Hidden Valleys of WaimāramaBeginner

Description

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!

Features of interest

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).

Make Up of Run

Moderate Single Track: 88%

Easy Single Track: 12%

Route Data