Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History
Although this region was only sparsely settled, Maori did pass along a portion of the St
James Walkway, it having proven a popular route from the West Coast to Canterbury. Ngati
Tumatakokiri, the most powerful tribe to use the route, were constantly warring with a rival
tribe, Ngai Tahu. This rivalry peaked in a particularly nasty manner when Ngati Tu-
matakokiri trapped and massacred a Ngai Tahu party in a gorge along the Maruia River.
Hence the name of Cannibal Gorge, a feature of the track.
Opened in November 1981, the St James became the first walkway to be established in a
subalpine area; it's named after the historic sheep station through which it runs. Dating back
to 1862, St James Station was one of NZ's largest sheep and cattle stations. It was purchased
by the government in 2008 to protect its natural, physical and cultural values, and to open it
up for recreation. With the exception of a breeding herd of wild horses, all livestock have
since been removed.
Environment
St James Walkway passes through a mix of flats, forests and subalpine regions. At times
you'll be passing through the grassy meadows and rocky paddocks of some of the most re-
mote high-country stations in NZ.
Much of the tramp, however, will be spent in beech forest. Silver and red beech are com-
mon up to 950m, and mountain beech, found on higher slopes, is dominant in dry country
such as Ada Pass.
The upper Ada Valley is particularly interesting, as it features flats, forests and subalpine
areas, all within a few kilometres, which in turn support numerous species of birds. The area
is known for its thriving population of South Island robins. Trampers may also spot paradise
ducks, tomtits, pipits, long-tailed cuckoos and possibly even kea, among others.
8
Planning
WHEN TO TRAMP
The St James traverses a subalpine area on the main divide of the Southern Alps, making it
prone to extremely changeable weather, flooding and avalanches. Heavy rain and even snow
can occur at almost any time of the year, even in the middle of summer. The best time to
tramp the St James is November to April, with the warmest months January and February,
and the most settled weather from late February through March. During these periods be
