The Old Nikau Creek Track is a continuation of the new track, which formerly constituted part of the Nikau Creek Track.
The Old Nikau Creek Track entrance is hidden behind the sign that signifies the end of the Nikau Creek Track. It ends near an old wooden bench seat located close to the rear of the valley. The origin of that track is unknown, but it could have its origin as a forestry track and the old wooden bench seat could have been constructed by workers who logged Sinclair Valley. These workers logged Nikau Valley, about one-third up the face from the creek, back in the 1880s.
To get to the old track, walk the length of Nikau Creek Track and if you possess sharp enough observation skills or know what to look for, you will see that the track actually continues beyond the end of present Nikau Creek Track. Just beyond two modern wooden seats and a sign signifying the end of the track. If you follow this extension for long enough, you will see the aged wooden bench seat at the back of the valley floor. The old bench seat stands 882 meters from the commencement of Nikau Creek Track, starting at the junction of Gums Loop Walk. While Nikau Creek Track spans 625 meters, the seat is an additional 257 meters away. However, the end of the track is slightly farther, adding another 143 meters. This makes the old track’s length 399 meters, totalling 1024 meters when combining both the old and new tracks.
The old track was actually part of the new Nikau Creek Track for a time, but was apparently abandoned due to some fallen trees that led to the track being truncated. It is also more difficult to traverse the old track due to its undulating terrain, with slippery slopes in places. Perhaps for these reason, this section of the track was abandoned and allowed to be reclaimed by nature.
Instead of being completely overgrown however, this section of the track sees occasional use, remaining passable, and may also be used as a baiting track. Continuing from the aged wooden bench, the track extends a bit further, but it soon becomes surrounded by the steep hills on three sides, offering several options. You can proceed upstream following the creek, eventually connecting with the Old Whakanui Track, or ascend directly up the hill from the vicinity of the bench, where a partly marked path intersects with the present Whakanui Track.
Special thanks to Carl Smith, Jeremy Foster, & Lance Stewart for some information in this article.
