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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: -42.55260, 171.34754. 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
- 1.1 km loop
- Walking time
- 45 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Greymouth 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 fascinating forest track passes by tailraces and dams and through tunnels built by gold miners in the 19th century.
This DOC directory entry covers **Woods Creek Track ** in West Coast, within Greymouth 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: 1.1 km loop
- Walking time: 45 min
- 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
In addition to the remnants of tunnels, races and walls of stacked stone you will pass through mature and regenerating forest.
The walk can be covered in under 45 minutes but allow extra time for exploring. Sturdy walking footwear is recommended.
Getting there
Drive south from Greymouth on SH6 for 8 km to Paroa, and turn left onto the road towards Shantytown. Travel down this road for 22 km east, mostly on sealed road, past both Marsden and Dunganville. The road surface changes from tar seal to gravel for the last 10 km and is not recommended for campervans.
Do not drive past Woods Creek car park as the road is not maintained and a culvert has washed out.
Woods Creek Track access road diversion in place: Maori Creek Rd has a temporary diversion in place due to mining operations in the area. The diversion starts 500 m past the 8 Mile River bridge for approximately 600 m. Woods Creek Track is accessible and open during this time.
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.
