Kahurangi Lighthouse

Kahurangi National Park

Grade: Easy

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From Friday 16 December 2022
To Monday 19 December 2022

Cost: $43

Description

cancelled due to rain

The plan (stolen from other trip reports, as I have not been there myself):

On Friday, drive to Westhaven Inlet and camp at the Anatori River, at the car park at the end of the road for the night to allow an early start the next day, 3 1/2 hrs drive from Nelson. We can leave the camping gear behind in the cars, as the hut sleeps 25. (Maybe bring a mat just in case).

(It is also possible to stay at the Mangarakau (Forest and Bird) Lodge on Friday and drive to Anatori River early Saturday morning (extra cost, $20 pp/night). Please organise and pay your lodge stay yourselves if you prefer this option.)

https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/our-community/lodges/mangarakau-lodge

On Saturday morning, it'll take about 4 hrs to reach Kahurangi Lighthouse, walking along the beach, crossing 3 rivers. If we have 4WDs, we can cross the Anatori, which saves 1 1/2 hours (5km) walk. We want to reach the deepest, Big River, before low tide at 10.30am (that's 2 hrs walk from Turimawiwi, or 3 1/2 from Anatori). Hopefully, we'll have enough 4WDs - otherwise it's a very early start! Depending on river flow and where we decide to cross, the crossing may be at least waist deep, or we'll have to float our packs and swim it.

We should reach the hut by lunchtime, allowing us plenty of time to explore the area around the historic lighthouse in the afternoon. We'll spend 2 nights at the lighthouse keeper's hut, with 25 bunks (standard, no bookings) and fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. Luxury, but bring repellent!

On Sunday, walk south to the Kahurangi River mouth, explore rock formations, waterfall and swimming holes, collect kai moana, swim in the sea, watch the sunset (hopefully!!). Monday low tide is at 1.45 pm, which means a relaxed morning and a late arrival back in Nelson around 7.30/8 pm.

Note: Please consider your confidence in river crossing before you register! This trip involves wading through at least waist-deep water or swimming, floating your pack! See trip reports:

https://live.nelsontrampingclub.org.nz/trip-reports/trip-reports/trip-report-filter/578 and

https://live.nelsontrampingclub.org.nz/trip-reports/trip-reports/trip-report-filter/352.

If you want more info, here are some good pix and detailed descriptions:

https://tinytramper.com/kahurangi-lighthouse/

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/kahurangi-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/kahurangi-point-route/

Registration