Blue Ducks & Cecil King's Hut

The 59km long Wangapeka Track goes all the way to Karamea (not on this particular run though, you turn around before then). The track was built after gold was discovered in the Wangapeka Valley in 1859.

For this particular route, you run along the river valley to the historic and distinctive-looking Cecil King's Hut (details below), and back again.

Keep an eye out for blue ducks as the Wangapeka Track runs through one of eight DOC sites nationwide to secure the survival of this endangered species.

From the DOC brochure:

The 1929 Murchison earthquake caused severe damage to sections of the Wangapeka Track and totally destroyed the Mt Zetland route on the western side of the Little Wanganui Saddle. These sections were rebuilt during the 1930s depression when the government introduced a gold mining subsidy scheme for unemployed men.

Cecil King's Hut is a relic of this time. King built the wooden slab hut in 1935. He lived in Lower Hutt and after his retirement in the 1960s, spent every summer fossicking there until 1981. He died in 1982 at 78 and his family spread his ashes around the hut. After initial restoration work in 1991 the department continues to maintain the hut to preserve its historic values.

The area contains some of the oldest rocks in the country and a wide variety, including granite, sandstone and limestone.

Good parking.

30 km

38 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Less than a few hundred metres you will arrive at Kings Creek Hut, this isn't Cecil Kings Hut (it's far newer), keep going past here, until you reach the distinctive Cecil King's Hut.

Very patchy.

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries

There is no drinking water on route, take your own.

Avoid if there has been heavy rain, or about to be heavy run further up the river valley - as you may not be able to drive all the way in, or all the way out! The Dart Ford in particular can become impassable after heavy rain.

Mozzies. Take repellent. Plus flooding as above.

Kohatu Flat Rock Cafe
5087 Motueka Valley Highway
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Kohatu-Flat-Rock-Cafe-216845585057095/about/?ref=page_internal
It is the only cafe within the vicinity of Tapawera (5-10 minute drive out of Tapawera on the way back to Nelson).