Fantastic Mt Fyffe Intermediate
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bushPlantation/exotic forestOpen tussock/grasslandsOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate
6:00 (Slow)
4:30 (Moderate)
3:00 (Fast)
-16.6%
+16.6%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
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.
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Features of interest
Mt Fyffe provides an accessible and highly iconic view of Kaikoura and the surrounding mountains.
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 5%
Moderate Single Track: 20%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 75%
Route Data
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Access
From Kaikoura head out down Red Swamp Road, then left onto Postmans Rd and follow this to the Mt Fyffe road end carpark.
Carpark at Road end
14 km
23 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Moderate.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
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
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Post run indulgence
Kaikoura has lots of options
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See other runs nearby:
Kaikoura Cracker
Mt Fyffe-Kowhai Saddle circuit
Mt Fyffe Walkway
Heaven's Gate
