Waikato Iron Bark & Colenso Huts

A hard 4 days 3 nights tramp in very steeply sloping terrain of the Ruahine Ranges some 2:30 minutes south of Taupo. Access to the start from Taihape via Mokai passes what might be the world’s largest Flying Fox, with attendant bungee jump, in the Mokai Gravity Canyon. Contacting the local landowner for permission gives a shortcut over the hill avoids hours on the poled track. Day one comprises a 3 hour plus slog up very steep grazing land as a shortcut (assuming permission has been obtained) followed by a 2+ hour grind on poor path over steep slopes in thick forest to Iron Bark Hut – a mere total of 7+ km, 600m ascent in 5 hours 15 minutes. Day 2 is just as much fun taking about 5 hours for the 6+ km, ascending about 400m with some knee trembling slopes to the Colenso Hut from where a river-walk exploring the route to Ruahine Corner can be undertaken. There is superb forest and very active birdlife throughout. with fantastic views of Ruapehu to the north and the local tops and farmland of the area. Exit route more or less the same as entry.
Day 1. 7.15kms 5hrs 15 mins 594m
Day 2. 6.78kms 4 hrs 55 mins 550m
Day 3. 7.24kms 2 hrs 40 mins 30m
Day 4. 6.78kms 4 hrs 55 mins 500m
Day 5. 7.01kms 5 hours ND
Last Updated Nov 2007

Start Point: Easting 1860175 Northing 5603698