Trampers continuing on from the Mavora Walkway can walk south down and around the North Mavora Lake shore to the swingbridge across the Mararoa River at the lake’s outlet.
From here the track is marked and sign-posted. It stays west of but proximate to the Mararoa River and then South Mavora Lake to this lake’s outlet where another swingbridge provides an alternative access point from Mavora Lakes Rd.
Beyond this swingbridge the track continues down the true right side of the Mararoa River to a third and final swing bridge. Along the way a careful assessment is required: if the Mararoa River can be forded safely then Te Araroa Trampers can continue down the track on the true right side to the Kiwi Burn then either divert 1.5 km to the Kiwi Burn Hut, or ford the Mararoa River and continue south on the true left bank.
If the Mararoa is not fordable then Te Araroa trampers must cross the final swingbridge. Trampers can then continue down the true left bank on the river side of the fence and, after 3 km, rejoin the Te Araroa opposite the Kiwi Burn confluence.
Below the Kiwi Burn confluence Te Araroa is marked with poles down the Mararoa’s true left bank. This is on the river side of the fence all the way down to Wash Creek, some 16 km distant. Travel is occasionally damp underfoot and a little slow through long grasses but the route improves and becomes easier as progress is made.
After fording Wash Creek trampers should climb to Mavora Lakes Rd to avoid bluffs. Turn right onto the road and continue for 3 km following marker poles to a stile and sign on the right hand side of the road. The track returns to the river here and it’s a further 3.5 km downstream to Mararoa Road.
The track resumes across the road and remains on the river’s true left for this final section through to SH 94. This is through land owned by Burwood Station. Please respect private property rights here and adhere to the following conditions of access: tramper access during day light hours only; no dogs, camping, fires, or firearms.
The track continues to a carpark at the end of a Fish and Game access way. Walk up the access way to SH 94. The Mararoa River Track ends here. Te Araroa continues across the highway up Princhester Rd, the start of the Takitimu Track.
DOC’s Mavora Lakes Park pamphlet, available through the link on this page, includes additional information on some of this trail section and the surrounding area.
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