Pakihore Ridge Loop

The route takes you up Field Track to Table Top past the historic Field hut, one of the first purpose built tramping huts in the country, and is the oldest surviving recreational hut in the Tararua Ranges. This is also the start of the popular Southern Crossing route. Along the bush sections of the route, listen out for whitehead, riflemen, kākāriki, along with many other native birds common along the tracks. During summer you'll hear both shining and long tailed cuckoo. Pakihore Ridge has some amazing bush and goblin forests.

There is no public transport. The main car park is at Boielle Flat, and this is the closest to the start of the tracks. It is the least secured, so if you're planning on spending the night at a hut along the way, park at the rangers house (the next left along the road). There is no cell phone reception here, but you can use the phone up at the rangers house for emergencies/flat car batteries/something more drastic.

18 km

30 minutes

Unknown

No

Hard.

Once on the main range (McIntosh to Bridge Peak) the trail can easily be lost in bad weather and you could end up heading down the wrong spur. Don't attempt this if you're not confident in this sort of terrain.

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.

Water is available at the main car park, Field hut, and Penn Creek and Penn Creek hut. Signs suggest treating all water, it's drinkable, but if you're one to err on the side of caution, throw in some purification tablets. The water at the huts can taste nasty due to fires and soot run off from the roof.

During winter there is likely to be snow along the tops. The whole route is likely to be muddy year round. If it's going to be windy, you'll probably be unable to stand along the tops. Best weather window is usually straight after a southerly storm.

People die almost yearly up in these parts of the Tararua Ranges, so don't take it lightly.

This is a technical route, and whilst it's mostly runable, almost everywhere along it is trying to break you. If it's raining, you may not be able to cross Penn Creek.