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Key facts
- Distance
- 8 km one way
- Walking time
- 3-5 hr
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Kahurangi National Park
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
Chummies Track is a steep climb up to John Reid Hut. It fords the Wangapeka River which is impassable if running high.
This DOC directory entry covers Chummies Track in Tasman, within Kahurangi National 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: 8 km one way
- Walking time: 3-5 hr
- DOC grade: Intermediate
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
Chummies Track begins by fording Wangapeka River, before climbing the hillside on the opposite bank. Note: there is no bridge and the river is impasable if running high.
The track then gains 500 m elevation in a little over a kilometre, climbing to the crest of the ridge. Once on the ridge the climb continues, though the gradient eases and some openings provide views to Mt Baldy and Mt Gomorrah on the Arthur Range to the north.
At the tree line, the track sidles the mountainside through tussock and mountain flax, crossing several small streams, before reaching John Reid Hut.
It is possible to combine Chummies Track and John Reid Hut with Kiwi Track to do a 3-day loop track.
Getting there
Chummies Track begins near the start of the Wangapeka Track, in the Wangapeka Valley, southwest of Nelson.
From Tapawera, cross the Motueka River and head southwest along Tadmor Valley Rd, then turn right onto Tadmor-Bushend Rd. From Matariki the road is unsealed. Follow the road to the Dart River Ford; this cannot be crossed when running high.
Continue for a further 7 km to the Kahurangi National Park boundary, where a grassed area allows parking and an information panel provides a map and track details. This is where Chummies Track starts.
Caution required on Dart River Ford on the Wangapeka River
Dart FordImage: Ivan Rogers | DOC
If you’re planning to cross the Dart Ford by vehicle, identify suitable conditions first.
Due to ongoing gravel migration filling the ford, the river is flowing over the ford even at low water levels. The ford may be impassable after heavy rain.
We recommend the use of a 4WD vehicle to safely negotiate the ford.
Check river flow for Wangapeka at Walter Peak on the Tasman District Council website before you set off.
As a guide, if the flow indicated on the graph exceeds 40 cumecs then it is not advisable to cross. However, the river may still be unsafe to cross because:
the flow shown on the website can be inaccurate, or
the Dart River may be flowing higher than the Wangapeka indicates, or
the culverts under the ford may be choked with gravel.
So you must re-assess the flow conditions once you arrive in terms of your vehicle and driving skill level. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast for your return trip too.
Know before you go
Chummies Track fords the Wangapeka River which is impassable if running high.
It is located in an alpine environment, so proper preparation and care should be made to ensure a safe trip. Always be prepared for freezing conditions and take extra care if snow and ice and are present.
Make sure you carry plenty of water with you as there are no water sources on the way up.
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
How to cross rivers safely
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
