Zekes hut Hihitahi reserve
- 2 hr 30 min – 3 hr return via same track
- Easy/medium
Visit a newish 4 bunk hut in the Hihitahi reserve central north island. 2.5 to 3hours in this hut is worth a visit for the Dawn chorus alone abundant bird life a result of careful management
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Walking time
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1 – 2 days
2 hr 30 min – 3 hr
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Distance
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7.0km |
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Type
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Return via same track
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Grade
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Easy/medium |
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Bookings
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No bookings — open access
No — open access
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Starts
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State Highway 1 between Irirangi and Hihitahi south of Waiouru |
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Ends
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State highway 1 |
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Maps
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NZTopo50-BK35
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Altitude
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600m
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1,244m
Altitude change 644m
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Park on state highway 1 entry to Hihitahi reserve car should be reasonably secure as this part of highway is very busy. Cross farm paddocks and small swing bridge then keeping to the left of the swamp climb briefly across farm land to the bush line and the start of the track. Well marked from here a slippery climb to the highest point and good views of Ruapehu before descending into the valley and Zekes hut. Experience some of the most abundant bird life we have struck yet in the north island. Return the same day or stay the night and experience the Dawn Chorus!