Lake Ohau - Hopkins valley tracks

Track category

Tramping track
Mountain bike - Easy

Description

Ram Hill to Monument Hut

Track classification: Tramping track ; Mountain bike - Easy
Time: 2 hr
Distance: 9 km

A 4WD road from Ram Hill carpark stops around 10 minutes walk from Monument Hut. The Hopkins River has deviated to the true right of the valley and in periods of high rainfall this road becomes flooded.

Mountain biking: From Ram Hill carpark to Monument Hut the road is fine for mountain bikers. You can bike further up valley to Red Hut and Elcho Hut but you will encounter many river crossings and backcountry skills are required.

This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

4WD: Vehicles can get to within 10 minutes walk of Monument Hut which is the Ruataniwha Conservation Park boundary (signposted). From this spot it is then necessary to cross Hopkins River to progress further in a vehicle.

Please note: To reach public conservation land in the Hopkins Valley you will travel through a private farm which is Huxley Gorge Station. Drive slowly and give way to all farm traffic and stock.

Monument Hut to Red Hut

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 2 hr
Distance: 6 km

Trampers enroute to Red Hut

Stay on the true right of the valley from Monument Hut and cross Huxley River at the river mouth, then cross Hopkins River on the way to Red Hut. This hut was built in 1916 and its bright red exterior is a welcome sight to many trampers. Be aware that if it rains the Hopkins River may become impassable until water levels recede.

Red Hut to Dasler Biv

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 6 km

Dasler Biv is a popular destination for climbers and hunters. After an hours walk up valley a steep track is encountered to reach the biv.

Monument Hut to Elcho Hut

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 4 hr
Distance: 9 km

The most efficient travel to Elcho Hut is within the Hopkins riverbed and grassy valley flats. However in periods of light to moderate rainfall there are high water tracks which enable you to reach the hut.

Elcho Hut to Cullers Hut

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 30 min
Distance: 1 km

Cullers Hut is also known as Apricot Hut and is a short distance north of Elcho Hut after crossing Elcho Stream.

Cullers Hut to Dodger Hut

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 2 hr
Distance: 5.5 km

The tramping track to Dodger Hut is well marked, however the track beyond up, Hopkins valley to Erceg Hut and Richardson Rock Biv, is unformed.

Elcho valley

Elcho Hut to North Elcho Stream bushline

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 2 hr
Distance: 4 km

Travel is on the true left of Elcho Stream through beech forest to the open basin under Mt Ward.

Huxley valley

Huxley valley branches of Hopkins valley and is an open, grassy riverbed as far as Huxley Forks Hut. Some of the last remaining sites of Pittosporum patulum, an endangered tree, are found here but are under threat from possum browsing.

A tramper crosses Huxley River
swingbridge

Monument Hut to Huxley Forks Hut

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 8.5 km

The most efficient travel to Huxley Forks Hut is within both the Hopkins and Huxley riverbeds. However in periods of light to moderate rainfall there are high water tracks which enable you to reach the hut.

Huxley Forks Hut to Brodrick Hut

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 2 hr 30 min
Distance: 4.5 km

It is a steady climb to Brodrick Hut beside the North Branch of Huxley River. Experienced trampers may decide to continue on to Brodrick Pass (1630 m). The route over into Landsborough Valley is unmarked.

Huxley Forks Hut to South Huxley Biv

Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 2 hr 30 min
Distance: 5 km

This small two person biv is located up the South Branch of Huxley River.

Getting there

The main access route is via Lake Ohau Road with a carpark area at Ram Hill. To continue on from here by vehicle, a 4WD is necessary with vehicle use ending at Elcho Hut.

Activities

Mountain biking and cycling

Track description

Plan and prepare

Topographical maps for the area: BZ14, BY14, BY15.

Weather: The climate in this region is traditionally very hot in summer and extremely cold in winter. New Zealand weather can change very rapidly so trampers need to be prepared for a range of conditions.

Fire: Fire restrictions apply to all public conservation land. Check with the Twizel Information Centre or DOC's Te Manahuna Area Office for the current fire status.

River crossing: Be aware of weather conditions in catchment headwaters. Do not attempt to cross swollen rivers or streams.

Windfall: Because of the danger of falling branches, it is not advisable to camp under beech forest.

Avalanche: Avalanche run-out zones can impact on the valley floor from May to November. Carry 457 khz transceivers, probes and shovels in avalanche terrain.

Communications: Cell phone coverage cannot be relied upon in this region. The use of satellite phones or mountain radios is recommended instead. At the very least trampers should be carrying a personal locator beacon.

Before heading out:

• check weather conditions
• carry a map/GPS
• make sure your bike is roadworthy and carry all necessary repair tools
• leave intentions with someone at home
• carry appropriate food, water and clothing
• reduce the spread of didymo by making sure your bike is clean and dry from your last ride

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