Rarakau carpark to Port Craig Hut

7 hours - 20 km

From the Rarakau carpark, the track follows an old road over several suspension bridges and past beachside baches. Passing the Hump Ridge Track Okaka Lodge turnoff, the track skirts several beaches and headlands before arriving at the magnificent Blowholes Beach.

Hectors dolphins are often seen all along this coastline (look for the round, ‘mickey mouse’ shaped fin in the shallows).

From here the track climbs over another headland to Breakneck Creek, where it re-enters the forest before arriving at the historic Port Craig School Hut (DOC) and Port Craig Lodge (private). Interpretive panels and a short walk around the site may help you learn about the timber milling history of the area.

Click here for information on DOC Accommodation

Port Craig School Hut to Wairaurahiri Hut

6 hours - 16 km

The track follows an old logging tramline for 15 km through regenerating native forest. The Sandhill and Percy Burn viaducts are reached after 2 hours walk from Port Craig. The Tuatapere Port Craig Viaducts Trust hut is sited at Percy Burn.

The track continues and crosses both the Edwin Burn and Francis Burn viaducts. At the end of the tramline the track enters mature bush and descends through three river terraces to a clearing on the banks of the Wairaurahiri River, and the Wairaurahiri Hut.

The privately owned Waitutu Lodge is located on the opposite side of the river, approximately 600 m off the track towards the coast.

Click here for information on DOC Accommodation

Wairaurahiri Hut to Waitutu Hut

6 hours - 13 km

Cross the Wairaurahiri River over the bridge next to the hut. This track winds through private Māori land and bush clad coastal terraces until meeting the Waitutu River, where a suspension bridge gives access to the Waitutu Hut (200 m upstream on the true right bank).

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Waitutu Hut to Big River

5+ hours - 12km

From the Waitutu Hut, the track is a marked route and is recommended for experienced trampers only. Westies Hut is located in a sea cave at Prices Harbour, signposted from the track about 2 km east of Big River.

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Jet Boat and Hike Option

Take your adventure to the next level with Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet with a multiple day walk and jetboat option. This can be worked in with your overall hike. Click here for more information.

Accommodation and Supplies

Tuatapere is an excellent place for accommodation, camping, getting supplies etc before your adventure. Click here to find out more information.

Waitutu Lodge

Waitutu Lodge is an excellent place to stay on your adventure. Travel by foot or take the scenic jetboat option directly to the lodge. Situated 600mtr's off the South Coast Track towards the Coast on the TRUE RIGHT of the Wairaurahiri River.
Lodge has Power, Hot Showers, Flush Toilets, Gas Cooking Facilities, Eating Utensil's, Crockery, Linen Hire, Drying Room and Sleeps 22 people For more information please click here

Waitutu Track - Guided

Introducing Kiwi Wilderness Walks, New Zealand Hiking and Tramping specialists

Kiwi Wilderness Walks is based in Queenstown on the edge of Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Park and just up the road from Stewart Island…. right in the heart of New Zealand’s tramping country and ideally situated to help coordinate all your hiking trips.

For more information please click here