Arete Sidle track

This track has a reputation for being difficult to follow and taking longer than expected. This is mainly due to the frequent climbs and descents the route follows, sidling above the steep waingawa river gorge.

frequent windfalls also make navigation difficult, at times.

The track is maintained by DOC, although it has been several years since the last effort. Regrowth of vegetation is generally ok, and is medium in some sections

Fit parties walking constantly should take between 3 to 4 hours. Allow for more if windfalls are present.

many of the existing windfalls are marked with tape at present.(2014)

Alternate routes exist between Cow Creek and Arete Forks. The route up the waingawa river bed follows a steep gorge that entails usually 2 or 3 pools that must be swum/pack floated. The river bed have sections of boulders and can be slow going. Since massive floods filled the gorge with gravel, making travel relatively easy, thdebris has been washed away and the deep pools have returned. Allow 3 to 5 hours for this trip, and only in very low river conditions.

Another route traverses table ridge. A newly remarked track leads to the bushline above Cow Creek hut, leaving the Arete Sidle track after a 250 metre climb from Cow Creek. At the bushline the route is unmarked to the top of Table Ridge where a main spur descends Northwards down to Arete Forks. A stone cairn and stone markers indicate the start of this route. At the bushedge, the route follows an old largely unmarked and unmaintained track down to Arete Forks. care is needed in ensuring the correct spur is followed. This route can take 4 to 6 hours depending on fitness.

Overall, the quickest route is by following the existing Arete Sidle track