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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: -45.69432, 167.92826. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 1 hr 15 min for Aparima Forks Hut, 3 hr for Spence Hut
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Takitimu Conservation Area
- 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
This track connects Aparima Folks Hut and Spence Hut, following the Aparima River and Spence Burn.
This DOC directory entry covers Upper Aparima/Spence Burn Route in Southland, within Takitimu Conservation Area. 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: 1 hr 15 min for Aparima Forks Hut, 3 hr for Spence Hut
- DOC grade: Expert
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
Spence Burn junction to Aparima Forks Hut
Time: 1 hr 15 min
Distance: 4 km
From the track junction follow the forest edge to the head of the peat wetland. After approximately half an hour the track stops on the true left bank of the main stream, downstream of the forks. Cross the main stream to some small clearings. Aparima Forks Hut is found on a terrace a short distance above, on the true right bank.
Spence Burn junction to Spence Hut
Time: 2 hr 30 min - 3 hr
Distance: 7 km
Enter the forest at the track junction, drop down to the Aparima River below the forks and ford the river. The marked route climbs sharply and traverses the true right side of the valley well above the river. It crosses to the other side after about 1 hr 30 min, then generally follows the true left bank. Spence Hut is situated on an open site on the true right bank of the river.
Getting there
The track is accessed from the end of Aparima Huts/Spence Burn Junction Route.
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.
