Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hinui are just as captivating. The Mokihinui River is the third largest on the West Coast,
draining no less than five mountain ranges as it wends through ancient forest on its way to
the Tasman Sea. It's a rich habitat, home to numerous threatened species, including great
spotted kiwi, whio (blue duck), longfin eels and the carnivorous snail called Powelliphanta.
The tramp can be completed in either direction, perhaps determined by the weather fore-
cast to maximise views on the southern, alpine end. As described here it takes four nights
and five days, resulting in a short second day's tramp to Ghost Lake Hut - a highlight of the
journey and therefore a good place to pause and reflect. The track could be split several oth-
er ways, including combining the first two legs, resulting in a very long first day but saving
one overall.
The first sections of the Old Ghost Road officially opened early in 2013. At the time of
writing the full trail was due for completion in late 2014, at which point NZ will have got it-
self a very special new trail, one steeped in the flinty spirit of the pioneer era.
