained cabin with ensuite and kitchen are available at Port Craig Village as an upgrade option.

Getting There

Tuatapere is 195km from Queenstown, 100km from Te Anau and 86km from Invercargill on the Southern Scenic Route. The track office and Tuatapere Information Centre is at 31 Orawia Road. Pop in here for updates on weather and track conditions, browse the shop for all your tramping needs or check out the Bushman's Museum.

Scenic Shuttle operates a daily service departing Invercargill 2pm (pick up from 1.30pm) and Te Anau at 7.30am (pick up from 7:15am). Shuttles from Queenstown depart at 9am and connect via Invercargill.

On the completion of your walk we can arrange a same day shuttle to Te Anau and Queenstown. If you require transport to Invercargill you will need to stay an extra night in Tuatapere with Scenic Shuttles departing at 9.00am.

Shuttles to and from Tuatapere are not included in the package. Feel free to contact us to help arrange transfers for you.

Weather

Is unpredictable. Extreme conditions can develop at any time. Be prepared for cold and wet weather and have warm waterproof equipment. It makes it even nicer when it is warm and sunny:

Equipment

We will provide all food, snacks, cooking and kitchen equipment, linen and maps. You provide and carry a backpack, personal and hiking equipment. We have packs and wet weather gear available if required but please advise in advance.

What to Bring

A good pair of comfortable walking boots or shoes is essential. The walking is relatively flat on a mixture of beaches, natural bush tracks and well formed paths. It can be wet and muddy after heavy rain and some people like to use gaiters. You will need to carry only your own personal belongings during the day.

Payment

25% deposit is required to confirm a booking. Payment in full is due 30 days before departure. Bookings are essential.

Back to Top