tramping new zealand

In retrospect, a choice of hut with Mount in the name was possibly not the best option for my first overnighter at the end of my year-long rehab from two Achilles tendon tears.

The positive is that it’s a great four-bunk hut with glazing on three sides, and I had it to myself. I was the 20th group, in my case, a group of one, for the year, and I was visiting with only three weeks till the next year. It’s not overused.

Half were hunters flown in for a few days, and there’s a surprising number of people completing their traverse of the Victoria/Brunner Ranges.

On the other hand, there were many just doing what I was doing, ie, just having a look.

On the negative, the three to six-hour journey is only for the supremely fit, as it took me 9.5 hours. It seems like I’m not the only one who has a more leisurely pace.

The reason?

It’s an 1100 m or so climb with almost everything happening as you get closer to the hut. The track at the bottom is not always clear, partly because DOC has some old rat tunnels marked with similar pink tape that may lead you astray.

But it is certainly worth the effort as you pass through predominantly red and silver beech forest, with a sprinkling of giant Dracophyllum near the top.

Now all that’s needed is to drop back down to my car parked randomly on the side of the highway, and hope it hasn’t been touched by any passersby.

Have to say this track is not really recommended for novice trampers or near-geriatric people recovering from serious injury.