Discover Kahurangi National Park’s hidden beauty, an original tiny hydro electrical plant and water race. Pupu Hydro is nestled in regenerating bush (forest). Grab the opportunity to explore a slice of New Zealand history. Pupu Hydro walk is a conservation in action destination and features as one Nelson’s best short walks.
Pupu Hydro Walking Trail is a walk through New Zealand’s past. Information plaques describe the hopes and dashed dreams of 19th century gold miners and the subsequent success of electricity generation.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR ON THE PUPU HYDRO WALK
- The Turbine house is located adjacent to the car park. Make sure you do not miss the viewing platform of the turbine house.
- The water race, following the steep contours of the hillside is part canal and part aqueduct, was an engineering masterpiece for its time. If you look carefully in the water you might see large koura (freshwater crayfish).
- Bird life is plentiful with an abundance of tui, bellbirds, weka and kereru (native pigeons). Look out for darting fernbirds fluttering nearby.
- The weir (the water intake), marks the end of the walkway is a beautiful picnic spot.
You are strongly advised to supervise small children. The sometimes narrow track does not have a barrier between the water race and the track.
Although the climb to the water race line is a little steep, the first section, across Te Waikoropupū River to the power station, is an easy grade suitable for all ages. Beyond the power station the track crosses Campbell Creek and zigzags upwards to reach the race after about 30 minutes’ climb. From here the track levels out and follows the race ‘upstream’ for a short distance to a lookout point above the power station.
PUPU HYDRO WALKWAY KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK LOCATION
Pupu Hydro Walkway begins 9 km from Takaka at the end of Pupu Valley Road. Follow the road towards Te Waikoropupu Springs, turning off to the right just before the bridge crossing Waikoropupu River.
What is there to do nearby Pupu Hydro Walk?
TE WAIKOROPUPU SPRINGS
Explore Takaka with its cafes, shops and galleries
Spend time at Pohara, a long wide sandy beach
Farewell Spit tours to the tip of the South Island
Split Apple Rock, an iconic photo location, selfies galore
Grove Scenic Reserve for rock karst formations
TAKAKA TO COLLINGWOOD ROUTE MAP
Takaka to Collingwood is approximately 30 minutes (22 km) on state highway 60.
“At that time, Pupu power station was thought to be the smallest station linked to the national grid. The Pupu Hydro Society restored the station and built a viewing area to allow visitors to see the station operating. It began generating again in 1987.” DOC online information Pupu Hydro Walkway: Kahurangi National Park, Nelson/Tasman region.
Dogs: Not allowed, the area is Kahurangi National Park
Length: 5.5 km
Duration: 2 -3 hours (loop)
Grade: Medium (supervision of children is necessary)
INTERESTING FACT NOTE AFFILIATE PARTNER STATEMENT
NOTE: Description of this walk is part of Pupu Hydro Walkway: Kahurangi National Park, Nelson/Tasman region.
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