3243 - Kaweka Range

This is a combined trip with a M and M-F group in the Kaweka's, starting from Kuripaango, off the Taihape-Napier Road. Both options starting and finishing at the same point and are a mix of bush and tops travel.  We will depart Friday night and stay at some accommodation enroute. Some of the huts are quite small and tents are recommended, with camping available at all of the huts. The route may need to be modified if there has been ealy snow on the tops.

Day 1 - Both groups start from the Lakes car park, After crossing the Tutaekuri River the track climbs the steep Rogue Ridge Track, and traverses along the tops to The Tits and Kaiarahi (1507m), before descending the scree to Studholme Saddle Hut (4 bunk) which has been relocated to the site of the Studholme Saddle Biv. The M-F group will continue along Kaweka Range to Mad Dog Hill and across the tops to Kaweka J (1724m) before taking one of two spurs leading to Back Ridge Hut (4 bunk).  4 hrs/ 6-7 hours.

Day 2 -  M group will ascend back to point Kaiarahi, then take the junction that traverses along the tops via poled route to Castle Camp and onto Kiwi Saddle Hut (Heretaunga Tramping Club) (8 bunk). The  M-F group will leave the hut, headed for Sterns Saddle before descending gradually along Back Ridge, then dropping into Ngaruroro River to the Kiwi Mouth Hut. From Kiwi Mouth two options are available.  The preferred option is the route via Kiwi Creek if the water level is not high, or the longer and steeper track over point 1238; Both tracks rejoin about 1km from Kiwi Saddle Hut  to join the M group for the night.  

Day 3 - Both groups walk out via Smith-Russell track to Kuripapango Hill junction before descending steeply back to the car park before driving back to Hamilton.