Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The start of the track is 13km up the Pelorus River Valley from the Pelorus Bridge Scenic
Reserve, along Maungatapu Rd.
The western end of the Pelorus Track is at the Hacket picnic area, at the confluence of
Hacket Creek and Roding River, in the Aniseed Valley. This picnic area is 29km from Nel-
son and is reached by driving 1.5km south of Hope on SH6 and turning east onto Aniseed
Valley Rd. If you take the alternative finish to The Brook, which is by far the most popular
option, you arrive 4km from the Nelson city centre, so transport will not be a problem.
mand shuttle-bus service to the Maungatapu Rd trailhead (per person $50, minimum four
people). It will also pick you up at the Hacket picnic area, transporting you back to Nelson
(per person $25, minimum four people).
Otherwise, passing bus companies will drop you off at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve,
which is on the Picton-Nelson route. Your best bet is
InterCity
( 03-365 1113;
Once at Pelorus Bridge, stop in at the cafe and ask about a lift to the trailhead. Often there
is somebody who will provide transport for a small fee.
The Tramp
Day 1: Maungatapu Road to Middy Creek Hut
5-6 HOURS, 14KM
The start of the track is just down the road from the car park at the end of Maungatapu Rd,
and begins by descending towards the river. In 10 to 15 minutes you arrive at the first of
many swing bridges, this one over Scott Creek, near where it empties into a deep pool of the
Pelorus River
. Continue following the true left (west) side of the river to enter the forest
park, and one hour (3km) from the start arrive at
Emerald Pool
. A picnic table tips you off
that you have arrived at the popular day-walk destination - a great place for a dip if the
sandflies aren't swarming.
At this point the track leaves the river and makes a steep 100m climb through a thick
forest of rimu, tawa (quite rare in this park), matai and beech. Within 30 minutes you're sid-
ling the river bluff and the walking is easier. You follow the river for one hour (3km), des-
cending sharply twice via switchbacks, the second time right back to the edge of the Pelor-
us.
