This 4 hr return day trip in the southern Tararua Range takes you over the Puffer Saddle and down Smith Creek with its fine stands of red/hard beech forest, to its confluence with the Tauwharenīkau River at the Smith Creek Shelter.

You can also walk further up the Tauwharenīkau Valley to Marchant Creek for views of the river and the young podocarp forest regenerating in the manuka on the flats.

There are unbridged side streams on this track. These may not be safe to cross during or after rain.

There are severe slips on Smith Creek Track up to Smith Creek Shelter. Extreme caution is required. Traversing the slips may add up to 1.5 hr to the completion time of the return trip. 

Turn off State Highway 2 onto Marchant Road at the YMCA Camp Kaitoke turnoff. Near the end of Marchant Road, turn right into Kiwi Ranch Road. The carpark is located on the left, approximately 500m along Kiwi Ranch Road.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely