Thread: West Coast River Valleys

I'm heading down the West Coast south of Hokitika soon. I've never been into any of that country so I'm looking at the map for easier walks.
Age and health means I'm not looking to climb high. I really just want to check out some of those big river valleys that I've heard so much about.
From looking at the map it seems that the Waitaha, Wanganui, Perth, Waiototo, Whitcombe and the Paringa all have huts about a days walk from the road.
I will probably take my rifle although getting an animal isn't a priority, it's more about having a look around.
Do any of you have any thoughts on the places I've listed or any other suggestions?
Mant thanks.

Paringa, not your usual go to spot, try that. Douglas hut up the left fork of Karangarua (name eludes at present).

No public huts one days walk from the truck in the Paringa.The first two huts a days walk in from the road are private and locked.Two days up valley you will hit the first public hut
Same in the Waiatoto and Arawhata the only huts in those valleys are private and locked.
Suggest a tent as in general the big coast valleys tend to have public huts in the upper catchments more than one days hoofing from your truck.
An option for a hut for your first nite could be the smaller Moeraki valley

Another spot comes to mind to tick a big coast valley with a hut on your first nite.Assuming yourve got 4wd could be the Landsborough.Into Harpers Flat hut on day 1.Get the vibe of a bid WC river thundering down the rapids on its way to the Tasman.Big panoramic views of impressive tops,bugger all loopies,and get to sample the sandflys for the real deal.The neighbouring Clarke valley first hut is private and locked