Make your own way to Westport on the west coast and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. You should allow enough time to purchase your lunch and snack supplies for the next three days. There are conveniently located supermarkets in Westport that are usually open until about 8:00pm daily. Your meal pack with breakfasts and dinners for the walk, plus accessories, will be waiting for you at the accommodation.

Meals:  Nil

Meet your shuttle vehicle this morning and transfer to Lyell car park and campground, the southern trailhead for the Old Ghost Road. The journey takes about an hour and is via the spectacular Buller Gorge, setting the scene for the rugged wilderness environment in which you are soon to be immersed. Begin walking from the carpark, the site of a once thriving town servicing goldfields along the Lyell Creek in the late 1800's. The track initially follows the route of an old dray road built in the 1880's to access numerous satellite villages that sprang up further into the catchment area and closer to the mining action. Today, climbing gradually upwards through lush beech forest, a few scattered relics are all that remain of life during the gold rush era. With occasional glimpses of deep river valleys and corrugated escarpments stretching to the horizon, it is easy to imagine the challenges faced by those early pioneers. Negotiate "The Big Slips" before arriving at Lyell Saddle Hut, a welcome end to today's climb.

Meals:  D

Enjoy a more leisurely start this morning after yesterday's exertion. There is more uphill for the first half of the day, however, with the track weaving back and forth on a steady ascent to the open tops of the Lyell Range. Beech forest gives way to alpine scrub with patches of manuka and pineapple scrub, turning into tussockland at the edge of the treeline. From here the hard work is done as the second half of the day is reasonably level walking across open tops. Take your time to soak in the view as there are multiple scenic stopping points and too many panoramas to photograph. Take a break beneath Rocky Tor at the highest point on the trail (1330m) before continuing to Ghost Lake Hut for the evening. Perched on the edge of an escarpment, the location is beyond incredible and for many, an evening spent here is a highlight of the trip. Note: for extremely fit walkers who are short on time, this day can be combined with tomorrow's walk. In that case, there is no overnight stop at Ghost Lake Hut and the destination for tonight is Stern Valley Hut, making the total distance today 25km / 6 - 9 hrs.

Meals:  B,D

Linger a while to enjoy the magic of early morning mist, reflections in the tiny lake and the spectacular setting of Ghost Lake Hut. Tomorrow is a long day so make the most of some extra rest today. Enjoy some ridge walking with more fabulous views of endless wilderness plus two steep descents that will have you wondering how anyone can ride a bike down there. The resting point for tonight is in the valley beside Stern Creek, some 800m lower in altitude than where you started this morning. If you sit quietly by the creek you may be lucky enough to see a rare Blue Duck (whio) foraging for food.

Meals:  B,D

It is best to start early today as it is a long but rewarding walk. Pass through the unusual open meadows of the Stern Creek catchment between Lakes Grim and Cheerful. Take on the persona of either, depending whether you look at the trail ahead or behind you! Moving forwards a series of switch backs climb upwards through the ‘Boneyard’, a barren, exposed section of track crossing an area of pale coloured rocks from a land slip. Cross a forested saddle then drop down through rocky crags to scrub and grass covered valleys. Historic Goat Creek Hut affords a short side trip for those who are keen. Enjoy relatively flat walking from here through beautiful podocarp forest to the fork of the Mokihinui River where it's southern and northern branches join. A little further along Specimen Point Hut is a very welcome sight to mark the end of a day of diverse scenery and terrain. Formerly the site of another gold prospecting settlement, the hut is strategically located with views of the magnificent Mokihinui River Gorge.

Meals:  B,D

The final day on the trail covers undulating terrain for the length of the Mokihinui Gorge. Hugging the river bank, the track follows an old mining route. Historic relics and the site of a former town once again remind you of the hardy folk who set up a life searching for gold in almost impossible terrain. Dramatic views of the river far below and the roar of the water pouring through the gorge turn to serenity and awe as the gorge and river widen to level with the track at Welcome Bay, the northern trailhead for the Old Ghost Road. Your shuttle transfer will meet you here mid morning and transfer you to Westport (1 hour drive), seemingly a world away from the headiness of a remote wilderness adventure. Alternatively, your car will be waiting here for you to collect and drive away in your own time. (Keys are stored in a secure lock box). This trailhead is often generically referred to as Seddonville, after the village of that name located 4km away. NOTE: If using the transfer shuttle it departs around mid morning from Welcome Bay (exact time will be confirmed upon booking). Alternatively, a private shuttle can be arranged later in the afternoon (additional cost applies). If you prefer to take your time today, stay at Rough and tumble lodge (advance booking required, additional cost applies) at the end of your trail. The lodge is right at the trailhead, you can then take the shuttle to Westport the following morning.

Meals:  B