Last Updated: 18th Apr 2024

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Hidden Valleys of Waimārama

Nelson, Nelson

Submitted by Emma Dryland

Last Updated: 18th Apr 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 15 ?

Gnarl Factor: 44 ?

8.2km

465m

450m

416m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Run Makeup

12%
88%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:15

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1

Fast

Hit up the visitors center first to tee up your admission, then head through the gate in the pest proof fence. Take a left up Koru Track, follow this until you see signage for Carters Track (another left).

At the most eastern point of this loop, cross the stream, and follow the track down (now on the other side of the stream). Here Carters Track weaves over the stream multiple times before the Corkscrew and Champagne Pool. At the large picnic table take a left on to Old Bach Track, another stream crossing leads you on to Valley Track.

Continue heading towards the visitors center, the track grade widens and flattens, before crossing the Founders bridge and arriving back at the entrance/exit gate. Wet feet is likely, in normal conditions the stream crossings are simple and between ankle-shin deep. There are many pools, which would be perfect for a cool off on a warm day.

For more adventure, there are a few alternatives or other tracks to loop in!

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the largest fenced Sanctuary for endangered plants and creatures in the South Island.

Wildlife include: Tīeke (South Island saddleback), Kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet), Korimako (Bellbird) Ngirungiru (Tomtit) powelliphanta (large endemic carnivorous land snail).

There is plenty of parking, otherwise it is a short bike or bus ride from Nelson city. Bus route information can be found here: http://www.nelson.govt.nz/services/transport/nbus/routes-and-timetables/

0 km

0 minutes

Unknown

Yes
Name: The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
Telephone: (03) 539 4920

Moderate.

There are additional well established trapping line tracks within the Sanctuary. These are clearly marked as not for public entry.

Non-existent.

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

There are streams on route.

Check the opening hours on the Sanctuary's website before heading out.

New Asia
279 Hardy St, Nelson
https://new-asia-restaurant.tuckerfox.co.nz/
Delicious Chinese food, including smorgasbord.

The Fat Tui
219 Trafalgar Street, Nelson
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063544152520
Burgers!

Trail Legend

Tara Jackson

Tara Jackson

has completed Hidden Valleys of Waimārama twice in the last year.

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