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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: -42.12177, 172.02719. 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
- 20.7 km one way return via same track
- Walking time
- 2-3 days
- 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
The walk up to Kirwans Hut via Montgomerie Hut is a stunning overnight tramp. There are incredible historic relics to be seen in this area.
This DOC directory entry covers Kirwans Track 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: 20.7 km one way return via same track
- Walking time: 2-3 days
- 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.
- Kirwans Track severe damage; First published on 27 November 2025. Last reviewed on 16 July 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The walk up to Kirwans Hut via Montgomerie Hut is a stunning overnight tramp. Leaving from the Waitahu/ Gannons Road car park, the 11.5 km track winds its way up the Waitahu River to the 6 bunk Montgomerie Hut.
Either spend the night here or carry on up the remaining 9.2 km track from Montgomerie Hut to Kirwans Hut. You will pass the Lord Brassey Historic Stamper, and then climb your way up to the beautiful Kirwans Hut.
You will need to return the same way. Due to severe storm damage and a dangerous rock fall, the loop via Capleston car park is closed until further notice.
Gannons Road car park – Montgomerie Hut
Time: 4 hr or 11.5 km
Leaving from the Waitahu/ Gannons Road car park, the 11.5 km track winds its way up the Waitahu River to the 6 bunk Montgomerie Hut.
Montgomerie Hut – Kirwans Hut
Time: 3.5 hr or 9.2 km
From Montgomerie Hut, the track winds its way up to the Lord Brassey stamper battery. The battery is an impressive structure holding fifteen 500kg+ stamper rods, that were originally lifted by a water powered pelton wheel, then dropped down to crush gold bearing quartz. From here it’s a steep but steady climb up to Kirwans Hut.
Kirwans Hut is built on a stunning site in an alpine clearing just above the bushline. On a clear day you can see all the way down to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Mountain biking
The ride up to Kirwans Hut and back by the Waitahu/ Gannons Road track is a stunning, wilderness grade 4 mountain bike ride.
It is a challenging ride up gaining 1000 m elevation. You are rewarded with spectacular views and a steep downhill ride back to the Lord Brassey Stamper battery, with sections of technical riding and some carrying. Another option is to take a helicopter up to the top and ride down.
Mountain biking can also be done by Murray Creek to the Clematis swing bridge and back down the Waitahu Valley to create a loop ride back to Reefton.
We do not recommend mountain biking up the Waitahu valley further than Station Creek.
These are shared-use tracks. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Horse riding
There is an easy ride up the Waitahu Valley four wheel drive road. After the Clematis Swingbridge the track rapidly becomes rougher.
Getting there
From Reefton, drive 2.1 km north toward Westport. Look for the Gannons Road sign pointing right off the main road down Gannons Road. Follow Gannons road for 5 km, crossing the Waitahu bridge and reach the track car park.
Know before you go
Wasps can be common from December to April, carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.
The track in the Waitahu Valley before Montgomerie Hut crosses several fords. Take care if it has been raining heavily.
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
History and culture
You can visit the Kirwans Reward mine and associated aerial ropeway. The Lord Brassey stamper battery, a gold relic saved from collapse, is a must see.
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.
