Happy Valley
Alan Liefting
This is a day walk or overnight tramp into yet another unique corner of
New Zealand. See for yourself why this landscape should not be mined for
the coal.
Solid Energy, the State owned coal mining company, has a resource
consent to proceed with a mine in Happy Valley on the West Coast.
Happy Valley is an unofficial name for an area at the head of the
Waimangaroa River. It is a pristine landscape and a largely unmodified
ecosystem. There is currently an ongoing occupation as part of a
protest against the mine and at this stage Solid Energy has not
commenced any work on the mine.
To get there head north from Westport and at Waimangaroa turn right and
wind your way up to Denniston. This is a good place to have a look
around since it is a well set out historic mining site. After
Denniston, turn left down the road to Burnetts Face. At the bottom of
the road go straight ahead thought the truck turning circle and on to a
four wheel drive track. Most four wheel drive vehicles can go all the
way to the Waimangaroa river crossing and two wheel drive cars can only
go part way - depending on the car, the driver and state of the road at
the time.
The track starts at the end of the four wheel drive track that carries
on after crossing the Wiamangaroa River. There are a few markers and
cairns at the start of the track. It heads up and onto a sloping
sandstone pavement. The track is quite well marked and allow for about
three hours at a relaxed tramping pace.
The Save Happy Valley Coalition maintains an occupation camp overlooking
the valley. It is well equipped with accommodation, cooking facilities
including a gas cooker, pots, plates, cutlery and a range of food items.
There is often fresh food and vegetables at the camp.
EMB
> http://tramper.co.nz/?2496
>
> This is a day walk or overnight tramp into yet another unique corner of
> New Zealand. See for yourself why this landscape should not be mined for
> the coal.
>
> Solid Energy, the State owned coal mining company, has a resource
> consent to proceed with a mine in Happy Valley on the West Coast.
> Happy Valley is an unofficial name for an area at the head of the
> Waimangaroa River. It is a pristine landscape and a largely unmodified
> ecosystem. There is currently an ongoing occupation as part of a
> protest against the mine and at this stage Solid Energy has not
> commenced any work on the mine.
>
> To get there head north from Westport and at Waimangaroa turn right and
> wind your way up to Denniston.
Do not under any circumstances bother stopping at the Waimangaroa Store.
Save yourself some money and do your shopping before you leave Westport.