Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
West Coast Tramps
1
The Old Ghost Road Track (
Click here
)
2
Inland Pack Track (
Click here
)
3
Croesus Track (
Click here
)
4
Welcome Flat (
Click here
)
TOP OF CHAPTER
The Old Ghost Road Track
Duration
5 days
Distance
80km (50 miles)
Track Standard
Tramping track & route
Difficulty
Moderate
Start
Lyell Campsite
End
Seddonville
Nearest Towns
Westport (
Click here
)
, Punakaiki (
Click here
)
Transport
Bus, shuttle bus
Summary
Following a historic byway, this spectacular new track traverses native forests,
tussock tops, river flats and valleys with stunning views of the magnificent Mokihinui
Gorge and surrounds.
The Lyell-Mokihinui Rd dates back to the 1870s, when it was begun at both ends - inland
on the banks of the Buller River and on the West Coast settlement of Seddonville - but
abandoned at the end of the gold rush. It seemed destined never to meet in the middle until
the Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust secured funding to finish the job, creating an excel-
lent tramp and a jewel in the crown of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network.
The Lyell campsite and walkway have long been popular for picnics and overnight stops,
with visitors drawn in by readily accessible historic sites. While undeniably fascinating, the
opening of the through-route means that gold-mining heritage is now only part of the trail's
appeal. The alpine section takes in truly spectacular panoramas, but the valleys of the Moki-
