Harwoods Hole Track — Attraction in South Island

Be mindful of two things before you consider this. Firstly, the road in is 11km of gravel (good condition at time of writing) and takes about 20-25mins driving each way. It's narrow and passing can be hair raising. Secondly, the track itself takes about 30mins each way for moderately fit adults. As it's an old stream there are some large rocks and such to scramble over at times so agility is necessary. As for the destination itself, Harwood Hole. It's huge!! Not what I was expecting at all, and getting too close isn't for the faint hearted. I'm scared of heights (and falls) so I stayed well away from the edge. The walk is pretty, not too hard other than the rocks, but it's a long drive when there are probably more...

The road to this track is a bit sketchy and pot-holed but the walk is breathtaking. The forest at the begging is like no other I have seen so far in New Zealand and feels magical. The track splits near the end into two walks: Harwood Hole and The Lookout. Do both. They are both amazing. The Lookout was an incredible view and the rock formations are so unique. Both walks at the end are made for slow and steady and could easily be a bit dangerous, but the views are worth it as they are...

Very rough drive in, about 11km of gravel but roads are quite well maintained. There's a MTB track that starts from this carpark as well.

Just note that after half the drive on gravel, there won't be reception.

Follow the doc signs for the walk and recommended to detour for the viewpoint when coming back from the vertical shaft lookout. Just be careful when you get to the hole, not really possible to look down because it's too dangerous to get to the edge.

Drop toilets...