Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
A teeny, tiny tin shelter. It doesn’t sound like much, but Adelaide Tarn Hut has one of the most spectacular outlooks in the top of the south. There are several ways to reach the hut – all of them with varying levels of exposure and risk, on unmarked sections of track, with rocky scrambling and (of course) unbelievable views. This trip offers an incredible backcountry experience for the seasoned tramper.
Let’s look at some route options..
Via Fenella Hut
Enjoy the 13km stroll to Fenella Hut, because it’ll be the most chill track of the trip. From the hut, follow the trail up Waingaro Peak to the north-east, then the ridge to Kakapo Peak and onwards. Stay the night at Lonely Lake, and rest up ready for the Dragon’s Teeth traverse on the morrow. Routeguides.co.nz provides some excellent information on the high and low routes, so we’ll leave the details to them!
Via Anatoki Forks Hut
The most straightforward route; head over the Takaka Hill and park up at the end of the Anatoki Track Road. The track follows the Anatoki River for most of the day, gaining 1144m of elevation and reaching Anatoki Forks Hut after 18km. The next day is another hefty climb up to Yuletide Peak, over the Needle’s Eye and down to Adelaide Tarn.
Via Boulder Lake
Are you crazy? Don’t come in this way unless you’re tackling the full Douglas Range (or live in Golden Bay). It’s one heck of a drive and the long day to Boulder Lake Hut is a mission. Always check with DOC, do your own research and prepare, prepare, prepare.
If you’re reading this and wondering why in the world someone would want to attempt such a grueling tramp, you’re not alone. But there is something to be said for setting yourself an ambitious challenge, particularly one in which there’s a real chance of you not completing. The research, physical training, mental preparation, hours of staring at the topo and weather forecasts, and checking and re-checking of gear sets trips like this apart. And the reward for your suffering? Only the knowledge that you’re now a battler and certified Big Dawg. And the views of course :)
~Emma
#trampingnz #womenoutdoors #kahuranginationalpark #douglasrange
