My nine year old son and I have just completed his first overnight tramp,we went up to the Atiwhakatu hut from the Holdsworth lodge.I can't recommend this wee walk enough for introducing the young uns to tramping,the initial stages of the track have recently been benched and boardwalked through some lovely bog land.The track continues to rise along side the Atiwhakatu river,showing some great views up the valley,also the wire bridges provide a real sense of adventure for the young explorers.There is several clearly marked turn off on this track allowing the young ones to clearly mark their progress on the map.
My son specified that the hut had to be a proper back country hut and Atiwhakatu hut didn't disappoint,open fire,candle lit and the sound of the river right there...great!The track was marked at three to four hours,wecompleted it comfortably under three with the boy in the lead..
