Rangiwahia Track & hut
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Rangiwahia track is one of the most popular walks in the Ruahine Forest Park. The start of the track is about 15 minutes east of Rangiwahia village. To get to the car park, travel through Rangiwahia, and via right onto Te Parapara Road and then left onto Renfrew Road. Follow this gravel road up to the car park. You will need to open and shut a couple of gates as you drive through farm land. Once you are at the car park, there is a short walk up a hill to the start of the track. You immediately enter the bush, with Dead Man’s track to the right. There is a steady grade until you reach a detour around a large slip, which takes about 30-40 minutes walk. DOC contractors have completed the detour, including a revamp of the entire track. When you have completed the Rangiwahia tramp, you will reach this great hut. Rangiwahia Hut is a serviced 13 bunk hut, which includes water, heating and cooking facilities. If you are planning to stay in the hut you will need to pre-purchase hut tickets from a DOC office, local i-Site or some outdoor retail stores. |
A few changes have been made to the hut itself. It was repainted in green tones in the autumn of 2011 and the windows have been double-glazed. DOC removed the gas fire and installed a free-standing wood burner. Unfortunately for any occupants, the woodshed has been built quite a walk from the hut! Who wants to go out on a freezing cold night to bring in firewood? Was there method in DOC’s madness? If the shed were closer, perhaps more wood would be used! There are old wooden skis attached to the sides of the walls and verandah supports; all a reminder of the once popular Rangiwahia Ski Field. After crossing the arched-wooden bridge, the grade becomes steeper, heading up through smaller shrub species and past a waterfall to reach the Rangiwahia Hut. There is some bird life that can be seen or heard from the track notably Grey Warbler, Tomtit, Wax Eye, Chaffinch, Yellow Hammer, Fantail, Black bird, Thrush, Shining Cuckoo & Wood Pigeon. You will need about 2 hours each way depending on your fitness level. There are old wooden skis attached to the sides of the walls and verandah supports; all a reminder of the once popular Rangiwahia Ski Field. |
Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies For more information visit Adventure Smart |
