Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
marked by a large cairn. It then makes a gentle ascent to
Cone Saddle
and a signposted
junction of four tracks.
Continue southwest towards the
Tauherenikau River
, following the track down a steep,
240m-descent over the next 30 minutes. The path arrives at Cone Hut (six bunks), a historic
slab hut still used occasionally by those who like to reminisce about tramping in days gone
by. There are excellent campsites just a short way downriver.
The last segment of the day is a 3km tramp across grassy flats. Most of the time the track
remains just below the bushline, but it's easy to make your own way across the flat for a
much more scenic tramp. Eventually a sign points to a hut on a terrace above the river (one
hour from Cone Hut). Tutuwai Hut (20 bunks), often attended by a warden, enjoys a nice
view of the river flats.
Day 3: Tutuwai Hut to Kaitoke Car Park
5-6 HOURS, 13KM
Note that slips and washouts across this section may add an hour or two to your day, de-
pending on their current condition. Take care in these areas.
Around two hours from Tutuwai Hut, you arrive at a swing bridge across the
Tauherenikau River. The track follows the true right of the river to Marchant Stream. The
stream is easily identified by the cable strung across it to assist trampers during flooded con-
ditions. When the water level is normal you can cross it without getting your boots wet.
Smith Creek Shelter, 10 to 15 minutes from the stream, is not suitable for overnight stays.
The track from the shelter is a popular day walk. It's a wide path most of the way, and
soon passes a track (right) to the former Dobsons Shelter site (the hut was removed in
1994). It crosses a tributary of Smith Creek after one hour, and then begins a steep climb to
Puffer Saddle
, reached after the track sidles the ridge for the last few hundred metres. From
the saddle there are impressive views of the sheep stations and farms in the Hutt River Val-
ley.
From here it's a 30-minute descent, with good views, to the car park. You'll also pass the
signposted Southern Crossing Track (right) to
Marchant Ridge
and Alpha Hut.
