The discovery of one of New Zealand’s richest goldfields led to a huge but short-lived boom here in the 1860s, and further smaller gold and quartz operations have occurred since. Cut as a pack track in 1871 to cross the Richmond Range, the Wakamarina Track can now be enjoyed by trampers and mountain bikers.

Begin at the end of Wakamarina Road near Butchers Flat campsite, where an old 4WD road sidles above the Wakamarina River. The peaks of Mt Royal and Mt Fishtail can be glimpsed through gaps in the shrubby forest. 

At the junction north of Doom Creek you can add a two-hour detour along the Doom Track, once a thoroughfare for extensive gold workings. Otherwise, continue south over the Doom Creek bridge. Shortly after, a small enclosure surrounds a vertical shaft from bygone days.

The going remains easy for 7km to reach six-bunk Devils Creek Hut, sited in a large sunny clearing. A second, derelict slab hut is tucked in trees nearby.

Continue south for 10min to reach a junction, where there is the option for a 1.5-hour detour to the remains of two miners’ huts. Otherwise, take the track heading east and begin a long, steady climb towards Pt1066. Countless switchbacks ease the 800m elevation gain considerably, and the mature beech forest is carpeted with a dense understorey of crown fern. 

After gaining Pt1066, the track drops south into a saddle then sidles the northern slopes of Mt Baldy, crossing a few small streams on the way. Small windows in the canopy frame glimpses of forest-clad ridges in the Foster Creek catchment.

Elevation is gradually regained as the track reaches Fosters Clearing, a small, unlevel grassed area on a saddle that marks the beginning of the descent to Kiwi Road for those continuing south on the Wakamarina Track. For Fosters Hut, however, stay on the ridge and travel 15min further east to reach your destination after approximately five hours tramping.

Built in 1967 as Onamalutu Hut, Fosters Hut was relocated here in 1981 and renamed. At 1130m, the four-bunker features the best views of the trip, down to the Wairau Valley and the Kaikōura ranges beyond, and has adequate camping space. 

The next day, backtrack to the Fosters Clearing junction. Either return the way you came or make a continuous journey by completing the final two hours of the Wakamarina Track south to Kiwi Road.