Old Ghost Road in elevation
Old Ghost Road in elevation
In the North West corner of the South Island of New Zealand a ghost has awakened. A long-forgotten gold miners’ road has been revived as a mountain biking and tramping trail – connecting the old dray road in the Lyell (Upper Buller Gorge) to the mighty Mokihinui River in the north. Our 6-day package includes 4 nights in huts along the trail and a final night enjoying lodge accommodation on the wild West Coast.
We can tailor a package to suit your requirements and have other adventure options available to enhance your tour. Join us, to remember the history as we pass old ghost towns along the way. The Old Ghost Road (85kms) leads us through native forest, open tussock tops, river flats and forgotten valleys – an outdoor museum!
Walk a long-forgotten gold miner’s road.
Walk dates for 2023 - 2024
January 2nd – 7th 2024,
January 23rd – 31st 2024,
March 9th – 14th 2024
Other dates – please contact us!
Kahurangi National Park Weather – Old Ghost Road.
Walking distance:17.5 km
We will collect you from your accommodation and drive to Lyell car park in the Upper Buller Gorge. Beginning our walk with a steady climb along the 100+ year old dray road, we will enjoy views across the stunning Lyell Range and pass through beautiful mature beech forest. We observe relics of old gold mining claims and ghost towns on our way up to Lyell Saddle Hut (875m above sea level).
Walking distance: 12km
The morning commences with a graded climb through forest up to the tussock tops of the Lyell Range and onto ‘Ghost Lake’ and the unique Ghost Lake Hut. Amazing views and magical mountainous vistas surround us. We will observe an enormous diversity of sub-alpine herbs, grasses, bog plants and mosses in this fragile ecosystem.
Walking distance: 13km
Departing from Ghost Lake Hut we trek down through the ancient moss covered beech forest and traverse ridge tops marveling at the Dr Seuss-like ‘Skyline Steps’. Making our way down to our evening accommodation at Stern Valley Hut we enjoy dramatic descents.
Walking distance: 25km
This morning we explore the Earnest Valley (northern branch of Stern Creek). After the twin lakes (Lake Grim and Lake Cheerful), we discover the iconic ‘Boneyard’, moving onto ‘Solemn Saddle’ and ‘The Hanging Judge’. Scrub and grass covered valleys lead to the historic Goat Creek Hut and onto podocarp forest. Our destination is Specimen Point hut which is located at the head of the Mokihinui River Gorge.
Walking distance: 17km
The Old Ghost Road picks up the old miners’ track following the left bank of the mighty Mokihinui River gorge, a magnificient river still wild and untamed! While enjoying the privilege of this wilderness our trek ends in lodge style accommodation with West Coast hospitality to celebrate!
Return to Nelson
We will deliver you back to Nelson approximately 3.30 pm. Our route will take you down the Northern West Coast to Westport, then through the picturesque Buller Gorge. We will be stopping at Murchison before arriving at Nelson airport or your preferred destination.
Old Ghost Walk Guided Walk Experience
Total cost: $2100 NZD
6 Days – 5 nights BOOK NOW!
This package includes:
Some of our walkers wish to stay in Richmond. If so, we can arrange your accommodation for you at a price and style which suits.
If you are short on time, we also offer a 5 day package. Please enquire with us about this.
The last night’s dinner is excluded to give you freedom to choose your preference.
Experience an unforgettable adventure, the Old Ghost Road is New Zealand’s longest continuous single-track in wild and remote terrain.
The track traverses native forests, mountain tops, river flats, and valleys with magnificent views all around.
The huts are inviting, and their layout and design are unique. They are better equipped and distinct from standard DOC huts.
Bush & Beyond
P.O. Box 42
Karamea 7893, West Coast
New Zealand
Call: (+64) 21 027 08209
