Kiwi Track
WalkTasmanOpen
- Grade
- Intermediate
- Walking time
- 3 hr
- Distance
- 8.3 km
Access: read before you go
From Tapawera, cross the Motueka River and head southwest along Tadmor Valley Rd, then turn right onto Tadmor-Bushend Rd. From Matariki the road is unsealed. Follow the road to the Dart River Ford - this cannot be crossed when running high. 4WD recommended.
If you’re planning to cross the Dart Ford by vehicle, identify suitable conditions first.
Due to ongoing gravel migration filling the ford, the river is flowing over the ford even at low water levels. The ford may be impassable after heavy rain.
We recommend the use of a 4WD vehicle to safely negotiate the ford.
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.nzFrom Tapawera, cross the Motueka River and head southwest along Tadmor Valley Rd, then turn right onto Tadmor-Bushend Rd. From Matariki the road is unsealed. Follow the road to the Dart River Ford - this cannot be crossed when running high. 4WD recommended.
Continue for a further 8 km to the start of the Wangapeka Track at Rolling Junction, where a grassed area allows parking, and an information panel provides a map and track details.
Walk up the Wangapeka Track for 3 hours (9.5 km) to the start of the Kiwi Saddle Track.
Dart FordImage: Ivan Rogers | DOC
If you’re planning to cross the Dart Ford by vehicle, identify suitable conditions first.
Due to ongoing gravel migration filling the ford, the river is flowing over the ford even at low water levels. The ford may be impassable after heavy rain.
We recommend the use of a 4WD vehicle to safely negotiate the ford.
Check river flow for Wangapeka at Walter Peak on the Tasman District Council website before you set off.
As a guide, if the flow indicated on the graph exceeds 40 cumecs then it is not advisable to cross. However, the river may still be unsafe to cross because:
So you must re-assess the flow conditions once you arrive in terms of your vehicle and driving skill level. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast for your return trip too.
Caution required on Dart River Ford on the Wangapeka River
Dart Ford Image: Ivan Rogers | DOC If you’re planning to cross the Dart Ford by vehicle, identify suitable conditions first. Due to ongoing gravel migration filling the ford, the river is flowing over the ford even at low water levels. The ford may be impassable after heavy rain. We recommend the use of a 4WD vehicle to safely negotiate the ford. Check river flow for Wangapeka at Walter Peak on the Tasman District Council website before you set off. As a guide, if the flow indicated on the graph exceeds 40 cumecs then it is not advisable to cross. However, the river may still be unsafe to cross because: the flow shown on the website can be inaccurate, or the Dart River may be flowing higher than the Wangapeka indicates, or the culverts under the ford may be choked with gravel. So you must re-assess the flow conditions once you arrive in terms of your vehicle and driving skill level. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast for your return trip too.
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. 41.42407° S, 172.48979° E
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About this place
This old goldminer's track leads to Kiwi Saddle Hut.
The route
This track provides a moderate tramping experience on an old goldminers track through mature native bush. It leads to Kiwi Saddle Hut. Walk up the Wangapeka Track for 3 hours (9.5 km) to the start of the Kiwi Track. This route is marked to the upper bush edge, Then make your way up to the top following the leading ridge. You can also walk to the top of Mount Patriarch from Kiwi Saddle Hut - this route is 2 hours 50 min, 3.6 km return from the hut. It is possible to combine with Chummies Track and John Reid Hut to do a 3-day loop track.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Joins these tracks
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
On this track
In walking order.
Nearby stops
Stone Hut
Standard • 10 bunks • Tasman • 4.2 km
Stone Hut is a standard 10-bunk hut located in the Motueka area of the Tasman region.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Kings Creek Hut
Standard • 20 bunks • Tasman • 4.7 km
Kings Creek Hut is a standard 20-bunk hut located in the Motueka area of the Tasman region.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Cecil Kings Hut
Basic/bivvies • 4 bunks • Tasman • 4.9 km
Cecil Kings Hut is a historic building in the Wangapeka area of Kahurangi National Park. It is one of the few surviving structures from the depression mining…
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
John Reid Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Tasman • 5.5 km
John Reid Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Tasman region. It offers impressive views across the Wangapeka Valley to Mt Owen.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Courthouse Flat Campsite
Standard • Tasman • 8.1 km
Courthouse Flat Campsite is located in the Tasman region, with a scenic drive alongside a historic goldfield. Nearby activities include caving, picnicking,…
Non-powered/tent sites • Water from stream • Toilets - non-flush
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).