Description

Kiwi Saddle Hut is located in the southern Kaweka Forest Park area at the foot of an open high altitude saddle. It is a standard eight-bunk hut. Bookings not required - first come, first served. Facilities include enclosed wood burning stove, mattresses, non-flush toilets and water (not treated - boil before use). Kiwi Saddle Hut was built in 1987 by the Heretaunga Tramping Club after the original 1947 beech pole and malthoid hut had rotted away. This hut is a welcome shelter from the strong winds and southerly storms that sweep across this exposed area of the southern Kaweka Park. At 1170 metres, the hut is positioned on a saddle site tucked into the protecting beech forest. The hut can experience a wide range of climatic conditions which can include brief snowfalls during cold southerly weather and heavy winter frosts. Getting there Walking Cameron Carpark (4 hr) From Cameron carpark, a marked track ascends a narrow ridge to reach Mt Kuripapango (1250 metres). Mt Kuripapango can also be reached by the 'Lakes' carpark (allow 3/4 hour to reach Mt Kuripapango). The track continues north west along the Smith-Russell Track to reach a high point of 1359 metres. From here the track descends then ascends again to the junction of the Cameron Hut Track. Kiwi Saddle Hut is reached at the foot of an exposed ridge. Kiwi Mouth Hut (3 hr) From Kiwi Mouth Hut allow 2 3 hours to ascend one of two alternative tracks to Kiwi Saddle Hut. A poled route from Studholme Saddle via Castle Camp also gives access from the north. Caution the higher altitude/exposed ridges in this area can receive sudden weather changes associated with very cold temperatures, poor visibility and high winds. Tramping The location of Kiwi Saddle Hut offers trampers an excellent weekend base or stop-over point. At times of high water flow levels, the Ngaruroro riverbed route becomes impassable and Kiwi Saddle offers a useful alternative. Kiwi Saddle can pro