Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Blyth Hut and Beyond
Submitted by Eleanor Arnst
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 39
Gnarl Factor: 51
21.5km
1160m
1160m
1690m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Eleanor Arnst
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 39
Gnarl Factor: 51
21.5km
1160m
1160m
1690m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.6%
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4:00
Slow
3:00
Moderate
2:20
Fast
A nice gradual climb through varying terrain - this run has a bit of everything (mud, logs, tree roots, stream crossings, rock hopping, scree and benched track). Great views on a nice day. Run to where Old Blyth Track intersects with the Round the Mountain Track. Turn right (east) and follow board walk to Waitonga Falls. From falls head downstream and follow large orange triangles to cross the main stream, a second crossing (also marked) follows shortly afterwards.
Climb up to where the track to Blyth Hut turns off on the left (north). Follow track up and cross the stream 3 more times - passing Lupton Hut on the way. A final climb up packed scree leads to Blyth Hut. Turn around here (16km return) or head up the sporadically poled track behind the hut to Turoa skifield. Keep an eye out for the faded wooden poles - some have fallen over and in places a clear ground trail exists. Final climb up a rocky outcrop leads to views of Turoa Skifield. Retrace your steps back to the start.
Waitonga Falls, Lupton & Blyth Huts
Small carpark (4 cars) on right hand side of Turoa Road just past 7km mark. Shuttle buses maybe available from Ohakune.
10 km
12 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Most of the run is on well marked tracks. Take care behind Blyth Hut to follow faint ground trail & faded wooden poles. Could be difficult in cloudy conditions.
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, 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, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters.
Good water is available from various streams along the way as well as at Blyth and Lupton Huts. Water by the skifield may not be best to drink, as is water directly below falls given that people often cross back and forth through this area.
Old Blyth Track can become extremely muddy and slippery after steady rain (think running in a muddy stream). Exposed behind Blyth Hut - cold winds at any time of year. Streams past Waitonga Falls can flood after heavy rain. Heavy snow fall can occur, particularly in Autumn, Winter & Spring, but may occur at higher altitudes at any time of year.
Logs have been placed in central section of Old Blyth Track to reduce water erosion - track is often wet and slippery - care required particularly when running downhill.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Blyth Hut and Beyond
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I absolutely loved this trail! Done on a sunny day in May which might be ideal: there was barely any mud since the earth was getting frozen. I can imagina there's really a lot of mud otherwise. I love how the landscape changes so much during this run, doesn't get boring. So much to see and on a clear day are the views are just breathtaking, could even see all the way up to Taranaki! Nobody on the first part of the track until the falls, quite some people at the falls and a couple of stragglers to the hut. The track goes up gradually. Couple of river crossings and after the hut just poles to follow. Highly recommended.
May 24, 2020
SH
Great track it's pretty much 10km up and 10km back down. Better to do during the dryer months as the bottom Blyth section gets wet.beautiful views on a good day.
January 29, 2020
I did part of this route (hence 4 not 5 stars). Started further up Mountain Rd on the RTM track. Great track. Well graded to the hut, then rocky terrain with pole marker spotting route after. Didn't see anyone past the falls. Already a lot of photos uploaded so I won't copycat.
March 3, 2019
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