Ignumbrite Saddle, Kaimanawa Ranges

People used to do Cascade Waipakahi in a day, actually you have to do it in a day now because an ACT permit will not allow you to camp on their land. If you feel like it, take a small pruning saw with you and attack some of that snow damage. I had an email from Arthur at ACT and he said they had no plans to clear the tracks. The more overgrown the better as far as they are concerned. We found it to be quite easy to clear snow damage because it is the smaller stuff rather than big trees that fall across the track. Also sometimes you can just pull brancches off the track. However I guess doing this route in a day, you won't have time

Dr. Evo: Sorry so late ... Busy on Sth Isld tramps. Cascade Hut to Waipakihi Hut ... Would now be a very long day. If it took 2 of us over 6 hrs to reach the shoulder of Ngapuketurua peak, due to excessive but small windfall,.... I wkd guess maybe 12 hours via leatherwood-bash across Ignumbrite Saddle? Note that a trio got choppered out last Sept. ... Knee-deep snow on saddle. Open this reality check isn't too discouraging!?

Has anyone done the cascade hut to waipakihi hut walk recently? Interested to hear outcome; timewise, condition of route. Wanting to take a group through later in year. Stewart

I think Ledge's report above is going to be as up to date as you will get. Air Charter Taupo said they are not maintaining the track so, apart from a few more millimeters of growth, I doubt any thing has changed.