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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: -42.17390, 171.90033. 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
- 3 km loop
- Walking time
- 1.5 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- 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
Visit Union Creek rock stack. A landform that consists of excess rock from mining operations. It's contoured and planted with native vegetation to mimic the surrounding landscape.
This DOC directory entry covers Union Creek 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: 3 km loop
- Walking time: 1.5 hr
- 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
Take a side trip up the steep union creek rock stack.
This track branches off the Fossickers Lake Track.
It climbs steeply up a to a loop track through a native beech re-planted landscape.
Loop around and head back down the same way.
Mountain biking
This track is for both trampers and mountain bikers. It connects Reefton township with the Globe Progress Mine site.
Getting there
Access via the Globe Hill Track from Rosstown Road, south of Reefton across the Inangahua river.
Know before you go
Lakes and water in area not suitable for swimming or drinking.
There can be high numbers of bumble bees during summer months (December - February).
There can be vehicles present at times due to continual monitoring of the site.
There are mining processing plant foundations present. Do not climb the structures and supervise children at all times.
Adverse weather
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.
Water safety
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
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.
