Since we were there last year some new alternatives have emerged. On the way out we were able to follow a lovely dry even old hunter’s route along the coast to the crossing of the Crombie Stream, then walk up the ridge on its true right bank (facing downstream) and rejoin the South Coast track. Many beautiful views along the way.
There used to be a convenient hunter’s hut at the Crombie Mouth (the ‘Manuka Lodge’) but it has ‘unfortunately’ been burned down. An educated guess about who was responsible would be reasonable. DOC is also in the process of dismantling an excellent ‘survival’ hut at Knife and Steel Harbour, the next inlet West of the Grant Burn. It is no longer usable.
This alternative route along the coast avoids about half of the worst section of the South Coast Track. From the Wairaurahiri River to the Crombie Stream is muddy and rough. From the Crombie to about half an hour after the Angus Burn it is even muddier and nastier. After that, there is a short wet bit for half an hour after the Waitutu, then it is a fine track all the way to Westies.
Also, about an hour after the Angus Burn there is a new track down to the DOC hut at Long Point – worth a side trip if you have the time. You can stay there. The hut is about an hour off the main track and nearby the lighthouse there with many beautiful views. It is about two hours from the Long Point Hut to the Waitutu Hut. We noticed another track off towards the coast only about half an hour from the Waitutu Hut. This may be a loop track to/from Long Point. The first exit was marked with white triangles; the second with orange. Some exploration would no doubt reap rewards. A little closer to the Waitutu you will also notice a track which head off upriver to the Slaughter Burn, Lakes Poteriteri & Hauroko. There is some tape nearby these three exits, but you have to be watching out for them nonetheless. For variety it may also be possible to walk some of the distance (out to the Crombie for example) along the beach at low tide.
On the way back to the Wairaurahiri, about an hour after you cross the Crombie Stream keep your eye out for a short cut track to the Waitutu Lodge off to your right (just before the steep stream crossing – Tiny’s Creek). If you are staying at the Waitutu Lodge (You Should!) this dry short cut will be most welcome. I guess it cuts off about hald an hour of unpleasantness.
Della at the Wairaurahiri Mouth (looking East) before setting out. So clean:
Wairaurahiri looking West:
Giant Rimu. There are lots of them. The Waitutu Forest was never inhabited by man:
Setting off on ‘Tiny’s Track’ towards the Crombie:
Deer pen just off track half way to the Crombie: looking West. Beach walkable.
Same spot looking East.
Detail: Crombie Mouth:
Sophie at the Crombie Mouth:
Pete, Steve & Sophie surveying the Crombie Mouth:
Crombie Mouth looking back East: Walkable?
Pete & Della: Crombie Mouth looking West: Beach looks walkable all the way to Long Point from here.
Here is a zoom of it:
Della crossing the Crombie: return journey:
The track is very muddy from the Crombie to about half an hour after the Angus Burn (Long Point turnoff):
Angus Burn resident robin:
Crossing the Angus Burn:
Half an hour after the Angus Burn the track suddenly improves; the last hour or so is dry and pleasant:
With numerous beautiful vistas:
And interesting things to see, like this stump:
And this mushroom:
A fine dry track:
Pretty much all the way to Westies:
Quite open just before the Waitutu:
Waitutu: first view of the sea:
Waitutu River crossing:
Beach at Waitutu looking back East:
See Also:
https://www.theultralighthiker.com/2018/01/17/south-coast-track-fiordland-nz-waitutu-to-westies/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/south-coast-track-fiordland-nz-dellas-version/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/dusky-south-coast-tracks/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/fiordland-2014-2/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/a-walk-in-fiordland/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/bucket-list-westies-hut/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/fiordland-wairaurahiri-to-rarakau/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/fiordland-wairaurahiri-to-waitutu-part-4/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/westies-hut-topo-map-errors/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/waitutu-forest-fiordland-warm-air-pockets/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/westies-hut/
HI guys
Thnaks for your blog. I am hoping to do south cosat track in July – I cannot find any info about Long Point lighthouse of possible hut – can you give me furhter info? Thanks Jude
Hi Judith, You will need to rug up – but I guess it will be warmer down by the sea at that time of the year than most tracks would be. We did not actually walk down to the Long Point Hut but plan to do so next time, but apparently it is quite usable and was planned to be completely refurbished by now including a stove. DOC should know. We meant to have gone back by now but in between back, knee and heart operations and covid our plans have been thrown into disarray. The turn-off to it is quite clear (if you are looking out for it). Not a signpost but a line of markers nailed to trees to follow down to it, rectangular from memory – likewise the turn-off to the Slaughter Burn Hut just a little further along on the opposite side. It (Long Point) should only be about half an hour off the main track anyway. Also I don’t know whether the Grant Burn Hut is still there Between the Waitutu River and Westies) . It is unmarked but you will see a path leading down to it (and the sea) between the Grant Burn and the next stream. It is only two minutes off the track so well worth a look. NB There is also a track along the coast from the Waitutu Lodge to the Crombie Stream and then after crossing it going up the ridge and intersecting with the main track. Ask at the Waitutu Lodge for directions. Anyway stay there a night on the way out and back. Hot showers and a lovely spot. May be no-one there in July though.They can be contacted via email. Have a great trip. Would be interested in feedback about it. Cheers, Steve & Della. PS: There are a couple of verandahs (eg Track Burn) you can shelter under about half way out to Port Craig. These will be a welcome break if it is cold and wet. They have apparently now had to lock the Percy Burn Hut (between Port Craig and the Waitutu Lodge) though you may be able to book it (likewise the Track Burn hut – NZ Deer Stalkers/Waitutu). There may be a porch or a woodshed (for lunch-stop shelter) at the Percy Burn hut. I checked my photos but I only have pics of the inside. We both thought there was a back porch and/or a wood shed though. BTW: You should take a hammock and tarp with you hiking in Fiordland in case you don’t make it to a hut. The ground can be too wet for tent camping.