Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Riverside
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.4%
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3:00
Slow
2:00
Moderate
1:30
Fast
This trail follows an historic bush tramway used to transport timber and coal from the Charming Creek coal mine. The track follows Charming Creek and the Ngakawau River for much of the way. The historic rail tracks are still in place in sections and the track passes through several hand-cut tunnels. At the turnaround point at Charming Creek mine are a number of mining relics and the Mangatini Falls are also a highlight. With two cars the track could be run in one direction only, however it is a bit of a drive from Westport to the Charming Creek end so it is best run as an out-and-back trail.
Charming Creek coal mine, waterfall, tramway.
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Gravel DOC carpark. No public transport in the area.
32 km
26 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Non-existent.
Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Some water sources in the area are contaminated from acid mine drainage from coal mining so best to take your own.
Muddy in parts after heavy rain but can also be exposed and hot in mid-summer through the latter part of the track which passes through relatively open pakahi.
Waimangaroa Store
Waimangaroa
The Waimangaroa dairy happens to make amazing homemade pies which are most definitely worth stopping in for on your way back to Westport post-run. The store also sells all the usual cold drinks and ice creams if that's more your thing.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Charming Creek Walkway
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SD
Done from Seddonville due to slip. Flat trail with mining relics. Tunnel and waterfall near the slip (turning point) are the highlights scenery-wise. This route is dog friendly according to DoC.
March 30, 2021
great trail with lots of interesting stuff along the way - its still closed at the ngakawau end but you can get 12km return from the seddonville end. the pie shop is open and a great spot for post run coffee, pies etc
January 29, 2020
SC
I run the trail from the seddonville end as there had been a slip at the other end. Great track and stull saw heaps even though a small part was closed. The waterfalls and tunnels and old machinery was awesome
October 29, 2019
BW
I went after/during a wee storm. Be warned this track gets pretty waterlogged and you WILL get wet feet. Plus side though, huge waterfalls! :)
August 3, 2019
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