Last Updated on: 16 May 2025

Charming Creek Walkway Guide 2025: Insider Tips, Maps & Planning

Step Into the Wild Heart of the West Coast

I first stumbled onto the Charming Creek Walkway almost by accident — chasing waterfalls, literally, during a rain-sodden West Coast road trip. I’d pulled into Ngakawau to dry out and stretch my legs, but by the time I emerged from the dense bush several hours later, soaked and beaming, I realised I’d struck hiking gold. This is a walk that offers a proper dose of old-school West Coast magic — think thundering falls, lush nikau groves, and rusty relics of New Zealand’s gritty coal-mining past, all bundled up in a track you can do in a morning or stretch out all day

Why Walk the Charming Creek Walkway?

The Charming Creek Walkway is what you get when nature and history shake hands. It follows an old bush tramline that once hauled coal and timber through native forest — now it’s a trail alive with birdsong, mossy tunnels, swing bridges, and the ever-present rumble of the Ngakawau River.

If you’re a fan of walks that have “just enough adventure” without needing a GPS, ice axe or blister plasters, this is your jam.

As Sandra, our walking specialist, says:

“It’s a perfect mix — scenic but not strenuous, historic but not dusty. And the waterfall? Oh my goodness. It booms.” – Sandra T., walking specialist

🥾 Walk Overview

Location: Charming Creek Walkway, Ngakawau, West Coast
Nearest town: Ngakawau / Westport
Distance: 9.5 km (one way)
Time required: 3–4 hours one way (or shorter return options)
Difficulty Level: Easy–Moderate
Track type: One-way (or return same way)
Dog-friendly: On a leash only
Kid-friendly: Yes (ages 6+ recommended)
Wheelchair accessible: No
Toilets nearby: Yes (at both ends of track)
Best time to go: Late spring to autumn; avoid after heavy rain

Map location

🚗 Getting There

  • Car park location: One at Ngakawau end (northern start), and another at Charming Creek Road near Seddonville (southern end).
  • Parking availability: Room for ~10–15 cars at each end. Free. No shade.
  • Public transport options: None directly — you’ll need your own wheels or a car shuffle.
  • Google Maps link: Charming Creek Walkway, West Coast
  • Entry fees / permits required: Free, no permit needed.
  • Signage to the start: Clear DOC signage at both ends.

🥾 Track Details

  • Track surface: Gravel path, wooden bridges, old tram tracks, bush trail, swing bridges, tunnels.
  • Track condition: Mostly well maintained. Slippery after rain, especially near tunnels.
  • Elevation gain / steep sections: Gentle incline from Ngakawau to Seddonville (or reverse if you prefer downhill).
  • Fitness level required: Moderate — suitable for most walkers.
  • Alternative routes: Return walk from Ngakawau to Mangatini Falls (6.5 km return) is a great short option.

🚶 Step-by-Step Directions: Charming Creek Walkway (Ngakawau to Seddonville)

🟢 Start Point: Ngakawau Carpark

Step 1: Enter via the Ngakawau Trailhead

  • Walk begins at the old Charming Creek Coal Mine entrance.
  • You’ll spot the historic locomotive relic beside the info board – great photo op.
  • The track starts on a wide gravel path following the old tramline.

Step 2: Pass Early Mining Relics

  • Within 10 minutes, look out for rusted coal wagons and rail sleepers embedded in the trail.
  • Read the DOC info panels for a crash course in coal extraction, 1920s style.

Step 3: Cross the Ngakawau River Swing Bridge

  • The first swing bridge comes early — gentle sway, sturdy design.
  • Pause in the middle for a stunning view up the river gorge.

Step 4: Walk Through the First Tunnel

  • This short tunnel is about 20m long — often damp and dim.
  • 🕯 Bring a torch or use your phone light.
  • Kids love this bit (especially if you make spooky sounds).

Step 5: Traverse Clifftop Sections with Handrails

  • The track hugs the cliffside in places — sturdy steel railings keep it safe.
  • Below, you’ll see river rapids carving through granite — dramatic on wet days.

Step 6: Spot the First Lookout

  • About 45 minutes in, a lookout platform juts over the gorge.
  • Great place for a snack and your first proper sit-down.

Step 7: Tunnel #2 and the ‘Rockfall’ Section

  • This longer tunnel (~50m) opens into a dramatic rockfall area.
  • DOC has stabilised the track, but take care here, especially in wet weather.

Step 8: Reach Mangatini Falls (~1.5 hours in)

  • You’ll hear it before you see it.
  • Mangatini Falls is a thunderous, multi-tiered beauty.
  • There’s a viewing platform just downstream and a few rock perches near the base.
  • 🧺 Pro tip: This is the ultimate lunch stop.

Step 9: Continue Along the Tramline Past More Tunnels

  • Beyond the falls, the trail remains level but narrows.
  • Walk through several short tunnels with remnants of old track still visible.

Step 10: Pass Charming Creek and Climb Slightly

  • Cross a small bridge over Charming Creek itself.
  • Short uphill pinch brings you above the creek valley — great view back.

Step 11: Descend to Seddonville End

  • The final 2 km descend gently into farmland.
  • Track becomes easier and opens up before ending at Charming Creek Road.

🔴 End Point: Seddonville Carpark – Google Maps link

🔁 Bonus Option: Short Walk Return Route

If you’re not up for the full 9.5 km:

  • Walk from Ngakawau to Mangatini Falls only (6.5 km return)
  • Time required: ~2–2.5 hours

 

🌿 What You'll See

  • 🌿 Native bush including rātā, kahikatea, and nikau palm
  • 💦 Mangatini Falls — a roaring, multi-tiered waterfall
  • 🚂 Historic coal mining relics: wagons, tunnels, rusted equipment
  • 🐦 Birdlife: fantails, tui, kererū, and even weka
  • 📸 Photo-worthy swing bridges and dramatic cliffside sections
  • 🌊 The wild Ngakawau River

🧽 Navigation & Safety

  • Phone reception: Patchy to none
  • Map needed?: Not essential — well-marked and linear. Carry a basic map or app (like AllTrails or DOC’s Pocket Ranger)
  • Confusing sections?: No — it’s a straightforward tramway route
  • Weather considerations: Can flood or get slippery in heavy rain. Avoid after storms. Some tunnels can get muddy or dark — bring a torch!

🧲 What to Bring

  • Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or boots — grippy soles are a must
  • Water: 1–2L per person (no refill spots)
  • Snacks or lunch: Highly recommended — perfect picnic spots near Mangatini Falls
  • Sun and weather protection: Sunscreen, hat, raincoat (it’s the West Coast after all)
  • Insect repellent?: YES. Sandflies at rest spots can be relentless
  • Optional extras: Head torch (for tunnels), camera, walking poles if you need knee support

🍽 Nearby Facilities

  • Closest café or food option: Tommy Knockers Café in Seddonville or Solid Energy Centre café in Westport
  • Picnic tables or shelter: A few benches and rest stops along the way
  • Playgrounds or family-friendly extras: Playground in Ngakawau Domain nearby
  • Accommodation nearby: Seddonville Hotel (basic pub-style); Westport for more options

📍 Useful Links

👤 My Experience on This Walk

  • Date of walk: March 2024
  • Weather and track conditions: Overcast with light drizzle — perfect moody West Coast day
  • What I personally loved: The Mangatini Falls were louder than a freight train and twice as thrilling.
  • Any unexpected moments: Got spooked by a weka in one of the tunnels. Jumped like a cartoon.
  • Tips I’d give: Start early from the Ngakawau end so you’re walking towards the waterfall. Pack a torch and insect repellent.

🖋️ Final Thoughts

What stood out most? That feeling of stepping back in time — soot-stained tunnel walls, moss-covered rail sleepers, and the sheer scale of the natural surroundings. It’s a walk that surprises you in layers.

Who I’d recommend this walk for: Families with adventurous kids, photographers, history buffs, and anyone who likes their nature with a story.

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

What I’d do differently next time: Bring a thermos of tea and linger longer at the falls.

👣 Expert Quotes & Verified Testimonial

“It’s the type of walk that makes you feel small in the best way — like you’re part of something ancient.” – Sandra T., walking specialist

“There are few places left in New Zealand where industrial history and raw nature blend so beautifully.” – Paul H., DOC ranger

Walker testimonial:

“Loved every minute — the tunnels were so cool and the swing bridges felt like mini-adventures! My teens even put their phones away for most of it.”
 – Marie L., Wellington, walked Jan 2024

FAQs

Can I bike the Charming Creek Walkway?

No, it's a walking-only track — bikes are not allowed due to the narrowness and tunnels.

Is the track okay after rain?

Parts can be slippery and even flood-prone. Check the DOC page for updates if it’s been wet.

Are there guided tours?

Not typically, but local guides can be arranged via Westport i-SITE if you'd like one.

Photos of my walk

See more of my walks in West Coast