Kiwi Saddle Hut Track

This track offers a moderate tramping experience, following an old goldminers’ route through mature native bush to Kiwi Saddle Hut. Begin by walking 9.5 km (around 3 hours) up the Wangapeka Track to reach the start of the Kiwi Track. The route is marked to the upper bush edge. From there, follow the leading ridge to reach the top, approximately 3.5 hours. You can walk to the top of Mount Patriarch from Kiwi Saddle Hut - this route is 2 hours 50 min, 3.6 km return from the hut. It is possible to combine with the Chummies Track staying at John Reid Hut to do a 3-day loop track.

Kiwi Saddle Hut

From Tapawera, cross the Motueka River and head southwest along Tadmor Valley Rd, then turn right onto Tadmor-Bushend Rd. From Matariki the road is unsealed. Follow the road to the Dart River Ford - this cannot be crossed when running high. 4WD recommended. Continue for a further 8 km to the start of the Wangapeka Track at Rolling Junction, where a grassed area allows parking, and an information panel provides a map and track details. Caution required on Dart River Ford on the Wangapeka River If you’re planning to cross the Dart Ford by vehicle, identify suitable conditions first. Due to ongoing gravel migration filling the ford, the river is flowing over the ford even at low water levels. The ford may be impassable after heavy rain. Check river flow for Wangapeka at Walter Peak on the Tasman District Council website before you set off. As a guide, if the flow indicated on the graph exceeds 40 cumecs then it is not advisable to cross. However, the river may still be unsafe to cross because: the flow shown on the website can be inaccurate, or the Dart River may be flowing higher than the Wangapeka indicates, or the culverts under the ford may be choked with gravel. So you must re-assess the flow conditions once you arrive in terms of your vehicle and driving skill level. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast for your return trip too. Use this location on Google Maps to help find your way there.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.