Cedar Flats
Quick Facts
- Distance: 17km
- Time: 2 days
- Grade: Easy / Medium
- Higest point: 450 m
- Island: South
- Location: West Coast
- Map: Kaniere J33
The track begins at the end of the road by the Toaroha River. Its a bit of hunt for the orange marker indicating the start of the track. Keep left of the river and head upwards until you see a gate.
The first part of the track is part of an old tramway which you need to follow for 2.5km/1 hr. It meanders along the Toaroha river climbing unrelenting above bluffs. The descent to the river provides beautiful views and photo opportunities.
The next leg involves a bit of scrambling and boulder hop for 1.5km/1 hr by the river, crossing 2 sidecreeks and arriving at Macmillan Creek. The next 350m or 2km/1.5 hrs you will follow a pack-track which climbs continually to a spur. From here, the track to Cedar Flats is mostly level for the next 2km/1hr. A long, swingbridge will take you across the Toaroha Gorge/River.
A short, side trip will take you to the hot pools. Cross back over the swingbridge, to the east bank of the river. Following the rock cairns up Wren Creek will take you about 15mins or 500m. By now, the stench from the sulphur will have hit you in much the same way as a rotten egg in your face. There's a shovel and spade just by the pools (as well as in the hut). Although the water is pretty murky and the pools are small, it does wonders for sore muscles.
If you have have to time to kill, there are three side-trips which are all approximately 6km/6hrs return. The Adventure Bivouac is a lot of fun especially if you're fit. There's also a a side-track to Squall Peak and Yeats Ridge Hut.