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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: -41.86541, 171.61060. 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
- 11 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 5-11 hrs
- Track grade
- Advanced; Expert
- Location
- Paparoa National Park / Westport area
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
Walk through forest and subalpine scrub to Buckland Peaks for stunning views of the Paparoa Range.
This DOC directory entry covers Buckland Peaks Track in West Coast, within Paparoa National Park / Westport area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 11 km return via same track
- Walking time: 5-11 hrs
- DOC grade: Advanced; Expert
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.
Description
Car park to track head
Time: 1 hrDistance: 6 km
Starting from the car park, the first hour of the track follows a locked four wheel drive track across Caroline Terrace. This part is walking access only – no vehicles including bikes allowed. Respect this easement.
Buckland Peaks Track to Buckland Peak Hut
Time: 4 hrDistance: 4.53 km
This tramping track starts in regenerating cutover forest. You quickly reach diverse podocarp beech forest, climbing relatively steeply from 200 m to 1,100 m. There is a clearing marked as Halfway House which can be good for a rest stop.
Mixed podocarp forest changes to dracophyllum to subalpine scrub as you reach the tussock tops. Here you will see Buckland Peaks Hut in the basin about 100 m below the track. If continuing onto the peaks you do not need to drop to the hut.
Buckland Peaks Hut to Buckland Peaks (unmarked route)
Time: 1 hour
From the hut follow the markers back up to the top of the basin. There is no track beyond this point. The unmarked route drops down from point 1175 and continues towards the true peak. Cloud can appear suddenly at any time and vastly decrease visibility. Route finding skills are essential.
The Buckland Peaks have amazing granite boulders and formations as well as a large diversity of alpine flora. Here you have stunning views of the rugged Paparoa Range.
Getting there
The track starts at a car park 1.3 km down Bucklands Peak Road, which is 6.5 km south of Westport.
Know before you go
Weather in Paparoa Ranges is changeable. Heavy rain, snow, ice, fog and strong winds are possible at all times of the year, especially on the exposed sections of the track.
You must be well equipped and prepared for all weather conditions and carry warm and waterproof clothing. If the weather becomes severe, stay put in the hut or turn back until conditions improve.
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.
