Neill Forks Hut

Cone Ridge Track, from Cone Saddle to Totara Flats Hut (via Cone and Cone Ridge)

From Cone Saddle, the track climbs steadily to Mount Cone, gaining around 500 m in elevation. Just before Cone there is a track junction, where the left-hand track leads to Neill Saddle and Neill Ridge. Take the right hand track to follow Cone Ridge. After the track junction, the track briefly emerges into low alpine scrub at the Cone high point. It is a welcome opportunity to rest and enjoy the view. From here, the track returns to the bush and continues along the relatively flat Cone Ridge. Partway along Cone Ridge (5.13 km from Cone Saddle), you will reach a track junction. Here you have the option to descend steeply to Neill Forks Hut (this is described below). To go to Totara Flats Hut, take the right hand track that continues straight ahead along the ridge. At the end of Cone Ridge, the track follows a long ridge down into the Tauwharenīkau Valley. The descent gets steeper as you get further down, so plan plenty of time and watch your feet carefully. The track emerges onto a river terrace not far upstream from Totara Flats Hut. Follow the track down the river, passing but not crossing a suspension bridge. The hut is a few minutes downstream from the bridge.

Totara Flats Hut to Neill Forks Hut, via Cone Ridge

Time: 4-5 hours

5.54 km Be aware that this track involves significant elevation change – you climb over 700 vertical meters to Cone Ridge, then shortly afterwards descend very steeply to Neill Forks Hut, losing over 550 vertical meters. The track is rough and unformed, so you will be climbing up and down over tree roots and slippery surfaces. While the track distance looks relatively short, all this means that the track between Totara Flats and Neill Forks is demanding and time-consuming. We recommend allowing plenty of extra time, so you can rest often, go carefully, and have time to walk the track in daylight. From Totara Flats Hut, follow the track upstream. Shortly after the hut you will pass a suspension bridge – do not cross this bridge (that track leads towards Mount Holdsworth). Instead, continue following the track up the true right of the Tauwharenīkau River. Soon the track leaves the river terrace and begins to climb a long ridge. The climb is steep at first, before gradually becoming gentler. This is a long stretch of climbing, gaining over 700 vertical metres. Finally the track flattens out as you arrive on Cone Ridge. Follow the track along Cone Ridge, until you come to a track junction. Take the right hand track to Neill Forks Hut. The track descends steeply off the ridge, dropping down into the Hector River valley. This is a demanding descent, so take it slow to avoid slipping. Shortly before the hut, the track reaches Neill Creek. It crosses the creek twice without a bridge. This creek can rise rapidly during/following rain, so assess it carefully and decide whether the creek is safe to cross. If in doubt, wait for the water level to drop or return to Totara Flats Hut. After the second Neill Creek crossing, you come to Neill Forks Hut, near the confluence of Hector River and Neill Creek. There are no water sources (this includes no streams) for the vast majority of this track, so we recommend carrying at least 2L of water per person.