Winchcombe Biv

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.