Ballroom Overhang - Overnight Tramp
The first of 8 river crossings.
Over the Christmas holidays we walked into the Ballroom Overhang (a large limestone outcrop) to camp overnight.
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The walk starts at Fox River. Approx 12km north of Punakaiki on the South Island’s West Coast.
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6km one way. Signposted 4 hours return. It took us just over 4 hours to walk in and 3.5 out. The detour and river crossings slowed us down a bit.
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Claire, Blair, Gracie (9) and Lila (6).
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We carried tents for this overnight stay under the Overhang. There is a long drop toilet and water supply is from the river. We were totally prepared for sandflies but they weren’t an issue.
We managed to find a good weather window and set out on a fine and slightly cloudy Wednesday afternoon.
The walk starts on the true right of the Fox River. With the carpark situated on the north side of the Fox River Bridge.
We came across the detour we had read about not too far into the walk. It is quite muddy and slow going for shorter legs, but the mud was quickly washed off in the first of the river crossings.
The track then follows the Fox River on the true left through the gorge on undulating track.
The detour is a bit muddy and tricky for shorter legs.
Once the junction is reached it’s all riverbed travel.
Once we reached the junction for the Ballroom Overhang Track and the Inland Pack Track, it’s was all riverbed travel from there, with orange markers guiding the way. The bulk of the river crossings are in this section.
View of the Overhang as we arrive.
Yay, we made it!
We arrived at the Overhang to a large grassy camping area with plenty of room for everyone. We carried in a 3 person and 2 person tent, although we could have all squeezed into the 3 person tent, we opted for comfort.
Marshmallows on the camp fire.
View of the Overhang and campsite.
Highlights were campfire marshmallows and seeing some glow worms pop up along the roof of the overhang when it got dark. Gracie also mentioned enjoying the river crossings.
One of 8 river crossing through the beautiful clear water of the Fox River.
Fox River/Dilemma Creek Junction. The Inland Pack Track route travels up here.
Overall a great tramp and overnighter for us. Took us a little longer than we thought walking in. But otherwise happy with all of the gear and food we took.
Happy tramping,
~ Claire
Photos: All photos are my own.