McKinnon Hut

Start with a novelty cable car ride across the river and then straight in to a hard uphill slog. Track is very very poor. Very over grown, lots of downed trees. Route across the tops is poled and easy to follow, until you get to the '20 minute' sign. You can see the hut below, on a good day. Would be very hard to find when visibility is low. Not many poles leading off the ridge to the hut. Great views from the tops, and you can see across to the Waipawa saddle from the hut. Posted time of 4 hours is realistic in good conditions and good fitness. Budget 5 hours in rain, 5+ in snow. Overall a challenging walk but rewarding at the end of the day.