The Taipo

This is a nice accessible out-and-back with a good solid hill to start with, and can be extended as far as you want along the Taipo Valley - the track continues for approximately 30km to Harman Pass. Although the majority of the route is a 4WD track it tends to be muddy and slippery, particularly after rain.

From the car park the 4WD track climbs steadily over a high terrace before dropping back down to the flat river valley ahead. You will go through a gate on the way down. Cross a creek at the bottom.
From the flats the track follows the river upstream through a mix of gorse and native bush. There are several side creeks to cross, which can be impassable after heavy rain. After about 2km of flats you reach the first ford - if the river is high, backtrack 100m and look for the orange triangle marking a high sidle through the bush - even if the river is passable it makes a nice change from the 4WD track.
Dillon Hut is reached after about 8.5km, with a historic hut as well to have a look at.
Turn around here and head back down the valley then way you came.