Kirwans Track

The walk up to Kirwans Hut via Montgomerie Hut is a stunning overnight tramp. Leaving from the Waitahu/ Gannons Road car park, the 11.5 km track winds its way up the Waitahu River to the 6 bunk Montgomerie Hut.

Either spend the night here or carry on up the remaining 9.2 km track from Montgomerie Hut to Kirwans Hut. You will pass the Lord Brassey Historic Stamper, and then climb your way up to the beautiful Kirwans Hut.

You will need to return the same way. Due to severe storm damage and a dangerous rock fall, the loop via Capleston car park is closed until further notice.

Gannons Road car park – Montgomerie Hut

Time: 4 hr or 11.5 km

Leaving from the Waitahu/ Gannons Road car park, the 11.5 km track winds its way up the Waitahu River to the 6 bunk Montgomerie Hut.

Montgomerie Hut

Montgomerie Hut – Kirwans Hut

Time: 3.5 hr or 9.2 km

From Montgomerie Hut, the track winds its way up to the Lord Brassey stamper battery. The battery is an impressive structure holding fifteen 500kg+ stamper rods, that were originally lifted by a water powered pelton wheel, then dropped down to crush gold bearing quartz. From here it’s a steep but steady climb up to Kirwans Hut.

Kirwans Hut is built on a stunning site in an alpine clearing just above the bushline. On a clear day you can see all the way down to Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Kirwans Hut

Mountain biking

The ride up to Kirwans Hut and back by the Waitahu/ Gannons Road track is a stunning, wilderness grade 4 mountain bike ride.

It is a challenging ride up gaining 1000 m elevation. You are rewarded with spectacular views and a steep downhill ride back to the Lord Brassey Stamper battery, with sections of technical riding and some carrying. Another option is to take a helicopter up to the top and ride down.

Mountain biking can also be done by Murray Creek to the Clematis swing bridge and back down the Waitahu Valley to create a loop ride back to Reefton.

We do not recommend mountain biking up the Waitahu valley further than Station Creek.

These are shared-use tracks. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

Horse riding

There is an easy ride up the Waitahu Valley four wheel drive road. After the Clematis Swingbridge the track rapidly becomes rougher.

From Reefton, drive 2.1 km north toward Westport. Look for the Gannons Road sign pointing right off the main road down Gannons Road. Follow Gannons road for 5 km, crossing the Waitahu bridge and reach the track car park.

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

The track in the Waitahu Valley before Montgomerie Hut crosses several fords. Take care if it has been raining heavily.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

You can visit the Kirwans Reward mine and associated aerial ropeway. The Lord Brassey stamper battery, a gold relic saved from collapse, is a must see.