Valleys S-K

Experience the changing landscape of the length of the Tararua Ranges from the valleys.

This is the valleys version of the Main Range S-K that takes the exposed tops (found here: https://www.wildthings.club/trails/manawatu-wanganui/eketahuna/tararura-traverse/). S-K stands for "Schormann to Kaitoke", as access used to be via the Schormann Track found near by before landownership changes, so really it's a P-K now but the historical name sticks.

The Valleys S-K is a lot easier and safer than the Main Range S-K with less altitude gain and loss. The trails are easier to move along too. A good option for someone wanting to test themselves out for a potential Main Range S-K attempt.

No public transport. Small side of the road car park in the grass. Generally plenty of space, but as this is a point to point run, get someone to drop you off nice and early in the morning.

19 km

44 minutes

Unknown

No

Extreme.

It's a long way and there are plenty of opportunities to take a wrong turn, especially when tired. The main issue is the travel down the untracked Ruamahunga river where you need to be comfortable bush bashing over slips, etc if the river is high. In some spots tree fall will result in the track disappearing for a while. Knowing how to navigate in these conditions, especially when tired, is essential. If in the river whilst heading down the Ruamahunga, Cleft Creek is an obvious tight gorge entering off to your right.

Very patchy.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.

Plenty of water along the route at huts and streams. Best to fill up from side streams to avoid giardia, but I've only heard of one case being picked up from right near the beginning.

Could do all year around, but a lot more pleasant in summer when the day's a warmer and longer. The rivers can be cold and dangerous so best to pick a dry period.

The Tararua Ranges are deadly with deaths occurring pretty much every year, not just on the tops. Rivers are a major cause of death in NZ so make sure you know how to cross them safely. The weather can and will change rapidly. A fine weather forecast can sometimes not mean much on this route as you'll be travelling between multiple valleys. If things get hairy, bail out to one of the many road ends.