Waitutu Track Freedom Plus Walk |
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4 days Tuatapere to Tuatapere |
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The Waitutu Track Walk in Fiordland National Park goes through an ancient terraced forest rising out of the sea with each level 100,000 years older than the last. It is the largest piece of untouched native bush in New Zealand. Follow the south coast, sweeping through bush and beach to the historic Port Craig Village, then walk along the old forest tramline and over a series of spectacular viaducts. Explore the stunning Waitutu forest with the option of heading inland by jet boat up the Wairaurahiri River and over mythical Lake Hauroko, where the remains of a Maori princess are said to rest in the clefts of a rock. For the independent walker who would like everything organised and a hot shower at the end of the day. Includes backpacker accommodation in Tuatapere, Port Craig Village and Waitutu Lodge bunks with hot showers and sleeping bags, jet boat up Wairaurahiri River the track transport, and souvenir T-shirt. ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Tuatapere Day 2: Track transport Tuatapere to Track Burn. Walk to Port Craig Village Track Transport departs Tuatapere 7.30am for Bluecliffs Beach and the Track Burn. The track follows the coast through bush trails and on to the beach. There is a chance to see Hector's dolphins, penguins and occasionally wales as you follow the sweeping Te Waewae Bay to Port Craig Village. Explore the remains on this once bustling milling town. Day 3: Viaducts, Waitutu Lodge Heading west along the South Coast track we cross the spectacular Percy Burn viaduct, the highest remaining wooden viaduct in the world. Your destination tonight is the Waitutu Lodge set just across the Wairaurahiri River in the Waitutu Forest. 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. The Wairaurahiri River is said to be New Zealand's steepest river with rock strewn rapids 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. Return by road to Tuatapere. General InformationAccommodation Accommodation is based on shared bunk rooms. In Tuatapere we stay at Shooters Backpackers. Double rooms or twin singles are available on request as an option. 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 at Port Craig we even serve free porridge for breakfast! Bunk rooms have 4 or 6 people. Toilets and showers are in shared facilities. There is a Lodge Manager based full time in both huts in summer. A self contained cabin with ensuite and kitchen or one of our premium rooms are available at Port Craig Village as an upgrade option. Hot showers are available. All linen is provided. Getting There Tuatapere is 86km from Invercargill, 100km from Te Anau and 195 km from Queenstown 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 8:15am (pick up from 7:45am). Sausage Shuttles operates on demand from Te Anau at 5.30 pm. Shuttles from Queenstown depart at 2pm and connect via Te Anau. 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 9.30am. Feel free to contact us to help arrange transfers from other locations. 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: What to Bring Depends on what you pack :) First thing is make sure you have well worn good fitting boots or tramping shoes. Too easy. Second thing is to add some things to the list below. So here is a suggested list of what to bring;
Payment Full payment is required to confirm a booking. Cancellation fees apply. Bookings are essential. |
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