Ōtaki Forks to Kime Hut

Walking time

6 hr

Length

10.6km

Uses

Tramping/Hiking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Advanced: Tramping track

Profile

800m climb

1442m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

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About the trail

The tramp to Kime Hut is a part of the classic Tararua traverse known as the Southern Crossing. From Boielles Flat (Ōtaki Forks) it should take around 6 hours to complete one way, plus another 2 hours for the emergency access track.

From Field Hut the trail climbs out of the bush and across Table Top Ridge for about 20 minutes. The track here is easy-going underfoot and slowly winds up the hill.

The walk from Field Hut to Kime Hut is about 3 hours one-way. It starts off by crossing alpine wetland and offers breathtaking views. From there, a zigzag path climbs towards the Saddle of Dennan (1 hour from Field Hut). After Dennan, an undulating path leads to a steeper zigzag and then traverses exposed alpine meadows near Bridge Peak.

The trail from here is intermittently marked by poles and cairns. Above the snowline, follow the blue marker poles, known locally as Noel’s poles. The route slowly climbs up and then dips into the valley towards the welcoming sight of Kime Hut.

At dawn, a birdseye view of Kime Hut, a small cabin with a red roof near the top of a mountain ridge.

Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list. Use NIWA to check weather forecasts for Kime Hut.
There have been several search and rescue efforts in the Tararua Range, some with tragic outcomes. Plan for all conditions, even if the weather looks fine when you start.
The Tararua Range is known for quickly changeable and treacherous weather. Cold weather, heavy mist, and strong winds can come up quickly. Be well-equipped for any weather conditions.
Excellent route-finding skills are required in poor weather. Consider postponing your trip if you are unsure.
The track to Kime Hut can be muddy after rain and the access road may be closed due to slips after heavy rain. Check the track status before you go.
The weather on the exposed tussock tops can be brutal so always check the alpine forecast and track conditions before you go.
Carrying a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or satellite phone is recommended, and always tell someone about your plans.
Pack enough food, water, and warm clothing.

The trail starts from Ōtaki Gorge Road.
An active slip is blocking access to Ōtaki Forks. You will need to park at the car park before the slip and use the emergency access track to reach Otaki Forks. The emergency access track is about 5km long and you can access it 200m past the locked gate on Ōtaki Gorge Road.
From Boielles Flat (Ōtaki Forks) begin the Arcus Loop track until you the see the signpost for Kime Hut.

Kime Hut is a standard Department of Conservation (DOC) hut with 20 bunk beds, non-treated water, and a long-drop toilet. Kime Hut - DOC.
There is no heating in the hut. Temperatures are often below 0 degrees.
Bookings are not required but you must purchase a hut pass from an isite visitor information centre, DOC office, the Ōtaki Kathmandu store, or Otaki Hunting and Fishing.

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The people walk along a wide gravel path passing the entrance sign to East Harbour Regional Park.

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A child and adult in the bush looking into the trees and pointing.

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A hiker on the summit of a mountain range.

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