German Gully Pack Track and Goff Track

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

The real star of the show here is the gold mining heritage. As you walk, keep your eyes peeled for remnants of the 1860s. You’ll spot old water races—cleverly engineered channels used to move water for sluicing—and even the dark mouths of old mining tunnels. These are tangible links to a past where men risked everything for a glimmer of gold in the dirt.

For the photographers among us, the interplay of light through the giant tree ferns (ponga) and the moss-covered rocks provides endless opportunities. The forest here is incredibly photogenic, especially after a bit of rain when the greens become almost impossibly vivid.

If you are walking with kids, the "treasure hunt" aspect of finding old sluice workings makes the 1.5 hours fly by. For the dogs, it’s a sensory paradise of new smells, though you’ll want to keep them close to ensure they don't wander off-track near any historic hazards.

Getting There

To find the trailhead, head north from Hokitika and follow the signs toward Stafford and Goldsborough. You’ll be heading down Stafford Loop Road, which leads you directly to the Goldsborough Campsite.

The parking is ample and located right at the campsite. It’s a Department of Conservation (DOC) standard campsite, which means it’s well-provisioned with basic facilities like toilets and non-drinking water. It’s a great spot to park up, and if you have a campervan, you might find yourself wanting to stay the night just to enjoy the silence of the bush.

Wildlife Spotting

The West Coast is a stronghold for New Zealand’s native birdlife, and this walk is no exception. Because the area is a bit more secluded, the birds are often quite bold.

• Kererū: You will likely hear these heavy-set wood pigeons before you see them; their wings make a distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" sound. They love the berries of the miro and rimu trees.
• Tūī and Bellbirds (Korimako): These are the choir of the forest. Listen for the tūī’s complex metallic whistles and the bellbird’s clear, melodic chiming.
• Fantails (Pīwakawaka): These friendly little birds will often follow you along the track, flitting about to catch the insects you stir up as you walk.
• Weka: Keep a close watch on your bags if you stop for a snack! These flightless, cheeky birds are notorious for investigating anything left unattended.
• Morepork (Ruru): If you happen to be at the campsite at dusk or dawn, listen for the iconic "more-pork" call of our native owl.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring & Summer: The forest is at its most active, and the shade of the canopy provides a cool escape from the West Coast sun.
• Autumn & Winter: The air is crisp and the mosses are at their most lush. Winter days on the coast are often clear and blue, making for beautiful walking conditions.

• The "Reverse" Trick: For an easier time on the lungs, many locals recommend walking the loop in reverse. This makes the sharpest sections of the Goff Track an uphill climb rather than a slippery descent.
• Stay on the Track: This is important. The area is peppered with historic mine shafts. While they are fascinating, they can be deep and hidden by undergrowth. Always keep to the marked path.
• Footwear: The West Coast is synonymous with mud. Even in summer, some sections can be "boggy." Sturdy walking shoes or boots are highly recommended.
• Bug Spray: The West Coast sandfly is legendary. If you stop for a break, they will find you! Bring some repellent to keep them at bay.
• Water & Snacks: There is no drinking water on the trail, so pack a bottle and a few energy snacks to enjoy at the Scandinavian Hill Road midpoint.

Local & Regional Context

Goldsborough was once the heart of the Waimea goldfield, one of the richest and most productive areas during the West Coast gold rush. In the 1860s, thousands of miners lived in canvas towns throughout these gullies. Walking here today, it’s hard to imagine the noise of hundreds of sluice guns and the shouting of men, but the landscape still bears the scars of that industry.

The area is also significant for its geology. The gold found here was "alluvial," meaning it was washed down from the Southern Alps over millennia. The tracks you are walking on were part of a sophisticated network of pack tracks that connected various claims to the port of Hokitika. Today, the area is a testament to the resilience of nature, as the native forest has reclaimed the workings, turning an industrial site into a peaceful sanctuary.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished the loop and dusted off your boots, a trip back into Hokitika is a must. You’ll have worked up an appetite, and the town has some brilliant spots to refuel:

1. The Hokitika Sandwich Company: Famous across the South Island for their massive, gourmet sandwiches. It’s the ultimate hiker’s reward.
2. Fat Pipi Pizza: If you’re after something hot, their whitebait pizza (seasonal) is a local legend.
3. Stumpers Bar & Cafe: A great spot for a hearty pub meal and a chance to sit outside and soak up the town’s atmosphere.
4. Westland Hotel: Perfect for a cold beer or a "West Coast" ginger beer to toast to a successful walk.

The German Gully and Goff Track loop is more than just a walk; it’s a journey through the heart of the West Coast’s identity. It’s quiet, it’s green, and it’s waiting for you to explore it.