Last Updated: 22nd Sep 2025
Syme Hut shimmy
Fantham's Peak, Panitahi
Last Updated: 22nd Sep 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 29 ?
Gnarl Factor: 65 ?
10.7km
1145m
1145m
Last Updated: 22nd Sep 2025
Last Updated: 22nd Sep 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 29 ?
Gnarl Factor: 65 ?
10.7km
1145m
1145m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Mountainous
Native bush
Volcanic
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +21.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -21.4%
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6:00
Slow
4:00
Moderate
2
Fast
Starting at Dawson Falls visitor center, you'll head up and the first track to the left will be signposted to Fantham's Peak/Symes Hut (if you got further up you'll head to Wilkies Pools etc).
About 500m along this trail, turn to the right to continue up the track. Follow this track through the bush until you come out of the tall trees and find Hillary's Seat. From here you'll see the track in front of you through lower bush, then steps and onto scree. As a note, snow poles start at number 70 - around 50 the scree gets deep, but head over to the right to the herb fields for a firmer track.
Around pole 20 is a false summit, and after a short rock climb you'll see the track elevation lessens as you finish the ascent. You'll have full views of the maunga and the crater area, with Symes Hut an easy spot. While in the crater area you'll see three peaks. The middle is the true summit of Panitahi/Fantham's Peak; make sure to bag your peak before heading down.
On the decent, if you're keen on a scree slide, head to the right for the soft scree and let the momentum take you down. Follow the steps and trail back down again to Dawson Falls.
This trail includes the peak Fanthams Peak.
Peak bagging Panitahi/Fantham's Peak, Symes Hut.
Public flush toilets available at Dawson Falls Visitor Centre. Symes Hut has a long drop with a view.
Lots of parking spaces, but parking can fill up here in peak periods typically by 10am with its proximity to easy day walks to Wilkies pools and Dawson Falls.
23 km
25 minutes
No
No
Moderate.
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal 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 bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters
No water available.
Always treat the track with respect, even when climbing during the summer. Exposure up the top to wind and cold is always a possibility even on a fine day. Snow can cover trail May to November/December. There is increased risk from snow, ice, avalanche terrain, bad weather and sub-zero temperatures.
This trail contains mountainous climbing areas, with scree slopes. Take care on ascent and descent.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Syme Hut shimmy
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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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