Kiwi Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This old goldminer's track leads to Kiwi Saddle Hut.

This DOC directory entry covers Kiwi 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: 8.3 km one way
• Walking time: 3 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

This track provides a moderate tramping experience on an old goldminers track through mature native bush. It leads to Kiwi Saddle Hut.

Walk up the Wangapeka Track for 3 hours (9.5 km) to the start of the Kiwi Track.

This route is marked to the upper bush edge, Then make your way up to the top following the leading ridge.

You can also walk to the top of Mount Patriarch from Kiwi Saddle Hut - this route is 2 hours 50 min, 3.6 km return from the hut.

It is possible to combine with Chummies Track and John Reid Hut to do a 3-day loop track.

Getting there

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. 4WD recommended.

Continue for a further 8 km to the start of the Wangapeka Track at Rolling Junction, where a grassed area allows parking, and an information panel provides a map and track details.

Walk up the Wangapeka Track for 3 hours (9.5 km) to the start of the Kiwi Saddle Track.

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

Kiwi Saddle Track is located in an alpine environment. Always be prepared for freezing conditions and take extra care if snow and ice are present.

History and culture

The track is an old, benched goldminer's track put in to access the Crow river in the 1800s.

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.