_edited.jpg)
A bright blue characterful hut set amongst the trees on the Blue Range.
Blue Range Hut in the Tararua Forest Park is a short 3.4km walk from the Kiriwhakapapa Road end camp ground. But don't be deceived by the short overall distance - the total elevation gain to this hut is over 680m spread across approximately 3.0km. The highest point of this walk will see you reach about 980m above sea level.
Kiriwhakapapa and the Blue Range are a less popular destination compared to Holdsworth down the road, but it is well worth the visit if you'd prefer a quieter overnight trip.
The Track
The walk to Blue Range Hut begins at Kiriwhakapapa Road end, and starts in a massive Californian Redwood forest. This section of the trip is very flat and forgiving, and looks awesome in the morning sunshine. After about 800m the track quickly becomes a steep scramble, although the track is well formed.
The mid section of the trips winds up through native beech forest. There are almost no flat sections for 2.0km, and you will climb the majority of the 680m total gain as you reach the vibrant green goblin forest. There are a couple of false summits along the way, but the true 980m summit is reached just after you pass the DOC signage. When you see the sign, follow the directions to the right, and continue on through the goblin forest until you break out of the bush onto an exposed ridge top.
As you break out of the bush, there's an awesome spot for a quick rest. A massive boulder makes a great vantage point to take in the views of the Blue Range. To the west there are impressive views of Pukemoamo, Mitre Peak. To the North West you'll see Pukekino, Bannister and Waingawa in the distance.
The Hut
Blue Range Hut is a standard DOC hut, it was built in 1958 by the Masterton Tramping club, and staff from the New Zealand Forestry Service. Members of the new Masterton Tramping Club carried materials up the 980m hill by hand, often completing more than one trip per day in a race to build the hut. There are 4 bunks, with DOC's standard flame retardant mattresses supplied. If you visit in the summer months, it can still get quite cold in the mornings. Bring a decent sleeping bag and thermals. There is tank water at the hut, and our visit in January had a full tank despite the dry weather. There is a bit of room to pitch a tent. We took the Naturehike Star River 2 person tent. Luckily, as we arrived and the hut was already full at 1:00pm! We set up our tent in the flattest spot outside next to the picnic table. The clear, warm summer night rewarded us with a breath taking sunset across the main range.
Trip Rating
Grade: Easy Time: 2.5 hours up, 1.5 hours down Distance: 3.4km
Gain: 680m
Blue range would be an excellent trip for a beginner or a well seasoned tramper. Just be prepared to sleep on the floor if the hut is already full. The nearest hut is Cow Creek which is smaller and is over 3 hours away from Blue Range. If you have a lightweight tent it's well worth bringing to avoid disappointment if you arrive to a full hut.
Comments