Kaweka Klassik

WARNING: Do not attempt this course without a map and a compass, and make sure you can use them. Even in summer it can be very easy to get lost in poor weather, and common sense is more important than fitness in this instance.

Starting at the Lakes Car park follow the track signs to Kuripapango and Kiwi Saddle Hut. This is a very steep climb and depending on fitness could take over two hours to reach the hut. From Kiwi Saddle follow the signposts to the right leading towards Studholme Saddle, past Castle Camp and Kaiahari. This is an entirely poled route; although it is well walked and a track is visible, don't rely on this fact.

You will pass another signpost pointing towards Kaweka J or Mackintosh Spur. If you are having a hard time or weather is very poor it would be wise to head down Mackintosh Spur and follow the track back to lakes. If you're planning on continuing, head towards Kaweka J, following the poles and signs.

Once on the summit of Kaweka J, descend via Makahu Spur NOT Dons Spur ( Dons Spur track no longer exists, and if you take it, you will find yourself on a scree slope and not having much fun.)

Follow Makahu Spur all the way off the summit until you reach the Makahu Saddle Hut/car park. From the car park, follow a small track that will come off of your right, this will lead to the Ngahere Experimental Basin, and a sign post that will point towards Mackintosh Hut. Follow the clay pans towards Mackintosh until you come to a very, very steep gully that leads to the Donald River. Take it easy descending and ascending this gully, as it's very steep and can get slippery in wet weather.

Before you reach Mackintosh Hut you will come to a sign post that will point towards Mackintosh Spur and Studholm Saddle, follow this track for roughly 10-20 minutes until you come to another sign that will point you back towards the lakes car park. Stay on this track until you're eventually back at where you started.