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Kahurangi National Park
Grade: Medium
Event Status: Cancelled Hits : 667
To Monday 26 October 2026
Cost: $
Trip Leader:
Email:
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Description
LABOUR WEEKEND. CANCELLED.
The current plan is:- Drive to Murchison on Saturday morning and base ourselves in the town. Return to Nelson Monday afternoon/evening. Take one meal to prepare and eat in the Campground Kitchen/Dining Room and dine in town one night. So need two breakfasts and lunch/snacks for the tramps.
Saturday:- Head south on SH6 and park at Bouder Creek near Kawatiri Junction. Climb Mt Hope: Mt Hope (1244 m) is a peak on the Hope Range, located in Kahurangi National Park, northwest of Kawatiri Junction. An unofficial but well-marked route leads to the summit from the side of State Highway 6. Refer Nelson Trails: 11-12 kms; 800 m climb; Fit. https://nelsontrails.co.nz/mt-hope/
Sunday: Take a short drive to Maruia Saddle and the start of the track to Mt Mantell. It has been a long time since the Club visited Mt Mantell. Refer the following Trip Report:-
A 2015 Trip Report: https://live.nelsontrampingclub.org.nz/?view=article&id=376
Here is another report from Wilderness magaizine:- Starting out from Maruia Saddle Road, the track climbs through the bush towards the tops. The lower part of the track is marked but the forest has been damaged by wind and snow and many markers have been lost. Higher up, the forest is more stable and the markers are easier to follow along a leading ridge.From the bushline to the summit is about 2km of relatively flat, non-technical ridge travel and once reached, the summit provides great views. 5.3km one-way with about 1000m climb in total. Grade Medium [The track is no longer mainrtained, so there are missing markers, but we do have a gpx file]
Lake Caslani. This is one of two tarns hidden in the Victoria Forest Park with access off SH 65 south of Murchison. I checked this out a couple of week-ends ago after getting some background information.It was a hard tramp. 6.5km in 5 hours!! It was an obstacle course the whole way, so I have decided not to go there!! The views were not worth the effort!!
Monday: Do shorter easy walks before heading home and avoiding possible rain! [Watch this space. Currently only Monday has possible showers]
Six Mile Hydro. "Six Mile Hydro Walkway showcases the historic remains of the Six Mile Hydro Scheme, in the Matakitaki Valley south of Murchison. The scheme was in operation from 1922 to 1975 and during this time provided power to Murchison and homes in the Matakitaki Valley." (From Nelson Trails) 4 km return Easy
Skyline Walkway: The walkway begins at the car park on the western side of the SH6 Matakitaki River Bridge, just outside of Murchison. The walkway zig-zags up the hillside at a consistent gradient. The surrounding bush is mainly regenerating, with remnant beech and scattered podocarps towering above. At the top, two lookouts provide views over Murchison and the surrounding ranges and valleys."
Eight Mile Track is a short walk to an earthquake-dammed lake, in the Matakitaki Valley south of Murchison. 3.5 km return 1-2 hours. 170m climb. https://nelsontrails.co.nz/eight-mile-track/
The other option is to inspect the new Lake Matiri Hydro on the way home.(for those with an interest in technology)
Kiwi Park Motels and Holiday Park is right in Murchison (walking distance to shops) and seems to have good rates for campsites or share cabins. https://www.kiwipark.co.nz/
Registration ONLINE REGISTRATIONS are not currently available for this trip. Please contact the Trip Leader to book onto this trip. , Trip Capacity: 16, Waiting List Space: 10