Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Hey backcountry bumpkins, here’s a gnarly mission for you! 3 days, 45km and 2,755m of elevation gain off track in the Red Hills (AKA Planet Mars). The route followed is rough but clear; be prepared for lots of scrambling and slow progress. But wowee the views will knock your socks off!
Distance: 45km point-to-point
Elevation: +2,755m
Day 1: Distance 14.9km, +1340m
Drive up to Ben Nevis (high clearance AWD required). The road is sometimes closed for forestry operations, so check the DOC website for alerts before heading out. Set off along the marked track to the trig at pt 1619, then follow the rocky ridge south towards Mt Ellis. The ridge curves west to pt 1569 and then joins the Te Araroa Trail to Top Wairoa Hut (6 bunk). It’s a cute little hut with great camping spots, but if the weather is looking fine there’s another tent spot at the saddle just beside pt 1374.
Day 2: Distance 11.2km, +1140m
After a night's camping by the hut, back track along the trail up to the saddle at pt 1374. Head off track up a broad spur towards the south-west to reach the top of the basin at the head of the Motueka River Right Branch. Here’s where the scramble really starts! Follow blocky, craggy ridges south-east to Maungakura / Red Hill (1791m). The going will become more and more technical, but scout ahead and stay on the very top of the ridge as much as possible. Enjoy the mahi! It’s slow but so engaging that the hours will fly by! There is a small tarn north-east of Chrome (1646m) with enough space for 2 or 3 small tents and clear water that is fine to filter and drink.
Day 3: Distance 18.2km, +275m
Gain the ridge again to follow it all the way down to the Plateau, which can be boggy and slow going in places. Just west of the obelisk marked on the topo at 1160m elevation, there is quite a defined trail that will lead down to Red Hills Hut. From there it’s plain sailing down to the car park on Highway 63!
To note:
Be prepared for rocks, rocks and more rocks! The ridge can be slow going and the rocks are incredibly rough and sharp - gloves are highly recommended. There is no water across the tops. There is no water from close to the saddle at pt 1374 all the way to the Plateau, unless you drop a couple of hundred metres down to streams marked on the topo. This route is for experienced trampers only, with excellent backcountry knowledge and navigation skills. It is exposed, technical, steep and a bit nuts. Have fun!
Thanks to Ronnie Baker for the info & pics - you absolute weapon!
