Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Tramp
Day 1: Mavora Lakes Campsite to Boundary Hut
4-5 HOURS, 16KM
The track is signposted at the southern end of
North Mavora Lake
and immediately enters
beech forest following a rough 4WD track along the lake, which can be seen through the
trees. After one hour (3km) the track departs the forest for good, swinging up and away
from it. The next two hours are in open territory and incredibly scenic, with the
Livingstone
Mountains
rising steeply to the west beyond the lake.
Just before reaching the head of the lake, 9km (two to three hours) from the camping
ground, the walkway passes Careys Hut (seven bunks). Perched above the lake overlooking
a gravelly beach, this is an ideal spot for a dip on a hot day.
The walkway stays on the 4WD track, climbing above the head of the lake and passing a
junction. The left fork, along a 4WD track that is rougher than the one you're following, is
the route up the Windon Burn to Basic Forks Hut (three hours). Take the right fork, which
leads you up to a terrace above the
Mararoa River
. This is probably the steepest climb of the
tramp, and it rewards with good views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
After sidling the hill for 30 minutes, you drop back to the river and enter grassy flats bor-
dering its banks. It takes one hour to cross the flats before a sign pops up pointing the way
to Boundary Hut (eight bunks), on the true left (east) side of the river.
Day 2: Boundary Hut to Taipo Hut
4-5 HOURS, 12KM
How long this section of track takes you is heavily weather-dependent, as foul weather will
slow you down as you search for subsequent marker poles. The alternative option for this
second leg is to skip Taipo Hut and push on to Greenstone Hut - a 22km, seven- to eight-
hour day.
The morning begins by crossing the swing bridge seen from Boundary Hut to the true
right side of the Mararoa River. High tussock grass greets you on the other side, but orange-
tipped poles keep you on course. You quickly pick up an overgrown 4WD track and follow
it easily up the valley. Within one hour (3km) the 4WD track swings northeast and the poles
head northwest, an indication that you're about to begin sidling the base of the Livingstone
Mountains.
