Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
bush-clad mountains between Blenheim and Nelson, reaching north to the Tasman Sea near
Whangamoa Head.
There are more than 250km of cut and marked tracks in the park, with about 30 huts
scattered along them. The tracks range from challenging alpine routes to easy overnight
walks suitable for families.
One of the more popular tramps is the Pelorus Track. The Pelorus is renowned for its
large trout, which often use the river's deep pools as their hideaways. Trampers will find
these pools a delight on hot days on the trail, although accessing them often involves a
scurry off-track.
Officially, the western end of the Pelorus Track is the Hacket picnic area, but it is difficult
- although not impossible - to arrange transport from there to Nelson. For this reason, an al-
ternative route into Nelson, the Dun Mountain Track, has been included. This track conveni-
ently lands trampers on Brook St on the edge of Nelson, and is the more popular finish.
Trampers following this route hike directly from Middy Creek Hut to Nelson, a long seven-
to eight-hour day. A better alternative, especially if you get a late start on day one, is to stay
the first night at Captain Creek Hut, and hike to Rocks Hut the second night. Rocks Hut,
with its mountain views, offers much nicer accommodation than Middy Creek Hut.
There is plenty of other tramping to be had in the Forest Park, including the moderate
two-day Wakamarina Track, following an old gold-miners' trail across the Richmond Range
from the Wairau Valley to the Wakamarina. Another worthwhile option for experienced
alpine trampers is the Mt Richmond Alpine Route, a three- to four-day route along the ex-
posed ridges.
