Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Awatere Hut

Waipukurau, Hawkes Bay

Submitted by Melissa Franklin

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Open

Grunt Factor: 20 ?

Gnarl Factor: 65 ?

5.0km

Length of run

310m

Total Ascent

310m

Total Descent

801m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

59%

40%

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -14.2%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:15

Moderate

1:00

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

From the carpark there are two tracks, one going straight ahead (to Longview hut) and to the left is the track to Awatere Hut. Follow this left track up to the ridge line and then continue along this range until about 1.5km and then you will descend to the stream in the valley below very sharply (yes this means a steep climb back!)

This route is pretty obvious but keep an eye out for the poles. Once in the bush look for the orange triangles and you will cross one small stream before getting to the larger stream. Once you exit the bush to the larger stream, go right and head down the back for about 50m looking to your left over the stream and you should see the hut (I missed it at first) tucked into the bush on the side of the stream. Once you have got your fill of the scenery, head back the way you came.

Great views of Hawke's Bay. Beautiful bush and crystal clear streams from the ranges.

Transport and parking:

Carpark at end of road, not many go here and often people stay in huts overnight and leave cars overnight, so pretty safe

Distance from Waipukurau:

48 km

Driving time from Waipukurau:

51 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

generally there is nowhere else to go other than following the track. Down at the stream, look for the big orange triangle to indicate where the track goes into the bush for your return journey.

Cellphone Coverage:

Very patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

You could drink from the streams

Seasonality Issues:

Snow can fall this low at very cold times of the year making the climb down to the forest a little slow if its slippery

Hazards:

Stream crossing, but generally not deep

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Learn about Fastest Known Times.