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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: -42.27298, 171.87679. 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
- 10.7 km one way
- Walking time
- 3 hr 30 min - 5 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- 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
Walk or mountain bike an old benched pack track past old mining sites to Big River Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers Waiuta to Big River 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: 10.7 km one way
- Walking time: 3 hr 30 min - 5 hr
- 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
The track is signposted from “Pro Road” Waiuta. It follows an old benched pack track and passes the Big River South Mine, the St George Mine and stamper battery, and other old mining sites.
There is short diversion around a slip. This piece of track is un-rideable and bikers will need to push/carry their bikes for approximately 200 m.
The track ends at Big River Hut.
Return via the same track or continue on to Inangahua River or to Reefton on the 4WD track.
Montaing biking: it is a technical benched single track that continues on from the end of the Big River 4WD track. Expect to experience a challenging range of surfaces from mud and corduroy to mixed flowing sections and smooth, gentle downhill.
Mountain biking
Waiuta - Big River is technical benched single track that continues on from the end of the Big River 4WD track. Expect to experience a challenging range of surfaces from mud and corduroy to mixed flowing sections and smooth, gentle downhill.
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
Walking access is either from Waiuta or Big River Hut.
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.
