Last Updated: 16th Mar 2025
Fantastic Mt Fyffe
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 16th Mar 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 32 ?
Gnarl Factor: 27 ?
17.7km
1400m
1400m
1602m
Last Updated: 16th Mar 2025
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 16th Mar 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 32 ?
Gnarl Factor: 27 ?
17.7km
1400m
1400m
1602m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
With permit
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -16.6%
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6:00
Slow
4:30
Moderate
3:00
Fast
The Mt Fyffe track is a well graded but quite steep 4WD track nearly the whole way from valley floor to summit. Its a pretty relentless climb but well worth the effort with commanding 360 degree views from the summit that take in the whole Kaikoura coastal plain and peninsula, around to the Kowhai Valley and Seaward Kaikoura Ranges beyond. Full reward for efforts here.
The Mt Fyffe Hut (8 bunks) is located 2/3rd of the way up (1,103m) and provides a good stop for a breather and read of the hutbook. Its also a great place to overnight. Beyond the hut the track follows through plantings that are aimed to settle land erosion. A short sharp ascent up the last ridge will gain a well earned rest on the seat at the summit and the obligatory trip photos will follow from here.
Return the same way for a knee and quad shattering 1,400m descent. While there are routes beyond along the tops over Gable and Gables End, anything beyond Mt Fyffe summit is at the time of writing closed due to massive earthquake damage, especially in the Hapuku and Kowhai track areas. It could be some time before these other valleys open up again.
This trail includes the peak Mount Fyffe.
Mt Fyffe provides an accessible and highly iconic view of Kaikoura and the surrounding mountains.
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Carpark at Road end
14 km
23 minutes
With Permit
No
Moderate.
Pretty straight forward, 4WD is obvious and where it turns into a trail its well poled, cairned and marked.
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
May be some water at Mt Fyffe Hut, but bring you own just in case. Especially in summer- you'll want a full 2 litres or more!
Winter = snow and maybe ice axe/ crampons
Exposed mountain tops here- take heed of weather forecasts and be prepared with the right gear in the event of sudden changes
Kaikoura has lots of options
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Glad to have poles for the uphill. Quads were tired after the downhill. The views are quite nice!
November 12, 2021
This is a whole lot of straight up to great 360 views. I took poles and that made the up part so much more enjoyable. The down is indeed straight down and by the end your quads will be complaining. Just remind them of the stunning views they saw at the top. And the post run selection of cafes is second to none.
May 22, 2021
A slow start rewards you with awesome views and a fab bit of ridgeline. Easy to
Navigate and smiles all round.
February 27, 2021
The grind was worth it! Relentless but quickly you’re in some amazing alpine terrain and magic views. Meeting the sun there at dawn is a great call! Fast burn down wrecked the legs!
February 7, 2021
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