Reefton - Big River 4WD road
WalkWest CoastOpen
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 12 hr
- Dogs
- No dogs
Access: read before you go
Access to the Big River 4WD Road is via Soldiers Road just south of Reefton along SH7. This road is managed by the Buller District Council and not maintained.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzAccess to the Big River 4WD Road is via Soldiers Road just south of Reefton along SH7. This road is managed by the Buller District Council and not maintained.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map and tracks
Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 42.24851° S, 171.89433° E
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About this place
This track through beech forest and mining sites is only suitable for walkers or experienced mountain bikers and four-wheel drivers.
The route
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. It is a challenging mountain biking track on a rough 4WD track. It includes mixed surfaces of gravel, mud and rock with some steep descents. Caution: A slip across the 4WD road approximately halfway into Big River Hut has left the road narrow with a 10 m vertical drop off the side. Four wheel drivers are urged to proceed with caution.
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. This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code : respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
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.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Joins these tracks
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Slab Hut Creek Campsite
Standard • West Coast • 13.2 km
Slab Hut Creek Campsite is located near the Reefton township on the West Coast. It serves as a base for exploring Victoria Forest Park walks, with…
BBQ • Non-powered/tent sites • Toilets - flush
Montgomerie Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • West Coast • 13.9 km
Montgomerie Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Greymouth area of the West Coast.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Reefton Motor Camp
West Coast • 14.4 km
Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).