Last Updated: 26th Aug 2025
Hidden Valleys of Waimārama
Last Updated: 26th Aug 2025
Grunt Factor: 15 ?
Gnarl Factor: 44 ?
8.2km
465m
450m
416m
Last Updated: 26th Aug 2025
Last Updated: 26th Aug 2025
Grunt Factor: 15 ?
Gnarl Factor: 44 ?
8.2km
465m
450m
416m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.30%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.00%
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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).
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
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/
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0 minutes
No
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!
Do you have another suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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