Wharfedale Track

When leaving View Hill carpark, you will quickly enter beech forest which provides protection from some of the elements for the entirety of the trail. Heavy rainfall has caused some decent sized slips that are passable but require care when crossing. For the most part it is undulating with no significant climbs making it suitable for families with children of good stamina and hiking experience. This track can become very muddy in places so plan for this when choosing your footwear. Added bonus: On the way to the hut look out on the right for a large orange DOC triangle located approximately 1km before you reach the hut. This triangle signposts for a short 80m detour to a small but picturesque waterfall and swimming hole. Well worth a visit after a hot day’s tramping if you have time. This track also connects with multiple tracks in the area providing alternative tracks to create a circuit with such as Black Hill Hut Track and Mt Oxford Track or walkers can continue 8.5km along Townshend Track and finish on Lees Valley Road.

Wharfedale Hut is a Standard 8-bunk hut with mattresses, wood burner, woodshed, and longdrop toilets. Water is available from the stream. Bookings not required.

View Hill carpark is signposted from Woodstock Road at the intersection for Ingrams Road. From here a 4WD is recommended. You will cross two fords, one sealed and one unsealed and these can become impassable when there has been rain. You will also go through multiple gates on your way to the car park, which will all need to be opened and shut behind you. Use this location in google maps to find your way there. For those using Townshend Track from Lees Valley, after leaving Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for approximately 6km. Turn left into Lees Valley Road and follow this for around 20km until you see the DOC sign. 4WD recommended. Use this location in google maps to find your way there.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.