Larrys Creek Track, Reefton

Yikes that’s invigorating?!  mmmm refreshing, invigorating – cold lol.

We’re at Larrys Creek near Reefton having a “little” dip in the water to cool down after our bike ride.  It is a gorgeous summer’s day and nothing quite as refreshing as a dip in a mountain stream to help cool off.

It is a gorgeous little track on the outskirts of Reefton.  About 16kms north-west to be exact and then there is a 6km gravel 4WD road before you start onto the single track.

Back in August we did this ride in winter frost and Stephen commented we’d have to come back as it would be a great swimming hole when riding in the summer.  With a couple of visits to Reefton in glorious hot sunshine, we remembered that swimming hole and figured this was the place to be.

Larrys Creek track is a lovely ride of contrasts – you can park at the road end and bike the gravel/4WD section adding another 12kms return to the 8kms of single track, making it a nice little couple of hours in the saddle.  For the most part the ride is in the trees so you’re protected from the full force of the sun.  It is a fun ride through the forest – relatively flat – ok no very flat, but with the old little tree root to negotiate….. fun, fast and flowy, especially on the way out as it is slightly uphill heading in and slightly downhill on the way out (flow of the river and all folks).  Even though you are protected from the full force of the sun it does still get hot in here and that is when that creek is a welcoming reward.

On our first visit this summer we headed up with the dogs – Stephen rode the 4WD section while I took the boys up in the car.  It was a lovely meander through the forest and skirting the edge of the creek. Once we reached the swimming hole we struggled to get Ziggy out of the water.  We were lucky enough to have the swimming hole to ourselves though and spent quite a bit of time just relaxing and submerging ourselves not just in the water but also in the beautiful scenery.

On the other side of the creek is another short track that leads to a historic stamping battery.  This beautiful piece of history is just sitting there rusting away – have to say I felt quite emotional seeing this – it is over 150 years old and still looking super majestic sitting amongst the grassy bank.

Back on the main track side of the creek there are more relics at the end of the trail – Duffys shaft and the Caledonian Steam Engine –  again just rusting away in the bush with Mother Nature slowly taking it all back into her fold.

Time for us to head back out.  It has been a great ride – fun single track, wonderful history and a refreshing swim – what could be better for a sunny summer’s day.

Jan and Stephen run Breakers Boutique Accommodation on the Great Coast Road north of Greymouth.  They enjoy getting out and about and exploring the many tracks and trails all over the West Coast.