Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pointing up the main track to Demon Trail Hut. This is also the start of a marked route
across the eastern channel to a track on McKerrow Island. Follow this track around the
northern side of the island to reach McKerrow Island Hut (12 bunks), pleasantly situated
near the mouth of the main channel and partially hidden by bush.
If the rain has been heavy it may be impossible to cross the eastern river bed, in which
case you can continue on the Demon Trail, and in about 1½ hours reach Demon Trail Hut
(12 bunks). If you're at McKerrow Island Hut when it rains, there's little you can do but
wait until the channel can be safely forded.
The mouth of the main channel is popular for trout fishing, although in recent years the
growing seal colony at Martins Bay has been venturing further and further into Lake
McKerrow to feast on trout, much to the dismay of anglers. Seals have even been spotted as
far inland as Pyke Lodge.
Day 4: McKerrow Island Hut to Hokuri Hut
6½-7½ HOURS, 13.8KM
From the signpost on the main track it's a 20-minute tramp to the start of the Demon Trail,
which begins in a clearing that was once a hut site. This leg used to have a reputation as one
of the most exhausting non-alpine tracks in NZ. Although it has been upgraded in recent
years it is still demanding, especially in the wet. Spare a thought for the Martins Bay settlers
who built it in the 1880s as a cattle track - if they hadn't, it's likely the Hollyford Track
wouldn't exist.
It's 3km (one hour) from the start of the trail to Demon Trail Hut, which sits in a pleasant
spot overlooking Lake McKerrow.
At
Slip Creek
, considered the halfway point for the day, a nearby rock bivvy will shelter
six people in inclement weather. But most trampers try to cover the section from McKerrow
Island to Hokuri Hut as quickly as possible. Hokuri Hut (12 bunks) is on the shore of Lake
McKerrow at Gravel Cove and was rebuilt in 2005.
Day 5: Hokuri Hut to Martins Bay
4-5 HOURS, 13KM
It's about a 10-minute tramp beyond the hut to Hokuri Creek, which can usually be forded
near its mouth on Gravel Cove; if it can't be crossed here, there is a three-wire bridge 20
minutes upstream. From the other side of the creek begins one of the most scenic stretches
