Kahui Hut

Holly Hut to Waiaua Gorge Hut

Time: 7–9 hr

km From the hut, you take the Around the Mountain Circuit across Holly Flats, joining Bells Falls Track before reaching the Stony River Track. Caution is needed in the Hangatahua River area. Look carefully for flagged routes and be prepared for erosion and flooding. After crossing the river you continue downhill, across several streams before you meet the Kopoaiaia Track – look for the track entrance marker up on the bank. Turn left and climb uphill to the Puniho Track junction. Here you have two options: Low track: This section of track is often muddy, eroded and overgrown. It crosses many unbridged streams. Continue along the Kopoaiaia Track past the Kahui track junction and on to the Oaonui Track. High track: Turn left onto the Puniho Track and walk uphill 1 km to the 6 bunk Kahui Hut. From here the Kahui track descends to the junction with the Oaonui/Ihaia Tracks. Both options: Follow the Oaonui Track, eventually meeting the Ihaia/Brames Falls junction. Turn right onto the Ihaia Track and walk downhill for around 500 m to reach the short track into the Waiaua River. Walk up the riverbed to reach the small spur to Waiaua Gorge Hut. Allow up to an hour longer on your trip.

A gentle climb through forest on the lower slopes of the mountain leads up to Kahui Hut, the oldest hut in the national park.