The original entrance to the old Whakanui route was eventually overtaken by gorse and replaced, but most of this track still exist.
The Old Whakanui Track was the original route over the hillside before it was replaced by the present Whakanui Track. Although the surviving track now begins in Nikau Creek Gully, this was not always its only entrance. During the 1960s, an earlier route began in Reservoir Valley and climbed directly up the hillside.
This former entrance followed the spine of a spur. Because the spur was exposed to sunlight, it gradually became choked with gorse. A new entrance was established during the 1960s or 1970s through a more shaded area where native bush had survived. The original entrance was then abandoned, although it may later have been used as a pest-control bait line.
Old white plastic tags wrapped around branches still mark parts of the former route. However, these tags may be several decades old and are widely spaced, making the track difficult to follow. The best approach is to look for signs of the old track itself and use the tags only as confirmation that you are following the correct route. In some places, the tags disappear and the track becomes almost impossible to distinguish. Through these sections, it is important to remain on the highest point, or spine, of the spur.
One particularly confusing section reaches a high point before descending. It is easy to lose the route here and continue downhill in the wrong direction. When this happens, the safest approach is to return to higher ground and continue towards McKerrow Ridge. You should eventually relocate the former track or reach the surviving Old Whakanui Track. From there, you can continue uphill towards the East Whakanui Track or descend through Nikau Creek Gully to the Nikau Creek Track.
Combining the former entrance with the surviving Old Whakanui Track creates a loop that takes about four hours to complete. However, this depends on staying on the route and successfully navigating the poorly marked sections. It is not suitable for everyone and should only be attempted by people with bush-bashing experience, strong navigation skills and a good sense of direction.
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