Rangiwahia Hut

17 & 18 June 2017

Location: Ruahine Forest Park
Trampers: Chris (Dad) and Ben (9yrs)
Distance: 3.9k to hut

Our walk in: 2hrs 15mins (two 5min stops)

Our walk out: 1hr 15mins (one 5min stop)

DOC Link for Rangiwahia Hut

From the Renfrew Road car-park the well maintained track heads up gradually providing beautiful views out across the farmland towards Ruapehu. There are some very good information signs along the way about the whio, pest control, flora, fauna, and geology of the region. 

After a newish detour up and over a large slip, you drop down into a very steep gorge and cross a high, wooden arched bridge. This is about the half-way point, and from here the track climbs more steeply, sidling up a gut all the way to the tussock tops. The view just gets better and there are some great spots with bench seats to rest on and admire the scenery. 

The hut is only a few hundred meters away once you have reached the tussock. As the sun set the temperature dropped rapidly, but the hut was warmed quickly by the wood stove. There's a good tank water supply, new long-drops painted with some great murals, and a good supply of wood in the shed. Take your own gas cookers. 

We were treated to a beautiful, but frosty morning, with some ice on the top section of the track, that meant you needed to take care. The mainly downhill walk back goes very quickly, so take the time to revisit those incredible views and get some photos.