Kime Hut

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.

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.

Otaki Forks – Field Hut

Time: 3–4 hr

km From the car park next to the caretaker’s house, follow the marked track through the trees to the swing bridge over the Waiotauru River. Cross the bridge onto a grass terrace and follow a track towards Judd Ridge climbing up into bush. It is a climb from 150 m all the way to Field Hut, which appears in a small clearing below the bushline at 835 m. Depending on the start time and length of daylight hours, Field Hut may be a better overnight option for the first day than Kime Hut.

Field Hut – Kime Hut

Time: 3–4 hr

km Continue the climb from Field Hut beyond the bushline into Table Top alpine tussock. Pass the signposted junction to Penn Creek Hut and another junction to Maungahuka Hut. Follow the signposted route to Kime Hut at 1,405 m. A mobile phone signal is usually available along the ridge line near Kime Hut.

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.