Westport’s And The William Ranges 4WD Track.

The West Coast has one of New Zealand’s best coastlines and some of New Zealand’s earliest history and hardships. It’s true that the coasters are a tough breed… and they’re proud of it. Although they’re protective of their patch they’re a welcoming breed and keen to point you to some good locations. Jude usually does our research to select the adventures and she does a great job. We parked at the NZMCA pop at Westport which to our surprise… we’ll maybe not that much of a surprise we bumped into John and Anna, friends we wrote about in our previous post. Later while going off for a walk along the beach this guy whom spotted us asked how we were since we last met… Jude and I thought he looked familiar but didn’t recognise his Moho of which always normally ties in who people are. It didn’t take long to recollect it was Bernie and Katrina… friends we had met in Oamaru earlier in the year… Bernie and Katrina are fantastic people who really make you feel like good ole friends. Jude and I like following Katrina’s posts and her amazing photography.
Whilst the weather was settled we decide to do The Denniston to NewCreek 4WD track approx 37 km, this track was built to service the pylons that march across this landscape. We start at Burnett’s Face, an historic coal mining site, the track is in reasonable condition we follow the Waimangaroa River for a short while before traversing amount William Saddle then through a series of forested hills and valleys, glimpses of views across the plateau, and the valleys far below. We navigate gingerly in some places as very steep and rocky, hanging on for dear life lol! We reach the Mackley River and this one we have to cross. We get out and survey the best route across, it’s running very clear and low so we can see any hidden traps… we enter the river bounce and boulder hop our way across to the other side, we now have to navigate our way up a small creek to get onto the main track, now that was more challenging but Jimny bounced and rocked through with little effort, well driven Shane. One last climb followed by a lunch break and coffee, then down to New Creek and pop out at the Iron bridge over the Buller River. A brilliant way to spend an afternoon getting off road and exploring West Coast back country.