1 hr return | 3km one way | Golden Bay
I stopped off at this track to break up a long drive from the Picton Ferry through to Golden Bay on a gorgeous December day and it was exactly what was needed. The walk itself is pretty straightforward in terms of terrain and is well signposted. You have several options to make it a loop and can head to the Trig and/or the antennas, depending on how much time you have. I did both and enjoyed both views as much as each other, so can highly recommend either (or both!).
The first five minutes is spent on a wide gravel road that ascends relatively steeply from the car park. You get a view more or less straight away at the top of that little stretch (just as well, as I needed an excuse to take a breather!). From here I turned right, following the track through a tussock area and then into bush. At the end of the short bush section, I followed the sign for the Trig and was surprised to find myself arriving there after only a few minutes of walking across the rocky hilltop. In total it took me 15 minutes to get here from the car park.
I had a bit of a look around and as I headed over to the bench I heard a group travelling up the Via Ferrata which emerged from the steep hillside in front of me. This is relatively new and can be accessed from lower down (well signposted) with gear available from Ngarua Caves which is a 5-minute drive down the road. I haven’t tried it personally, but looks like fun, and the group coming off at the top confirmed that! The views from here overlook the Takaka Valley and stretch out for miles. It’s a great place to stop for lunch on a nice day (though noting there isn’t much by way of shelter around).
The short 15-minute walk didn’t really seem like enough of a walk, so I decided to follow the markings towards the antennas. Initially following the track through the rocky top section, I then dipped down into the bush before arriving at another gravel road which led all the way up to the antennas. It took around 10 minutes from the Trig, so really not that far and from here the view opens up across to Golden Bay and the beautiful mountains surrounding you.
I returned the same way I came and with a pretty rapid descent arrived back at the car park in around 20 minutes.
Parking: Car Park directly beside the main road.
Overnight Options: Not applicable.
