# Wangapeka Track

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New Zealand tramping track

Wangapeka Track Karamea River by Helicopter Flat Hut Length 59 km (37 mi) Location Kahurangi National Park Trailheads Rolling River car park 41°26′40″S 172°34′51″E / 41.444431°S 172.580967°E / -41.444431; 172.580967 Wangapeka Road car park 41°21′11″S 172°08′30″E / 41.353039°S 172.1416°E / -41.353039; 172.1416 Use Tramping Elevation gain/loss 3,206 metres (10,520 ft) gain Highest point 1,087 m (3,566 ft) Lowest point 60 m (200 ft) Difficulty Medium Maintained by Department of Conservation Trail map Map of Wangapeka Track

The **Wangapeka Track** is a [tramping](/source/Tramping_in_New_Zealand) track in the north-west of the [South Island](/source/South_Island) of New Zealand. It is one of the main tramping tracks in the [Kahurangi National Park](/source/Kahurangi_National_Park), a [protected area](/source/Protected_areas_of_New_Zealand) managed by the [Department of Conservation.](/source/Department_of_Conservation_(New_Zealand)) The route traverses the southern end of the park from the historic Wangapeka goldfields area west of [Tapawera](/source/Tapawera) to the coastal plains of the [West Coast](/source/West_Coast_Region) at [Little Wanganui](/source/Little_Wanganui). The route is 59 km (37 mi) long and crosses the Wangapeka and Little Wanganui [saddles](/source/Saddle_(landform)), each over 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in elevation. The track passes through the valleys of the [Wangapeka River](/source/Wangapeka_River), [Karamea River](/source/Karamea_River), [Taipō River](/source/Taip%C5%8D_River_(Buller_District)) and [Little Wanganui River](/source/Little_Wanganui_River). The majority of the track is in river valleys and under forest cover, with small sections in [tussock](/source/Tussock_grass) land at Stag Flat and the Little Wanganui Saddle. It typically takes walkers 4–6 days to complete the route.

Track building began in 1861 from the eastern end, following the discovery of gold in the Wangapeka River valley in 1859 and further gold discoveries in the [Rolling River](/source/Rolling_River) in 1861. Early work on the track was funded by the [Nelson Provincial Council](/source/Nelson_Provincial_Council) and employed gold diggers as labourers. In 1868, a proposal was made for a through-route from Wangapeka to [Karamea](/source/Karamea), suitable for horse-drawn vehicles. However, construction proceeded slowly in stages over many years. The track from the east reached the Karamea gorge in 1897. Track-building from the western end began in 1894, and by 1899 there was 4.5 miles (7.2 km) of cart road, a pack track and a roughly cut route from the west that met with the track from the eastern end at Stag Flat near the Little Wanganui Saddle.

There have been many proposals for the construction of a road along the route of the track. Between 1915 and 1924 there were multiple requests for a route to enable movement of [livestock](/source/Livestock) between the Nelson and Karamea districts. The benefits of a fully-formed road through the Wangapeka Track were promoted In 1968, 1973, and again in 2015, but without achieving support from government.

The Wangapeka Track was incorporated into the North West Nelson Forest Park in 1970, as part of the amalgamation of eight forest parks in the region, and is now part of the Kahurangi National Park, administered by the Department of Conservation.

## History

The origins of the Wangapeka Track date back to the discovery of gold in the [Wangapeka River](/source/Wangapeka_River) in 1859,[1] following a geological survey of New Zealand conducted for the government in that year by the geologist [Ferdinand von Hochstetter](/source/Ferdinand_von_Hochstetter).[2] There was a further discovery of gold in the [Rolling River](/source/Rolling_River) in May 1861. The following year, explorer and surveyor [John Rochfort](/source/John_Rochfort_(surveyor)) created a basic track that went westwards from Rolling River, up the Wangapeka River valley and over the Wangapeka [Saddle](/source/Saddle_(landform)) to the [Karamea River](/source/Karamea_River). The work was funded by the [Nelson Provincial Council](/source/Nelson_Provincial_Council), and employed gold diggers as labourers to build the track.[1]

### Wangapeka to Little Wanganui Saddle

Jonathan Brough's Tabernacle c. 1899

By the mid-1880s, there was a diggers' pack track from the Rolling River to the mouth of the Kiwi Stream. In 1887, the [Public Works Department](/source/Public_Works_Department_(New_Zealand)) constructed a [packhorse](/source/Packhorse) track with grades suitable for carts, from Kiwi Stream to the Wangapeka Saddle. In 1895, Chief Surveyor John S Browning visited the track and reported that it had not been maintained. He inspected the rest of the proposed route to the [West Coast](/source/West_Coast_Region), and estimated that a packhorse track could be completed from Wangapeka to Little Wanganui for £3,500.

Jonathan Brough was appointed to lead the construction of the track from Wangapeka Saddle to the [headwaters](/source/River_source) of the Karamea River.[3] Contracts for the construction were let in quarter-mile sections. Up to 20 men were hired to work on building the track, most of them unemployed diggers. The track reached the valley floor of the Karamea River by 1896, and through the Karamea River gorge by 1897. In 1889, Brough constructed an [A‑framed shelter](/source/A-frame_building) at a lookout point above the [Taipō River](/source/Taip%C5%8D_River_(Buller_District)) at its junction with the Karamea River. This shelter became known as the Tabernacle. This era of track construction by contract ended when the track reached the present site of Taipō [Hut](/source/Tramping_in_New_Zealand#Huts). However, further work was completed, cutting a track through open tussock to the area now known as Stag Flat, and then in a zig-zag up the steep section to Little Wanganui Saddle.[1]

### Little Wanganui inland to the saddle

Settlers in the [Little Wanganui](/source/Little_Wanganui) area wanting to graze [livestock](/source/Livestock) inland requested the construction of a track to open up the interior for farming. A route inland from Little Wanganui was surveyed in 1894 and 3 mi (4.8 km) of packhorse track was cut, using unemployed men from the Mohikinui mine. Work progressed slowly, but by 1899 there was 4.5 mi (7.2 km) of [cart](/source/Cart) road, and a pack track up the north bank of the [Little Wanganui River](/source/Little_Wanganui_River) to the gorge. From there a roughly cut route followed the river and then up the slopes of Mount Zetland to the Little Wanganui Saddle and down to Stag Flat.[1]

### Murchison earthquake

The [Murchison earthquake](/source/1929_Murchison_earthquake) on 17 June 1929 was a magnitude 7.3 event that caused widespread damage across the upper half of the [South Island](/source/South_Island) and led to 15 fatalities.[4] The [epicentre](/source/Epicenter) was north of the town of [Murchison](/source/Murchison%2C_New_Zealand) and close to the route of the Wangapeka Track. The earthquake created large and widespread [landslides](/source/Landslide) that caused severe damage to the track,[5] and destroyed the sections of the route across the slopes of Mount Zetland to the west of the Little Wanganui Saddle. Some of the damaged sections of track were rebuilt by hiring unemployed men. The work was funded from a government scheme established during the [economic depression of the 1930s](/source/History_of_New_Zealand#Great_Depression) to subsidise unemployed men to revisit old gold mining areas.[6][7][8]

### Cecil King's Hut

Cecil Kings Hut, Wangapeka Track

Cecil King from [Wellington](/source/Wellington) was one of those who went prospecting in the area of the Wangapeka River in the 1930s. Along with some other miners, in 1935 King built a small slab hut near the junction of the south and north branches of the Wangapeka River. He travelled from Wellington to live in the hut during summer times over a period of 46 years.[9] He spent more time at the hut after he retired, and developed a [flume](/source/Flume) system to assist with gold mining. King generally welcomed travellers, and was known to offer hospitality.[9] In 1991, the hut was restored by the [Department of Conservation](/source/Department_of_Conservation_(New_Zealand)).[10][11]

### Forest Park to National Park

The Wangapeka Track was incorporated into the North West Nelson Forest Park in 1970, as part of the amalgamation of eight forest parks in the region, under the management of the [New Zealand Forest Service](/source/New_Zealand_Forest_Service).[12][13] At that time, many of the tracks in the park were overgrown. The Forest Service started on a programme of work to promote recreation in the park, including cutting new tracks and building huts. The management of the North West Nelson Forest Park was transferred to the newly formed Department of Conservation in 1987.[14] The area of the North West Nelson Forest Park became the newly formed [Kahurangi National Park](/source/Kahurangi_National_Park) in 1996.[15]

### Proposals for a through-road

Main article: [Proposals for a road through North-west Nelson](/source/Proposals_for_a_road_through_North-west_Nelson)

Proposals for a through-route from Wangapeka to [Karamea](/source/Karamea), suitable for horse-drawn vehicles, were made in 1868 by the provincial engineer.[16] In 1915, a deputation from [Nelson](/source/Nelson%2C_New_Zealand) lobbied [William Fraser](/source/William_Fraser_(New_Zealand_politician%2C_born_1840)), the [Minister of Public Works](/source/Minister_of_Public_Works), about the need for a Wangapeka–Karamea road to enable stock to be moved between the regions.[17] In 1924, the Karamea Progress League lobbied the Nelson Chamber of Commerce about the urgency of completing a road over the route.[18] There was further pressure from farming interests in 1920 and 1924 to build a road over the Wangapeka track through to Karamea, to permit stock movement between the Nelson and Karamea regions.[19][20]

In 1968, the idea was proposed again, but the Minister of Works stated in a letter to the South Island Publicity Association: "The cost of constructing and maintaining a road over the high passes on the Wangapeka route and through badly faulted earthquake shattered country would be prohibitive".[21]

A new proposal for a road through the Wangapeka track was made in 1973, as part of lobbying in opposition to the proposal for a road through the [Heaphy Track](/source/Heaphy_Track). The president of the Organisation to Preserve the Heaphy advocated for a road through the Wangapeka as an alternative that would avoid a road through the Heaphy.[22]

The idea was raised again in 2015 by the [mayor of Buller](/source/Mayor_of_Buller) as a means of boosting the West Coast economy in response to the decline of the coal industry. Points raised in opposition included the threats that a road through the Wangapeka would pose for endangered birds including [rock wrens](/source/New_Zealand_rock_wren) and [whio](/source/Blue_duck) (blue duck).[23] Opposition to the latest proposal for a road included this response by Jonathan Carson of the New Zealand news website [Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website)):

The Wangapeka Track provides a rare glimpse of primordial New Zealand. It feels remote and ancient. A lot has been invested into protecting the native wildlife, particularly the nationally vulnerable whio, in the area. A road would likely require widespread deforestation and destruction of habitat. Once a road is built there's no going back.[24]

## Route

Swing bridge by Siberia Campsite

The track is in Kahurangi National Park, a [protected area](/source/Protected_areas_of_New_Zealand) in the north-west of the South Island of New Zealand.[25] The route traverses the southern end of the Kahurangi National Park from the historic Wangapeka goldfields area west of [Tapawera](/source/Tapawera), to the coastal plains of the West Coast at Little Wanganui. It is 59 km (37 mi) long, and crosses two saddles, each over 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in elevation. The majority of the track is in river valleys and under forest cover, with small sections in tussock land at Stag Flat and the Little Wanganui Saddle. It typically takes walkers 4–6 days to complete.[10] The track can be walked in either direction, but the east to west journey is described here.

The eastern end of the track starts in the Wangapeka River valley 84 km (52 mi) south-west of Nelson, close to a campsite known as Siberia.[26][27] At the start of the track, there is a footbridge across the Rolling River. The track then follows the true right of the Wangapeka River. There are several tributaries to cross on the route, but these are bridged. The forest in this area is regenerating from the early attempts at clearing the land for grazing. There is a bridge across the north branch of the Wangapeka River at the junction with Kiwi Stream, and from this point the route follows the true left of the Wangapeka River to Kings Creek Hut.[28]

Karamea River

From Kings Creek Hut, the track passes the historic Cecil King hut and follows the true left of the Wangapeka River. The route climbs steadily to a bridge across to the true right, before reaching Stone Hut.[28]

The route from Stone Hut climbs out of the Wangapeka River valley, crossing a large landslide. The track ascends steeply to the Wangapeka Saddle, under forest cover at an elevation of 1,009 m (3,310 ft), before descending into the Karamea River headwaters.[28]

From the Wangapeka Saddle there is an alternative route over Biggs Tops, and then descending to Trevor Carter Hut, from where there are three alternatives for rejoining the main Wangapeka Track:[10]

- Lost Valley Track to Helicopter Flat Hut

- Saxon Falls Track, joins the main track again near the Tabernacle lookout

- across the Karamea River and along the true left bank to Taipō River footbridge.

Helicopter Flat Hut

There are two options for the route from Helicopter Flat Hut. The main route climbs above the true right of the Karamea River to Brough's Tabernacle, and then into the catchment of the Taipō river and Taipō Hut. There is also a longer route via a low saddle into Lost Creek, and to the Trevor Carter Hut. From this point there are two options for rejoining the main Wangapeka Track.[28]

From the Taipō Hut, the route gradually ascends to the Taipō River headwaters, and passes Stag Flat shelter with a steep climb to Little Wanganui Saddle – the highest elevation on the track at 1,087 m (3,566 ft). The descent from the saddle passes the Saddle Lakes before returning into the forest again. The route then descends steeply into the headwaters of the Little Wanganui River. The track crosses to the true right on a swingbridge, and then follows the true right to the Belltown Manunui Hut.[28]

The route from Belltown Manunui Hut follows the true right of the Little Wanganui River and through an open area known as Gilmor Clearing. The track then follows an old access road before returning to the Little Wanganui River and on to the car park at the end of Wangapeka Road.[28] The West Coast end of the track is around 80 km (50 mi) north of [Westport](/source/Westport%2C_New_Zealand) and 18 km (11 mi) south of Karamea.[10]

## Difficulty

The track is rated as medium difficulty by Barnett (2006),[28] and is described by the Department of Conservation as challenging, requiring backcounty experience, above-average fitness and survival skills.[10]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NZFS_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NZFS_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-NZFS_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-NZFS_1-3) *Wangapeka Track – North West Nelson State Forest Park* (2nd ed.). Nelson: [New Zealand Forest Service](/source/New_Zealand_Forest_Service). November 1985.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** This article incorporates text from a publication now in the [public domain](/source/Public_domain): [Chisholm, Hugh](/source/Hugh_Chisholm), ed. (1911). "[Hochstetter, Ferdinand Christian von](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Hochstetter,_Ferdinand_Christian_von)". *[Encyclopædia Britannica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica_Eleventh_Edition)*. Vol. 13 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 554.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Jonathan Brough"](https://collection.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/persons/M211). [Nelson Provincial Museum – Pupuri Taonga o Te Tai Ao](/source/Nelson_Provincial_Museum). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220803214045/https://collection.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/persons/M211) from the original on 3 August 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["GeoNet M 7.3 Buller (Murchison) Mon, Jun 17 1929"](https://www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/story/2178128). *[GeoNet](/source/GeoNet_(New_Zealand))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221220200850/https://www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/story/2178128) from the original on 20 December 2022. Retrieved 20 December 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Wangapeka – Karamea track – Erection of signs suggested"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM19451110.2.54). *[Nelson Evening Mail](/source/Nelson_Evening_Mail)*. 10 November 1945. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220901231750/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM19451110.2.54) from the original on 1 September 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022 – via [Papers Past](/source/National_Library_of_New_Zealand#Papers_Past).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Wangapeka Track – Government grant of £25"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM19321115.2.22). *[Nelson Evening Mail](/source/Nelson_Evening_Mail)*. 15 November 1932. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220803063113/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM19321115.2.22) from the original on 3 August 2022. Retrieved 3 August 2022 – via [Papers Past](/source/National_Library_of_New_Zealand#Papers_Past).

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1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-king_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-king_9-1) Arnold, Naomi (July–August 2019). ["Cecil King's Hut"](https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/cecil-kings-hut/). *[New Zealand Geographic](/source/New_Zealand_Geographic)* (158). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211102124456/https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/cecil-kings-hut/) from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-docbrochure_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-docbrochure_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-docbrochure_10-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-docbrochure_10-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-docbrochure_10-4) ["Wangapeka Track route Guide"](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/wangapeka-track-brochure.pdf) (PDF). [Department of Conservation](/source/Department_of_Conservation_(New_Zealand)). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210616133729/https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/wangapeka-track-brochure.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2022.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Walrond, Carl (7 September 2010). ["Nelson places – North-west Nelson"](https://teara.govt.nz/en/nelson-places/page-11). *Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand*. New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220909082529/https://teara.govt.nz/en/nelson-places/page-11) from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Barnett, Shaun (19 January 2013). ["Ranger's legacy of comfort"](https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/nelson-mail/20130119/282995397231902). *Nelson Mail*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220803063115/https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/nelson-mail/20130119/282995397231902) from the original on 3 August 2022. Retrieved 3 August 2022 – via PressReader.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Walrond, Carl (7 September 2010). ["Nelson places – North-west Nelson"](https://teara.govt.nz/en/nelson-places/page-11). *teara.govt.nz*. New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220909082529/https://teara.govt.nz/en/nelson-places/page-11) from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Karamea roads and their cost"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TC18680526.2.19.4). *[The Colonist](/source/The_Colonist_(New_Zealand_newspaper))*. 26 May 1868. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220902001815/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TC18680526.2.19.4) from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022 – via [Papers Past](/source/National_Library_of_New_Zealand#Papers_Past).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Nelson deputations"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TC19150327.2.26.5). *[The Colonist](/source/The_Colonist_(New_Zealand_newspaper))*. 27 March 1915. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220902001818/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TC19150327.2.26.5) from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022 – via [Papers Past](/source/National_Library_of_New_Zealand#Papers_Past).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Karamea – Wangapeka track"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM19240411.2.21). *[Nelson Evening Mail](/source/Nelson_Evening_Mail)*. 11 April 1924. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220902001814/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM19240411.2.21) from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022 – via [Papers Past](/source/National_Library_of_New_Zealand#Papers_Past).

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Wangapeka Track – Extension to Karamea urged"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM19240807.2.34). *[Nelson Evening Mail](/source/Nelson_Evening_Mail)*. 7 August 1924. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220902001816/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM19240807.2.34) from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022 – via [Papers Past](/source/National_Library_of_New_Zealand#Papers_Past).

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Wangapeka route would save Heaphy – O.P H."](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19730330.2.120) *[The Press](/source/The_Press)*. 30 March 1973. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220902001816/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19730330.2.120) from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022 – via [Papers Past](/source/National_Library_of_New_Zealand#Papers_Past).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Carroll, Joanne; Mitchell, Charlie (14 December 2015). ["New road linking West Coast to Nelson would bring 'life after coal'"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/75072126/new-road-linking-west-coast-to-nelson-would-bring-life-after-coal). *Stuff*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220902001809/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/75072126/new-road-linking-west-coast-to-nelson-would-bring-life-after-coal) from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Carson, Jonathan (10 June 2017). ["Paving paradise: The case against building a road through Kahurangi National Park"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/93406768/paving-paradise-the-case-against-building-a-road-through-kahurangi-national-park). *Stuff*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220902001807/https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/93406768/paving-paradise-the-case-against-building-a-road-through-kahurangi-national-park) from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Kahurangi National Park"](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/kahurangi-national-park/). *www.doc.govt.nz*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221128150728/https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/kahurangi-national-park) from the original on 28 November 2022. Retrieved 21 December 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Bell, Valerie (1975). *Trips in and around the Wangapeka Valley*. Wellington: [New Zealand Forest Service](/source/New_Zealand_Forest_Service).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Siberia Flat Campsite"](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/kahurangi-national-park/things-to-do/campsites/siberia-flat-campsite/). [Department of Conservation](/source/Department_of_Conservation_(New_Zealand)). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220224225506/https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/kahurangi-national-park/things-to-do/campsites/siberia-flat-campsite/) from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 3 August 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-barnett_28-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-barnett_28-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-barnett_28-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-barnett_28-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-barnett_28-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-barnett_28-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-barnett_28-6) Barnett, Shaun (2006). *Tramping in New Zealand: A Guide to 40 of New Zealand's Best Tracks* (1st ed.). Nelson: [Potton & Burton](/source/Potton_%26_Burton). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-877333-51-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-877333-51-4). [Wikidata](/source/WDQ_(identifier)) [Q113389263](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113389263).

## Further reading

- J.N.W. Newport (May 1957). ["Goldfields in the Upper Motueka and Buller Valleys – Wangapeka"](https://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-NHSJ01_02-t1-body1-d3-d2.html). *Nelson Historical Society Journal*. **1** (2). Nelson Historical Society. Retrieved 4 August 2022 – via New Zealand Electronic Text Collection – [Victoria University of Wellington](/source/Victoria_University_of_Wellington).

- J.N.W. Newport (1962). *Footprints – the story of the settlement and development of the Nelson back country districts*. Whitcombe and Tombs. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [18091608](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/18091608).

## External links

[Wikimedia Commons](/source/Wikimedia_Commons) has media related to:

[Wangapeka Track](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wangapeka_Track) ([category](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wangapeka_Track))

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for ***[Wangapeka Track](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Wangapeka_Track#Q49170485)***.

- ["Wangapeka Track"](https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-41.404272,172.386904&z=14). NZ Topo Map. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220803063115/https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-41.404272%2C172.386904&z=14) from the original on 3 August 2022.

- [Detailed photographic account of a west to east trip in 2007](https://www.donsmaps.com/wangapekatrack.html) from Don's Maps

- [Wangapeka Track](https://tramper.nz/244) at New Zealand Tramper

- [Wangapeka Track](https://tramping.net.nz/routes/wangapeka-track-kahurangi-national-park) at tramping.net.nz

- [Wangapeka Track trip report 2016](https://live.nelsontrampingclub.org.nz/trip-reports/trip-report-filter/343-wangapeka-track-west-bound-kahurangi-n-p-3-6-june-2016) at Nelson Tramping Club

v t e Kahurangi National Park Mountains Mount Arthur Mount Owen Mountain ranges Glasgow Range Wharepapa / Arthur Range Mountain passes Granity Pass Caves Bulmer Cavern Ellis Basin cave system Honeycomb Hill Cave Ōpārara Basin Arches Nettlebed Cave Coastal features Kahurangi Point Scotts Beach Lakes and reservoirs Boulder Lake Lake Sparrow Walking tracks Big Rimu Walk Fenian Track Heaphy Track Old Ghost Road Wangapeka Track Rivers Tasman District Anatoki River Aorere River Baton River Big River Boulder River Brown River Clark River Clarke River Cobb River Dart River Devil River Ellis River Fyfe River Hope River Kaituna River Little Boulder River Little Devil River Little Ōnahau River Little Pokororo River Little Slate River Little Waingaro River Matiri River Ōnahau River Onekaka River Ōtere River Owen River Parapara River Pariwhakaoho River Paturau River Pearse River Pokororo River Puremāhaia River Riuwaka River Rocky River Rolling River Saxon River Sherry River Skeet River Slate River Snow River Spey River Stanley River Tadmor River Tākaka River Te Waikoropupū River Turimawiwi River Waingaro River Wangapeka River Buller District Allen River Beautiful River Crow River Gunner River Heaphy River Hemphill River Huia River Johnson River Kahurangi River Kākāpō River Karamea River Kōhaihai River Leslie River Lewis River Little Crow River Little Wanganui River Mōkihinui River Ōpārara River Basin Postal River Roaring Lion River Taipō River Ugly River both districts Buller River Related articles Geology and geomorphology of Kahurangi National Park Kahurangi Marine Reserve Lake Matiri Matiri Project Nelson Coast temperate forests Opacuincola gretathunbergae Pittosporum dallii Proposals for a road through North-west Nelson Pseudowintera traversii Pūponga Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) Marine Reserve

v t e Buller District, New Zealand Seat: Westport Populated places Inangahua Ward Big River Blacks Point Cronadun Crushington Ikamatua Inangahua Junction Lyell Maruia Reefton Springs Junction Waiuta Seddon Ward Arapito Denniston Granity Hector Karamea Little Wanganui Millerton Mokihinui Ngakawau Seddonville Stockton Summerlea Umere Waimangaroa Westport Ward Cape Foulwind Carters Beach Charleston Punakaiki Sergeants Hill Te Kuha Westport Geographic features Allen River Awakari River Awarau River Ballroom Overhang Beautiful River Blackwater River (Buller River tributary) Blackwater River (Little Grey River tributary) Buller Gorge Buller River Bullock Creek Denniston Plateau Fox River Glasgow Range Kahurangi Point Karamea Bight Lake Christabel Lewis Pass Metro Cave / Te Ananui Cave Mount Augustus Mount Haast Ngākawau River Ōpārara Basin Ōpārara Basin Arches Ōtūmahana Estuary Papahaua Range Paparoa Range Perpendicular Point Pororari River Scotts Beach Waitakere / Nile River Wharepapa / Arthur Range Facilities and attractions Big Rimu Walk Charming Creek Tramway Conns Creek Branch Fenian Track Granity Community Library Heaphy Track Inland Pack Track Kahurangi Marine Reserve Kahurangi National Park Karamea Centennial Museum Koranui Incline Mokihinui Hydro Ngakawau Hydro Project Old Ghost Road Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Paparoa National Park Punakaiki Marine Reserve Reefton Hospital Rockies Incline Seddonville Branch Stillwater–Ngākawau line Stockton Mine Truman Track Victoria Forest Park Wangapeka Track Westport Airport Government District Council Mayor Regional Council Iwi Ngāi Tahu Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō

v t e Tasman District, New Zealand Seat: Richmond Populated places Golden Bay / Mohua Aorere Bainham Clifton Collingwood East Tākaka Ferntown Ligar Bay Motupipi Onekaka Pākawau Parapara Patons Rock Pōhara Port Pūponga Pūponga Rockville Seaford Tākaka Tarakohe Tata Beach Upper Tākaka Waikato Waitapu Motueka Brooklyn Kaiteriteri Lower Moutere Mārahau Motueka Riwaka Moutere-Waimea Brightwater Bronte Dovedale Mahana Māpua Ngātīmoti Ruby Bay Tasman Upper Moutere Wakefield Woodstock Richmond Aniseed Valley Appleby Hope Richmond Lakes-Murchison Murchison Rotoroa Saint Arnaud Tapawera Tophouse Geographic features Buller River Dun Mountain–Maitai terrane Hope Saddle Lee River Mārahau River Maungakura / Red Hill Newton River Ngārua Caves Roding River Sams Creek Tākaka River Waimea Plains Waimea River Golden Bay / Mohua Appos Creek Archway Islands Cape Farewell Cobb Reservoir Druggans Dam Dry River Farewell Spit Harwoods Hole Lake Killarney Lightband Gully North-west Nelson Forest Park Rawhiti Cave Slateford Tākaka Hill Tata Islands Te Waikoropupū Springs Wainui Bay Whanganui Inlet Wharariki Beach Abel Tasman National Park Armchair Island Awapoto River Awaroa River Ballon Rock Falls River Fisherman Island Motuareronui / Adele Island Simonet Creek Torrent Bay Tata Islands Tinline Bay Tonga Island Torrent River Tōtaranui Wainui River Falls Tasman Bay Bell Island Best Island Moturoa / Rabbit Island Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock Waimea Inlet Kahurangi National Park Brown River Bulmer Cavern Ellis Basin cave system Kahurangi Point Lake Matiri Mount Arthur Mount Burnett Mount Owen Nettlebed Cave Wharepapa / Arthur Range Nelson Lakes National Park Braeburn Range Lake Rotoiti Lake Rotoroa Maniniaro / Angelus Peak Mount Franklin Pourangahau / Mount Robert Rotomairewhenua / Blue Lake Rotopōhueroa / Lake Constance Sabine Valley Saint Arnaud Range Spenser Mountains Facilities and attractions Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track Inland Track Monument Appleby railway station Brightwater railway station Cobb Power Station Ferntown Bridge Gowanbridge railway station Heaphy Track Hope railway station Karamea Aerodrome Kawatiri railway station Langford Store Memorial Park Milnthorpe Model Motueka Aerodrome Moutere Inn Mussel Inn Nelson Lakes National Park Onekaka Ironworks Onekaka Power Station Onekaka Wharf and tramline Proposals for a road through North-west Nelson Pupu Hydro Power Scheme Richmond railway station RNZAF Dip Flat Rutherford memorial Stafford Place St Michael's Church Stoke railway station Tākaka Aerodrome Tākaka Pioneers' Memorial Takaka Tramway Great Taste Trail Tonga Island Marine Reserve Tophouse Tour de Vineyards Wai-iti Dark Sky Park Wangapeka Track Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) Marine Reserve Wharariki Ecosanctuary Administration Historic Nelson Province (1853–1876) Collingwood County (1877–1956) Waimea County (1877–1989) Richmond Borough (1891–1989 · mayor) Motueka Borough (1900–1989) Takaka County (1904–1956) Murchison County (1909–1965) Golden Bay County (1956–1989) Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council (1989–1992) Current Council Mayor Organisations Golden Bay Air Golden Bay-Motueka Rugby Union New Zealand Energy Richmond Athletic FC Talley's Group Schools Collingwood Area School Golden Bay High School Motueka High School Waimea College Waimea Intermediate

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Wangapeka Track](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wangapeka_Track) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wangapeka_Track?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.