This high county track passes through the Hakatere Conservation Park on land formally comprised in the 9119 hectare Hakatere Station. This pastoral leasehold property was purchased by the Nature Heritage Fund in October 2007 and returned to the conservation estate. Free public access is now afforded, as is protection to significant wetlands and expansive tussocked landscapes.
There are no huts en route but trampers can camp as it suits.
From the south side of Buicks Bridge, which crosses the South Branch Ashburton River, marker poles lead westward across easy open country . This is towards the gap between Mt Guy and Dogs Hill. At the 5 km mark the track crosses a fence line and later it joins an old farm track, where it stays for another 5 km. At this point the marked track turns left and heads towards a saddle at the western end of Mt Guy. It passes a tarn along the way.
From the Saddle there are sweeping views over Lake Clearwater towards the Harper Range, of Mt Potts, and to, then beyond, the Rangitata River. Follow the fence line down to the creek at the base of the hill. The track then heads south-west towards the head of Lake Clearwater and joins with another old farm track, which continues towards the Potts River but stops at a gate. Te Araroa heads northward here to avoid crossing private property then bends around towards the lip on the Potts River's true left bank. Once on the lip the track stays high and follows the fence line. It then drops steeply into a gully, which opens to the Potts River bed. If the Potts River is running clear then the best travel is usually downstream direct to the carpark at the road bridge.
If the Potts is discoloured this exit will be impassable. The proper course then is up the other side of the gully. Trampers are then able to remain on the Potts side of the fence line through to the road. From here it’s a short walk down hill to the car park and trailhead. |
