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Section 75 of 93 · Canterbury

Rangitata River Hazard Zone Bypass

Distance
137.1 km
Ascent
1355 m
High point
722 m
Type
Multi-day
Warning Trail alerts

Walking this section

Introduction

The Rangitata is a large braided river with an unsettled shingle bed. It poses a significant danger to trampers on foot and, as a result, Te Araroa Trust has declared it a hazard zone which does not form part of the trail. Instead it marks a natural break in the continuum like Cook Strait does.

The Potts River and Bush Stream trailheads on either side of the Rangitata make ideal beginning or end points for Te Araroa section trampers and it is really only through-trampers that have to deal with the issue of getting from one trailhead to the other. Trampers should not risk a foot crossing.  This does not compromise the integrity of a through-tramp, as it is not part of the trail.

In 2022-23 an experienced southbound tramper, following advice from others who had crossed northbound, began the crossing in fine weather with the river running clear. During the 3 hour walk over the 9 km wide river bed the river changed from clear blue to brown and rose more than two metres, making the last braid impossible, despite there being no rainfall in the immediate area.  After initially losing pack (later recovered), poles and tent (not recovered) the hiker was rescued by helicopter.

Geraldine is the gateway town to the Two Thumbs Track and offers a range of services. 

The Bush Stream trailhead is 2.5km beyond Mesopotamia Station, 52km from Peel Forest, 60km from the Rangitata River bridge (near Arundel) and 75km from Geraldine.

Transport options are listed below.

Elevation 1355 m ascent · 184–722 m
0 km 137.1 km
GPX Full trail map

Track conditions

River crossings - Never cross flooded rivers. Do not attempt to cross the Rangitata.

Transport

  • The Geraldine Community Vehicle Trust can take TA walkers to Peel Forest on weekday mornings. It is not open on the weekend or Public Holidays (Not available until 5 Jan) The cost is $24.00 per person.   P: 03 693 1007 - E: geraldine.mini.bus@gmail.com
  • InterCity - P: 03 365 1113
  • Atomic Shuttles — P: 03 349 0697 — Daily buses to Queenstown and Christchurch
  • Uber is coming to Mesopotamia. From 16 December a local driver will be available on Uber for trips from Geraldine or Peel Forest to and from Mesopotamia trail head on the south side of the Rangitata River (km 2,367.9) or Potts River Bridge on the north side the Rangitata River (also km 2,367.9 because there is no Te Araroa Trail between these two points).  Estimated price $168 for four people, 5 to 12 people at $40 each.  Search Uber for Mesopotamia Station or Mesopotamia Airstrip (not Mesopotamia Iraq), or Potts River Tracks trail Head.
  • There is no cellular coverage at either of these trail heads. From Potts River bridge it is possible to get a cellular connection by walking 0.5 km up the hill to obtain a view to the east over Lake Clearwater to Mt Barossa.

Accommodation

Trail Pass

Peel Forest Campsite - bypass km 87.7 - 20% discount on serviced campsites (Bookings required)

En route

  • - 10km from SH72 on the road to Mesapotamia Station. Private rooms and bunk rooms available, self-catering. We now also offer transport to and from Geraldine, the Ashburton Lakes area and Mesopotamia trail-head. Contact in advance Steve and Jenny Deans - Home 03 696 3509, Steve 027 305 0400, Jenny 027 746 4267, sjdeans1@outlook.com  thedeans@peelforestfarmstay.com  Steve and Jenny Deans - P: 03 696 3509 or 027 305 0400 / 027 746 7267  Highly recommended friendly hosts

Food and supplies