Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The track leaves the hot springs and returns to the forest for 1km, before emerging onto a
flat. Cut across the flat, return to manuka forest and, 1½ hours from the hot springs, arrive at
Hurunui Hut (14 bunks).
Day 4: Hurunui Hut to Hope Kiwi Lodge
5-6 HOURS, 19KM
The track continues along the Hurunui River, and 1km below the confluence with McMillan
Stream (about 30 minutes) arrives at a swing bridge. Cross over, and follow the vehicle
track to where it swings sharply to the west. Here, a marked route heads east (right fork) and
crosses the valley along the edge of the forest. To avoid some cliffs the track dips into the
bush once before reaching the head of
Lake Sumner
.
On the northern side of the lake, the track enters forest again for an easy climb to Three
Mile Stream, crossed by a swing bridge. There's a junction here, with one track heading
north towards Three Mile Stream Hut and another south to Charley's Point, on the lake. The
main track departs east across the stream and begins the day's steepest climb, gaining 150m
before levelling off and finally reaching bush-clad
Kiwi Saddle
(677m). Just before the
saddle there is a short track to a
lookout
, which has a fine view across Lake Sumner.
