About 10 km southeast of Reefton, you will find the entrance to the Inangahua Swingbridge. This is also the starting point for the Progress Water Race Track, which you can follow to the Big River Track. These tracks were initially developed to access gold-bearing reefs in the surrounding hills and mountains.
It’s a 6-hour walk to the historic Big River tracks “Quartzopolis Goldfields” and an overnight DOC hut. You can also access the area from Waiuta, a 5-hour walk one way.
If you are short of time, cross the swingbridge and walk up the track for a while into Victoria Forest Park. The river itself is pretty and the track starts by climbing up through stunning beech forest.
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