Smoothwater Bay Track
WalkWest Coast
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 4 hr
- Distance
- 9.4 km
- Dogs
- DOC permit only
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.nzThis track begins from the Smoothwater Bay Track sign, just before Jackson Bay. A roadside carpark is available for bikes, cars and campervans.
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. 43.98264° S, 168.60572° E
About this place
Follow an old pioneer's track before continuing down the river to the coast.
The route
This track offers a variety of terrain. For the first 45 minutes it follows an old pioneer's track until the Smoothwater River is reached. The more adventurous will continue down this clear-flowing river, keeping to the riverbed. The reward for 40 minutes of wet feet is the beauty and solitude of Smoothwater Bay. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Do not attempt this track during or after heavy rain, when the river may be in flood. Return via the same track, do not attempt to return to Jackson Bay via the coastline as it is very rugged and dangerous. Dogs are allowed on this track with a permit, which can be issued from the Awarua/Haast Visitor Centre. For experienced trampers, this track is also the beginning of the Stafford Bay Route , which has an inland and coastal route.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
Ask us to take this down
A person reads every request. We do not remove a place until we have checked it.
Sources
- 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).