Hunters Hut Mission Experienced

Description

Locate the start of the track as detailed above. It starts with some nice single track, through bush, before coming out into open terrain with wonderful 360 views of various ranges, mountains and sea. This track is one of Nelson's best kept secrets.
The obvious track gives way to orange markers and very rocky terrain, not all of it run-able, and some steep climbs which can be very windswept. The geologists will enjoy the various rock forms, which are also quite unforgiving for dog feet and runners' knees should you trip.
At the top of the ridge you will see the markers veer left, follow these along and then down through open grasses and scree, where the track enters a large area of native bush. Watch for native falcons and wekas. The track is steep and technical in parts, as it plunges all the way down to the Motueka River Left Branch below, you will be aware the entire descent that this will be a challenging climb on the way home.
At the river, then follow the sign left through bush to Hunters Hut (described as a 45 minute walk). Soon the track will direct you across the river. Keep your eyes peeled for the orange triangles along the river's edge, as there are a couple more river crossings to go, before heading back into the bush (on the opposite side of the river from whence you came) for a final wee grunt up through native bush to Hunter's Hut. Then reverse the process to get home, allow a bit longer to get back - the climb back up through the bush makes this a difficult run to negative split.

Features of interest

"Situated at the south western edge of the Mt Richmond Forest Park, the Red Hills are a unique ultramafic geological area composed of very dense magnesium-rich rocks which have been thrust up at least 10 km or more from below the earths crust. The soils derived from these magnesium-rich rocks are too toxic for tree growth so much of the area is covered in distinctive scrub and tussock. This ultramafic area runs from Ben Nevis in the north approximately 20 km south to State Highway 63.

The Red Hills has low to moderate red deer numbers which tend to stay within the forested areas more than the ultramafic.

Goats can also be encountered throughout the area and the support of recreational hunters in controlling these animals in this fragile environment would be much appreciated.

The odd pig may show up in the forested area but their numbers are generally low."

From: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/where-to-hunt/nelson-tasman/nelson-lakes-hunting/where-to-hunt/red-hills/

Make Up of Run

Untracked / Route only: 30%

Technical Single Track: 30%

Moderate Single Track: 27%

Gravel Road: 13%

Route Data