An overcast morning, packed our lunch and set off around 10 30 am to the Fenian track, a few kilometres from Karamea township.
A well graded walk through Ponga, Beech and regenerating forest, a gentle climb to Maloneys Bluff high above the Oparara River, then a small descent to the Cavern Creek Bridge where I saw a fresh water eel, captured on video.
We continued for a further one hour till we reached Adams Flat, and old gold workings area, here a replica slab hut stands the ages of time ... built 1999 by DOC workers.
You need good repellant if you wish to stay any length of time ... over night a mosquito net is essential if you wish to sleep, a small fireplace and a single bed is present to enhance the experience.
The trail to Adams Flat is a slippery one made of strips of wood laid into the path, the rest of the trail from the Fenian carpark is well maintained gravel track well defined and easy to follow.
Side tracks off to gold workings area and Oparara Valley Tracks are worth the explore if time allows and even another track to the Fenian caves ( a torch head lamp is handy), making this area a full day excursion or a combination including the Oparara Basin.
Slab Hut
Any weather is good for this area, glow worms are also present as a bonus.
