Kiriwhakapapa to Blue Range Hut

The track from Kiriwhakapapa Road End to Blue Range Hut is short but steep – it gains around 650 m of elevation in just 3.36 km of track. This is a typical backcountry track and you can expect a rough and unformed track surface. You will be scrambling up steep slopes, using tree roots as handholds and footholds. Some people will find it takes longer than 2-3 hours, so plan for extra time and go slowly and carefully. The track starts at the end of Kiriwhakapapa Road, beside Kiriwhakapapa Campsite. The first part of the track is along the Kiriwhakapapa Loop Track , a well-graded, family-friendly loop track. It passes a spectacular stand of tall redwoods trees and regenerating native forest. At the track junction, take the right-hand track to Blue Range Hut. This is where the tramping track separates from the Kiriwhakapapa Loop Track, so you will notice that the track quickly becomes narrower and rougher. The track follows Reef Creek up the valley on the true right. A side stream meets Reef Creek and the track crosses the stream (unbridged crossing), then follows a steep ridge up to the top of Blue Range. When you are almost at the top, you come to a track junction. Take the right-hand track to Blue Range Hut. The left-hand track goes to Cow Creek Hut (4.61 km) in the Waingawa River valley. Arriving at the top of Blue Range makes the climb worthwhile. You briefly leave the forest and enjoy fantastic views of the peaks deeper into the park. From here, Blue Range Hut is on a short walk along the ridge.