Kiwi Saddle Hut (Kaweka Range)
Kaweka Forest Park
Kiwi Saddle Hut is located on the ridge 3km west of Kuripapango and some 700m above the Ngaruroro river. The hut is on the Smith Russel Track from Kuripapango to Kiwi Mouth Hut on the Ngaruroro, and also at the start of the route to Kaweka along the main Kaweka range.
The hut is on the treeline at 1100m, with beech forest reaching down from Kiwi Saddle south towards the Ngaruroro. North, however, the valleys are dominated the clay-pans typical of the Kaweka ranges, and by tall Manuka. This provides habitat for Sika deer which can be heard whistling nearby on most evenings. The tops have sparse vegetation: thin dry tussock, lichens, and orchids - and are predominantly rock / fine scree.
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Owner
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Owner: Heretaunga Tramping Club |
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Category
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Standard Hut |
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Sleeps
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Sleeps 8
8
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Facilities
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Toilet, Enclosed wood/coal burner |
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Water supply
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Tap or tank water |
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Getting there
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Kuripapango - Napier-Taihape road (279710,619700): 7km / 2-4 hours track including steep 700m climb The Lakes road end (280000,620000): 6km / 1.5-3 hours track including steep 600m climb Kiwi Mouth Hut: 4km / 1.5-3 hours track or river route Castle Camp (shelter): 4.5km / 1.5-2.5 hours poled route Cameron Hut: 7km track Studholme Hut / Studholme Biv: 7km / 2.5-5 hours poled route |
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Unlocked
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This hut is unlocked and open to access. |
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Bookings
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No bookings — open access
No — open access
Kiwi Saddle Hut is owned and maintained by the Heretaunga Tramping Club. Backcountry hut passes and tickets do not apply. For overnight stays, send donations to Heretaunga Tramping Club, PO Box 14086, Mayfair, Hastings 4159 (or email htc@orcon.net.nz for bank details). |
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Altitude
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1,100m |
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Mobile phone coverage
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No coverage |
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Maps
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NZTopo50-BJ37
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Link
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www.htc.org.nz/in...http://www.htc.org.nz/index.php/club-huts |