Klondyke Valley Track
Reefton · Canterbury
This walk was suggested by the community and checked against the authority quoted above before it was published. The route line comes from official track data. DOC’s own wording: “Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules. (DOC, Klondyke Valley Track page; the page says to arrange the dog permit with the Māwhera / Greymouth office.)”. Evidence: the rule-setter’s own published wording. How we check dog rules.
Good to know
A DOC dog permit is required before any dog walks here. DOC codes this land for the hunting-dog permit, so it is not a casual dog walk. Ask the DOC office before planning to bring a dog.
Opens your email app, addressed to [email protected]. You can also call DOC on 0800 275 362.
About Klondyke Valley Track
Klondyke Valley Track covers 3.8 km, near Reefton in Canterbury.
The gentler way into the Klondyke country: a well marked track that climbs gradually through the forest from the Rahu Saddle to a tussock basin enclosed by steep granite cliffs. Dre sent this one in with Hazel as the valley alternative to the Klondyke Spur climb, starting from the same signposted carpark on SH7 between Reefton and Springs Junction. DOC calls it 2 hours one way and still grades it an expert route, which up here means remoteness and route judgement rather than gradient. From the basin there is the option to climb on to the upper basin with its alpine tarns and link across the ridgeline to the Klondyke Spur Track at the bushline for a round trip. DOC's warning applies in both directions: do not attempt to take a low sidle, as this will lead you to dangerous bluffs. The dog rule is DOC's permit rule for Victoria Forest Park: dogs with a DOC permit only, arranged with the Māwhera / Greymouth office before you go, with the whole walk on conservation land from the Rahu Scenic Reserve at the road to the forest park up the valley.
Expect expert going, with around 414 m of climb, and takes about 1 hr 27 to walk.
A DOC dog permit is required before any dog walks here. Arrange it with the managing DOC office ahead of your trip. This walk is on the map because Dre & Hazel suggested it, and we checked it against the source above.