ADV229 online

The thing that really impressed me about this hike was
the variety. We passed through dense beech forest, open
wetlands, numerous rivers, waterfalls, rocky gully’s and
stunted trees like something from a Dr Seuss book and
finally to the open tussock fields that I was more familiar
with in this area.
You can walk to Mangaehuehu Hut in 3 hours but allow
yourself longer to enjoy the numerous scenic spots along
the way. Mangaehuehu Hut is an 18 bunk serviced hut
with incredible views over the surrounding area. Due to
its elevation (1285m) and the fact that we had a clear day,
you can see for miles. The hut is well established with a
fantastic pot belly fireplace in the centre of the hut and large
picture windows allowing excellent views in every direction,
(a real bonus when the sky turned the most intense red and
rewarded us with an incredible sunset).
If you wish to carry on further than the Mangaehuehu Hut,
it’s another 5 ½ hours to the Rangipo Hut. We chose to
stay put and head back the way we had come the following
morning. Due to the time of year we saw very few people
and were the only ones staying in the hut that night.
"They say that variety is the spice
of life, and this hike had plenty!"
Inserts: Another swing bridge just before we reached the hut / Mangaehuehu Hut enjoying a spectacular sunset
Bottom: Crossing one of the many rivers
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