Distance: 12.5 km (4.5 DOC hours) - Tramping track - Easy-moderate terrain
Altitude: 6m to 52m. Gain: 105m. Loss: 98m . Gradient: 1 deg (Flat)
Skills: - Streams (2/6)

Tramping track (4/9)
Cut, marked tramping track: natural, rough ground surface

Primary, mapped (1/5)
Formal route, on maps, principal access to hut or along range / catchment

Flat (difficulty: 1/5)
Flat

Easy-moderate (difficulty: 2/5)
Tussock / river-gravel / open bush / cut track

None (difficulty: 1/7)
No alpine skills required

Streams (difficulty: 2/6)
Small streams, danger only in extreme weather

None (difficulty: 1/7)
No alpine skills required

From Waitutu Hut the track follows the river 400m towards the coasr and crosses to the eastern bank on a swingbridge, climbing steeply onto terraces beyond. The South Coast Track follows the old telegraph line that led from Port Craig to Puysegur Point. The land is forested, marshy and flat and the track is slow and muddy. The two major rivers are bridged but smaller creeks are not and some are deep if good crossing logs are not present. The track is broad, well marked and easy to follow.

3-5 hrs

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

West of Wairuarahiri the South Coast Track follows the old telegraph line that led to Puysegur Point. The land is forested, marshy and flat and the track is slow and muddy. The two major rivers are bridged but smaller creeks are not and some are deep if good crossing logs are not present. The track is broad, well marked and easy to follow.

Encountering the Waitutu the track drops sharply and crosses the river on a swingbridge. Waitutu Hut is 400m upriver on the western bank.

3-5 hrs