Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Hot Springing to Cedar Flats

Hokitika, West Coast

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 40 ?

Gnarl Factor: 65 ?

19.0km

730m

730m

539m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Out and Back

Very hilly

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

10%
30%
60%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.0%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

6:00

Slow

4:30

Moderate

3:00

Fast

Once parked up follow the markers up unto the Toaroha Valley. It can be muddy at times across a mix of old farmland and typical West Coast front country until you get further in and pick up the old pack track from days long past that heads into the forest. Look for the standard DOC orange markers that lead onto what was once upon a time an old logging tramline track- bits of rail, sleepers and old historic equipment will be spotted.

Carry on, ignoring the signpost to the Flood Route - you really shouldn't be running up here if its flooding, unless of course you simply want to keep dry feet (hint, that won't happen later!). Take the river section instead, its a fun wee bash around rocks, small sections of wading and under cliffs. Follow the trail into the bush at the un-named creek downstream a short way before MacMillan Creek as it climbs steadily across a bush terrace and over to MacMillan Creek itself.

Here the trail heads uphill up to a low saddle before steadily traversing down into the valley floor over 2-3km in order to avoid the Toaroha Canyon. Classic West Coast forest travel, with a few creeks to hop across and great views from time to time into the gorge. Then you are out into the valley proper. Head on to the swingbridge where you soon hit Hut Central. Well worth a stay overnight if you've 'fastpacked' with enough gear. If you want to check out the hotpools it's a short dash up to Wren Creek on a trail that's pretty obvious from the hut. The pools can be a bit hit and miss (certainly not a patch on the Copland Hot Pools Splash'n'Dash route) - but if you dig out a decent one with the shovel provided you can have a wee dip before retracing your steps the way you came.

Take care on the downhills, the West Coast forest trails are often slippery and can eat many an ankle or knee ligament

Wren Creek Hot Springs, Cedar Flats, Huts, West Coast bush and rivers

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.

Standard road end car parking, no public transport although a taxi from Hokitika is potentially feasible if you ring around

29 km

27 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Take the map and PLB, and know how to read the map. The trail is well marked for the most part.

Non-existent.

Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Gaiters

Its the West Coast. There's water everywhere, and damn its good to drink up there

Bad weather can occur any season here, know the forecast and don't go in a flood or heavy rain

Slippery rocks and tree roots
River crossings
Sandflies (!)

Back to Hokitika for a well earned feed and watering

Trail Legend

JD

Jono Dobbs

has completed Hot Springing to Cedar Flats once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Hot Springing to Cedar Flats

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

An excellent trip. Can 100% recommend making the detour to the hot pools. They are GOOD!

Kat Reynolds

July 11, 2020

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

Other trails nearby
Milltown to Lower Arahura Hut

Milltown to Lower Arahura Hut

Length: 20.3km

Level: Intermediate

Mt Brown Bonanza

Mt Brown Bonanza

Length: 14.1km

Level: Experienced

Mt Tuhua

Mt Tuhua

Length: 8.5km

Level: Intermediate

Mahinapua Walkway

Mahinapua Walkway

Length: 6.0km

Level: Beginner

Find more trails and peaks nearby