Adams Flat and Adams Creek Workings, Kahurangi National Park

Fenian Track into the gorge

From the car park at the end of Fenian Road, the route follows the old bridle track known as Fenian Track. To reach the road end, leave Karamea on Oparara Road, follow it to the lime works, then turn onto Fenian Road. Rockfall is a risk on the lower track and elsewhere in the gorge, so the opening stretch calls for attention from the outset. DOC

Just under 4 km from the road end, the track crosses the face of Maloney’s Bluff. There is a cliff beside the track and no barrier. This exposed passage is the route’s most consequential choice point: keep children close and proceed carefully, especially where steep drops and falling rock are concerns. DOC

The hut clearing at Adams Flat

Continue on Fenian Track to Adams Flat, a clearing named for Irish gold miner John Adams, who died in his hut on March 2, 1882 aged 49. A replica gold-miner’s hut stands among the grass, making the clearing a tangible destination and a place to rest before turning around or continuing farther. DOC

The walk to Adams Flat is 7 km one way and takes 2 hr one way. It is described as an Easy to intermediate walking track, with the outward route retraced for the return. The route’s character shifts from a confined gorge approach to the open clearing around the hut, a small historic site set within the larger track journey. DOC

Choosing the longer continuation

Continuing beyond Adams Flat reaches Adams Creek Workings and Water Race, listed at 8 km and 2 hr 40 min one way from the car park. The site offers a second historic focus, tied to the gold workings and water race that give this extension its name. The continuation adds a more demanding backcountry section rather than simply enlarging the hut visit. DOC

After Adams Flat, the walk to the workings takes a further 40 minutes. At that point, the track standard changes from walking track to tramping track. Sturdy footwear, reasonable fitness and experience are required, so the practical decision is whether the longer outing suits the group before leaving the easier section behind. DOC

Hazards and route planning

The evidence lists both a 14 km return option and a 16 km return option, each via the same track: the shorter outing reaches Adams Flat, while the longer continues to Adams Creek Workings and Water Race. The associated listed durations are 4 hr return and 5 hr 20 min return. DOC

Rockfall hazards occur for the first 200 m from the Fenian car park and in other parts of the gorge. Steep drops border sections of track, with Maloney’s Bluff the largest. Follow signs and take care throughout; dogs are not permitted. DOC