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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -42.24851, 171.89433. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 7 km one way
- Walking time
- 3-4 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Victoria Forest Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
From Big River Hut, follow an old mine ride to Big River Engine House and other historic sites.
This DOC directory entry covers Big River – Golden Lead Battery in West Coast, within Victoria Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 7 km one way
- Walking time: 3-4 hr
- DOC grade: Advanced
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Leave Big River Hut, head north and cross Big River at the Battery site. Follow the old mine road for 1 km until you reach Big River Engine House. From there, a low-gradient road takes you to a historic sawmill site where the track continues along an old coal tramway.
At the end of the tramway, the track turns into a backcountry trail and descends steeply until you reach Deep Creek and the Golden Lead Battery. Return to Big River Hut via the same track.
Four wheel driving
The drive on the 4WD road into Big River is a challenging and classic trip.
Horse riding
The 4WD road into Big River from Soldiers Rd is a long and challenging horse ride for experienced riders.
Getting there
Walking access to the Golden Lead Battery is via the Big River – Inangahua Track starting from near the historic Big River Engine House.
Know before you go
The route between Golden Lead Battery and Progress Water Race following Deep Creek is no longer maintained and the swing bridge has been removed.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly on the tops. Rain can quickly make even small streams treacherous to cross. Before starting out it is best to check with Reefton Visitor Centre for the latest weather and track information.
Wasps can be common from December to April, carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
