Catlins River Walk
Tawanui
Reviews
Angela Dixon
Ranking: 8/10
I lived in Owaka for a year in 1992 and loved this walk then and still love it on my return to NZ.
If you don't have time for the whole walk then start at the Wisp. There isn't a campsite at that end so you'll have to drive there but on a 6km there and 6 back walk you go over 3 of the 1 person at a time metal swing bridges which are my favourite thing about this walk.
The highest and scariest swing bridge is about 3-4k from the wisp before the Wallis stream picnic area.
You see hardly anyone, there are loads of bellbirds singing to you in the rainforest as you walk and despite the recent heavy rain it is nearly all pleasant and dry underfoot.
Stephen Timko
Ranking: 6/10
We were repeatedly told to do this walk and afterwards we were not sure why. The river walk section was pleasant but not remarkable. The return section was a wide logging road with no real views until the summit which still was not very impressive.
Lopez Anandine
Ranking: 8/10
Calm, wild, great.
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FlyingKiwiGirl
Ranking: 10/10
Excellent walk, well worth it. Beautiful scenery. Be aware that this is a 10 hour return tramp if you walk to the Wisp. Better to walk to the first swing bridge (Franks Stream) if you don't have a whole lot of time, it's a 5hr return walk. Be aware that there are many tree roots and climbing up & down steps. It is a quite strenuous walk if you are not fit. But it's well worth it if you have the time. Read my blog here;
http://tikitouringnz.blogspot.co.nz/2014/02/catlins-river-walk.html
Glenn Surzur
Ranking: 10/10
Wonderful trek in one day.
Melvin Groenhof
Ranking: 7/10
A nice walk along the river with some cool views.
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Inge Davbbert
Ranking: 10/10
A wonderful walk next to the Catlin River. The DOC campsite is very quiet.
Tadej Ferjan
Ranking: 7/10
Five hours long (one way). Not a lot of people, good marked, very beautiful walk.
Lieve Verdonck
Ranking: 7/10
Very nice 6 hour walk. Not very good signed, so use your navigation skills.
Jeremy & Sarah Rind
Ranking: 6/10
Lovely walk but no information on route and overgrown by gorse in parts - could have been more user friendly.