Wangapeka Track
Photo: Robert (Bic) Bicknell, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Wangapeka Track is a tramping track that crosses Kahurangi National Park in the north-west of the South Island of New Zealand, between the Nelson Bays region and the northern part of the West Coast region. It contains rain forest, river walks, steep climbs and creek and river crossings. It is one of the Department of Conservation (DOC) more difficult walks.
A large part of the track is classified as a Route. The route is challenging multi-day tramping for people who can be completely self-sufficient and with a high level of back country skills and experience. Both navigation and survival skills may be required, the tracks are mostly unformed and natural, and may be rough, muddy, steep with unbridged streams and river crossings. Track markers may be triangular markers, poles and rock cairns. Due to remoteness and lower levels of track maintenance, track markings may not always be clear. See DOC track categories.
UnderstandThe 59 km Wangapeka tramping track is a premier route through the spectacular wilderness of Kahurangi National Park.
PrepareSuccessful navigation of the track depends on meticulous advance planning and preparation.
Get inThe track can be walked in either direction from East to West or West to East.
WalkTimes have been extended by 1 hour from the DOC's track notes due to the deterioration of the track since it was downgraded from a track.
Stay safeThe weather in the Kahurangi National Park can change very quickly and the exposed areas can experience high winds and dense cloud. Don't take any weather warnings lightly.
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Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Wangapeka Track" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Robert (Bic) Bicknell, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons