The Wangapeka Track

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THE WANGAPEKA TRACK This interesting three or four-day track saddle. One or two days could easily be is situated in the northern part of the spent here exploring the nearby ranges. South Island, running from Te Namu on The route then follows the Taipo River the west coast (about 15 miles south of downstream to its junction with its left Karamea) to Tadmor on the eastern side branch (where both become the Karamea (about 35 miles from Motueka). It pro- River). The left branch is followed upvides an alternative return route to per- stream to the Wangapeka Saddle sons who may have done the well-known (3308 ft.). En route one of the new huts Heaphy Track and who wish to return is situated at Helicopter Flat. to their starting point or vice versa. Near here we had the thrill of watch- Earlier this year Bill Cronin and I did ing Paradise duck with their young-the this track and thoroughly enjoyed the alarm and decoy behaviour of the adults superb bush and mountain scenery being particularly interesting. We also throughout. became separated for fourteen hours and A track map is available from the only by a most incredible fluke met Lands and Survey. In recent years much again, both of us being on the point of restoration work has been done on the rushing out to either end to report the track by the Forest Service and more is other missing! planned. Three new 8-bunk huts have The rest of the track follows the north been installed and we can vouch for branch of the Wangapeka River to its their comfort. junction with the Dart River which is Starting from Te Namu the track first also the road end. goes up the Wanganui River, through a Persons doing the track should check very pleasant gorge and then up to the with the ranger (Mr Curtiss) at the Tad- Little Wanganui Saddle (3565 ft.). mor side. The last house on the Te Namu Ascending to this saddle is the most side also keeps a visitors' book and phone wearing part of the whole track as there arrangements could also be made here to is no formed route. One just bashes up the ranger to advise him when to expect the valley keeping close to the river. you. Stag Flat hut is just a half hour over the LINDSAY CUTHBERTSON.