Reefton - Big River 4WD road: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track through beech forest and mining sites is only suitable for walkers or experienced mountain bikers and four-wheel drivers.

This DOC directory entry covers Reefton - Big River 4WD road 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 3–4 hr driving / 7–8 hr walking one way
• 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.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

A four wheel drive track starts 9 km along Soldiers Road, after the Alborns Track carpark. Soldiers Road turnoff is signposted on SH7, just south of Reefton.

The track, twisting through regenerating beech forest, passes many mining sites before opening out to the barren Big River settlement. This track includes sections of gravel road and rougher rocky sections, as well as stream crossings which flood in heavy rain. It is for experienced four wheel drivers only. Enjoy lunch or an overnight stay at Big River Hut. Drive out the same way.

The road can also be used as a walking and mountain biking track.

It is a challenging mountain biking track on a rough 4WD track. It includes mixed surfaces of gravel, mud and rock with some steep descents.

Caution: A slip across the 4WD road approximately halfway into Big River Hut has left the road narrow with a 10 m vertical drop off the side. Four wheel drivers are urged to proceed with caution.

Mountain biking

Reefton - Big River is a challenging ride on a rough 4WD track. It includes mixed surfaces of gravel, mud and rock with some steep descents.

This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

Four wheel driving

The drive on the 4WD road into Big River is a challenging and classic trip.

Horse riding

The 4WD road into Big River from Soldiers Rd is a long and challenging horse ride for experienced riders.

Getting there

Access to the Big River 4WD Road is via Soldiers Road just south of Reefton along SH7. This road is managed by the Buller District Council and not maintained.

Know before you go

The route between Golden Lead Battery and Progress Water Race following Deep Creek is no longer maintained and the swing bridge has been removed.

Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly on the tops. Rain can quickly make even small streams treacherous to cross. Before starting out it is best to check with Reefton Visitor Centre for the latest weather and track information.

Wasps can be common from December to April, carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.

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.