Last updated November 2026
The Pearse Valley Route to Pearse River Resurgence follows the Pearse River upstream in Kahurangi National Park to the clearing near where the river emerges from caves beneath the valley. It starts at the end of Pearse Valley Road, about 44 km from Nelson.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an expert route, about 5 km and 3 hours one way. It crosses the river and side streams many times, starting with a knee- to thigh-deep crossing, and DOC says good river crossing skills are essential.
Dogs are not allowed. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for a completed 1080 operation in the Cobb area of Kahurangi: the area is open, but toxic carcasses and bait may be present.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Pearse Valley Route to Pearse River Resurgence on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park at the end of Pearse Valley Road, just before the first river crossing
- Distance from the city
- About 44 km from Nelson
- Walking time
- 3 hours one way
- Track length
- 5 km
- Grade
- Expert route
- Dogs
- No dogs
- River crossings
- Many, unbridged
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (1080 predator control completed in the Cobb area; toxic carcasses and bait may be present). Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Pearse Valley Route
The route begins with a crossing to the true right of the river at the end of the road. DOC describes it as deep, knee or thigh high, and says that if the river is high it is better to try another day.
The track then follows the Pearse River upstream above the water. The first 2 km is through private land, where there is no hunting unless the landowner allows it. After two side streams, the track drops down to the river at about 45 minutes and continues upstream, crossing the river and side streams many times.
The route ends at a large grass clearing near the resurgence, where the Pearse River emerges from the caves under the Pearse Valley. The water here comes straight from underground and is freezing cold.
DOC notes the Pearse Valley is a popular hunting spot. The route suits experienced trampers with strong river skills who pick a dry spell when the river is low.
River Crossings and Safety
With so many unbridged crossings, the conditions decide the trip. DOC says the best time to go is when the weather has been dry and the river is low.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find good entry and exit points, or you are unsure. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
The river rocks are slippery, so wear sturdy footwear with good grip, and bring plenty of warm layers to get warm and dry again after crossings. Check DOC before you go, use Plan My Walk, and tell someone your plans.
Getting There
Follow Pearse Valley Road to its end. The car park is just before the first river crossing, and you may not drive across that crossing without the landowner’s permission. DOC says the road is very eroded with many large rocks, so depending on your vehicle you may need to park earlier.
DOC completed a 1080 predator control operation in the Cobb area of Kahurangi National Park on 1 July 2026, and when we checked on 18 October 2026 this route carried that alert. The area is open, but toxic carcasses and bait may be present.
From locals
Does the Pearse Valley Route cross private land?
Is the Pearse Valley route mostly shaded or open to the sun once you're up the valley?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Pearse Valley Route?
DOC gives about 5 km and 3 hours one way.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an expert route with many unbridged river crossings. Good river crossing skills are essential.
How deep are the river crossings?
DOC describes the first crossing as deep, knee or thigh high. Crossings are much harder when the river is high.
When is the best time to go?
When the weather has been dry and the river is low.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed.
Where do I park?
At the end of Pearse Valley Road, just before the first river crossing. The road is very eroded, so you may need to park earlier.
What is the Pearse River Resurgence?
The point where the Pearse River emerges from caves under the Pearse Valley. The route ends at a grass clearing nearby.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Pearse Valley Route to Pearse River Resurgence: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Plan My Walk (NZ Mountain Safety Council): plan your trip, check gear and share your intentions.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.