100% 4WD Track
Although this track isn’t the most interesting the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!! The 3 huts make it easy to turn into a multi-day trip.
Description
To get to the start either drive north from Mossburn along a long series of gravel roads, or take a ferry from Queenstown and cycle down the Von valley on gravel roads. Our route starts from the parking at the end of the campsite by the shore of North Mavora Lake.
Initially the 4wd track goes through the forest, but quickly ends up on the sandy beach. Riding the next kilometer or so is not really possible because of the sand. After this the track moves slightly away from the shore and becomes a very well defined 4wd track. It can be quite muddy in places with very large puddles. Especially after rain!! After about 10kms you reach Careys hut. We spent the night here, and got the hut all to ourselves. It’s a nice hut, although the water tank is removed in winter, and there are more than a few mice.
From the hut the track climbs round a small hill and traverses the hillside to give you great views down the Mararoa and Windon valleys. Stay on the main track, avoiding the steep descent off left, and continue on rutted but fast track to Boundary hut. After a look around, head back the way you came. About 3.5km back, just before the climb up there is a grassy track off right which leads across a couple of fords and up the Windon valley to Forks hut. The fords can be quite deep and fast flowing, and the track can retain a lot of water and mud. Once at Forks hut, return the way you came back to the start.