Upper Valley Track Extension
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The ultimate trip in the Sanctuary which takes you right up to the source of the Brook stream at the Sanctuary fence. It is a steep walk 2-2.5 hour walk (one way) from Carters Creek up to Toutouwai Hatch (600m altitude), but you will be rewarded with large rimu trees and the best chance of seeing kākāriki karaka (orange fronted parakeet) and titipounamu (rifleman). You will have to walk back down the same track to Carters Creek to return to the Visitor’s Centre, there is no access from the Sanctuary fence line. This is an extension to the Carter’s Creek loop. Only guided walks start at the Toutouwai Hatch. Check out our guided tours page for our upcoming dates.
Walk Highlights
- A good workout walking up the hill!
- A high chance of seeing kākāriki karaka (orange fronted parakeet) as you will be near the original release site.
- Follows the stream up to its source just inside the fence.
- Large rimu trees along the track.
- Experience the whole Sanctuary from top to bottom.
Walk Information
- This is a long day walk – allow plenty of time to undertake this walk and check in with Visitor Centre staff on track and stream conditions before commencing
- This is not a loop track, this is an extension to the Carter’s Creek loop walk which is our longest loop track
- This track features several water crossings so please take adequate footwear
- The track goes up to the fence and back down the same way.
- There is no exit at the Sanctuary fence (except in emergency).
Upper valley track extension
We are currently updating our visitor map & signage to show our walk trails in loops. In the meantime, please follow the directions below:
Directions
- When you enter the Sanctuary, turn right across the bridge towards our Tuatara enclosure where you might get a glimpse of one of our residents sunning themselves
- Start the pink loop track alongside the Brook stream
- Stay a moment at the Beech Glade Bridge but keep the Brook stream on your left and continue up the green valley track
- After you pass the 1909 Bridge and dam and the Jacob’s Ladder track, you will come to Forks Crossing – an impressive water crossing. You will get your feet wet crossing here so be prepared with appropriate footwear
- After Forks Crossing, continue along the green valley track to the Totara crossing
- Once you have crossed and climbed up the bank, turn right to continue along the green valley track towards Flagstone Bridge and along the Brook stream.
- Halfway along this section, you will cross the stream and continue with the stream on your right
- Stay a while at Ferny Flat on the hand-carved picnic table – a perfect lunch spot
- Continue on the green valley track up to the popular Champagne Pools
- After Champagne Pools the track transverses the stream multiple times until you reach the intersection with Carter’s Creek / Carter’s Track
- From here follow the blue Upper Valley Track for 2-2.5 hours (one way) to the Toutouwai hatch which is at an altitude of 600m
- Return along the same route of the blue Upper Valley Track (another 2-2.5 hours) to reach the Carter’s Track
- Return via the dark green Carter’s Track which meets the orange Koru track where you will see ‘The Twins’. Return to the Visitor Centre along the orange Koru track. Optionally, you can cut down Jacob’s ladder to return along the purple Nikau track and the pink loop track
Be aware
This is our most challenging walk with multiple river crossings and steep terrain. Last entry is at 3pm, allow time for your walk based on your fitness levels. This walk must be started in the morning to allow time for completion before the Sanctuary closes.
Download Map
- Download our visitor map
- Download the Avenza app and download the Brook Sanctuary Visitor Map which you can use offline, enabling you to identify where you are within the Sanctuary