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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 2 - 3 hr one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Southern Paparoa Range
- 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 Moonlight Pack Track offers the opportunity to see reminders of the gold mining history of the area, and to walk through West Coast native beech forest.
This DOC directory entry covers Moonlight Pack Track in West Coast, within Southern Paparoa Range. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 2 - 3 hr one way
- DOC grade: Easy
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
This is a great track if you want an easy day walk with endless views of historic and natural significance. The track has a gentle gradient and was originally a pack track. You may see blue duck/whio while walking alongside the riverbed, so be sure to have your camera with you! You will also see the predator traps which protect the wildlife in the surrounding area.
Huts on this track are not suitable for accommodation. This is because they are derelict historic huts.
Andersons Flat - Meechams Historic Hut site
Time: 1 hr
From the clearing at Andersons Flat, the well-formed track runs up the valley through regenerating forest at a moderate gradient. The track crosses the creek once on the way up. Meechams Historic Hut site is signposted right after the second swing bridge. The hut is slightly off the track and you will also see walls of stacked stone tailings from gold claims.
Meechams Historic Hut site – Passenis Historic Hut site
Time: 30 min
After crossing the swing-bridge the river forks out, and after a brief walk you will see the sign-posted Passenis Historic Hut site just before the third swing bridge. You will also see parts of the Moonlight quartz stamping battery above the river that is forked. You will begin to notice the transition between the beech and hardwood forests.
Passenis Historic Hut site – Meikles Historic Hut site – Paparoa Tops
Time: 1 – 1 hr 30 minOnce you have crossed the third swing bridge the track gradually inclines towards the Meikles Historic site. Along the river bed keep an eye out for blue duck/whio.
The track then zigzags upwards with the bench formation ending 30 minutes later where the forest starts to take on a sub-alpine appearance. A rough, steep track continues for 20 minutes to emerge in the open 'tops' about 10 minutes below the crest of the range.
Mountain biking
Start point: Moonlight car parkEnd point: Meikles Hut
Another great ride along a historic miner’s path. The start of this track weaves in between some impressive, boulder-stacked gold tailings. As a result the initial terrain is rough and rocky.
Once across the first swing-bridge, the track becomes a mix of very smooth, benched single track with intermittent rougher sections. Find the old Meikles Hut tucked in the bush. There is a short section of rideable track just beyond here.
Getting there
9 km north of the Blackball turn-off, where the Atarau Road bends past a picnic area, turn left onto the Moonlight Valley Road as it runs off toward the range. It's a good but narrow gravel road. The Bailey Bridge along this road has weight restrictions of 1500 kg and is not suited to heavy vehicles.
After 6 km the road crosses the creek at the site of Middletown, then climbs to end 3 km further on at Andersons Flat. The Moonlight Track ends at the historic Meikles Hut and then turns into the Croesus Moonlight route taking you along the tops of the Paparoas.
Know before you go
Moonlight Track carpark freedom camping notice (PDF, 599K)
Follow gold fossicking rules.
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.
