Alpha Hut

The crossing of the alpine tops section from Table Top to Mount Alpha (1361 m) involves about 6-8 hours of travel, with superb views to the south of Wellington Harbour, the Marlborough Sounds and the Kaikoura Mountains. The track down from Alpha Hut to the Kaitoke carpark leads through the saddle of Hell’s Gate, over Omega, and through the stunted silver beech along the Marchant Ridge. It joins to Dobsons Loop Track before exiting on Marchant Road.

Huts

Field and Alpha huts, just below the bushline on the western and eastern sides of the alpine section of the crossing, have been the traditional overnight shelters. However, Kime Hut near Hut Mound is an alpine refuge in bad weather, although it is very cold in winter because of the lack of heating.

Kime Hut – Alpha Hut

Time: 5–6 hr

7.5 km Follow the ridge over Field Peak to Mount Hector (1,529 m), the highest point of the route. Mount Hector bears a large wooden cross that was erected in 1950 (and replaced in 1980) as a memorial to trampers who lost their lives during World War II. The exposed ridge of the Dress Circle takes you to the top of Aston, where there is a signposted junction to Elder Hut. Continue along the ridge route over Alpha (1,361 m) and descend to Alpha Hut, just below the bushline.

Alpha Hut – Kaitoke

Time: 8–9 hr

km Continue from Alpha Hut and descend from 1,187 m to the saddle at Hells Gate. From there, climb up to Marchant Ridge, passing the Bull Mound, Omega and Block 16 track turn-offs. These tracks into the Tauwharenīkau valley offer alternative routes to Marchant Ridge, but involve a river crossing, which may be dangerous after heavy rainfall. Marchant Ridge is a long stretch of bush that is rough underfoot and muddy when wet, so the pace is usually slower. The section from the Smith Creek Shelter junction along Dobson Loop Track has mobile phone reception to book your transport. Look carefully for the track turn-off into the Kiwi Ranch Road car park.

Elder Hut to Alpha Hut

Time: 3–4 hr

5.3 km The track from Elder Hut continues to follow Renata Ridge. It climbs steeply towards the main Tararua Range. The track leaves the bush, and climbs to the Aston high point. Here the track meets the Southern Crossing route. Continue along the Southern Crossing route over Alpha (1361 m) and descend to Alpha Hut, just below the bush line.

Alpha Hut to Kaitoke

Time: 8–9 hr

km Continue from Alpha Hut and descend from 1187 m to the saddle at Hells Gate. From there, climb up to Marchant Ridge, passing the Bull Mound, Omega and Block 16 track turn-offs. These tracks into the Tauwharenīkau valley offer alternative routes to Marchant Ridge, but involve a river crossing, which may be dangerous after heavy rainfall. Marchant Ridge is a long stretch of bush that is rough underfoot and muddy when wet, so the pace is usually slower. The section from the Smith Creek Shelter junction along Dobson Loop Track has mobile phone reception. Look carefully for the track turn-off into the Kiwi Ranch Road car park, where the track finishes.

Cone to Mt Hector or Kime Hut, via Neill Winchcombe

Time: 6-9 hours to Mt Hector

Follow the track along Neill Ridge. Neill Ridge has lots of undulations, including steep bits that require clambering. The track descends to Neill Saddle, then climbs steeply to the Neill high point (1158 m). From Neill, the track then continues along the ridge. Shortly before the bush line you will reach Winchcombe Bivouac. This is a small bivvy with two bunks. There is no formed route from Winchcombe Bivouac to Mt Hector. You will need to navigate yourself, passing Winchcombe Peak and then following the ridge to Mt Hector. The ridge is narrow in places with steep drop-offs. This section is completely exposed, with no shelter from extreme weather. Like any part of the Tararua tops, it is very dangerous in bad weather (such as high wind, rain/snow, freezing temperatures or low visibility). Assess the weather when leaving Winchcombe Bivouac – if conditions are not favourable, we recommend waiting in the bivvy for the weather to improve or turning back. At the Mt Hector summit, you join the Southern Crossing track. Mount Hector bears a large wooden cross that was erected in 1950 (and replaced in 1980) as a memorial to trampers who lost their lives during World War II. From here, you can follow the S outhern Crossing track down to Kime Hut. If you were planning to continue on to Alpha and not go to Kime Hut, use Mt Hector as a decision point. If you are tired, it is getting late or if the weather is bad or deteriorating, it may be better to turn off to Kime Hut rather than continue across the exposed tops to Alpha Hut.

Mt Hector or Kime Hut to Alpha Hut

Time: 4-5 hr from Mt Hector Time: 5-6 hr from Kime Hut

If you are starting from Kime Hut, follow the ridge over Field Peak to Mount Hector (1,529 m). From Mt Hector, continue south along the Southern Crossing. The exposed ridge of the Dress Circle takes you to the top of Aston, where there is a signposted junction to Elder Hut . Continue along the ridge route over Alpha (1361 m) and descend to Alpha Hut, just below the bush line.

Alpha Hut to Cone Hut (via Bull Mound)

Time: 3 hours

Before you leave Alpha Hut, consider whether you will be able to cross the Tauwharenīkau River safely. There is an unbridged crossing of the river shortly before Cone Hut. If it has been raining, the river may be not be passable. If this is the case, it may be better to wait in Alpha Hut or take an alternative route out (for example, exiting via Marchant Ridge down the Southern Crossing Track). Continue on the Southern Crossing track from Alpha Hut and descend from 1187 m to the saddle at Hells Gate. The track climbs from the saddle to Marchant Ridge. When you reach the top of the ridge, there is a track junction. Take the left-hand track (the Bull Mound Track) towards Bull Mound and Cone Hut. This track follows the ridge to Bull Mound (1060 m), then descends steeply into the Tauwharenīkau Valley. The track emerges into the valley on the true right of the Tauwharenīkau River, not far downstream from Cone Hut. Cross the river to the true left, where you will meet the Tauwharenīkau Track. Follow the track upstream for a short distance until you come to Cone Hut. Cone Hut is a historic hut, situated in mature forest above the Tauwharenīkau River.