Description

Rocks Ahead Hut is located on the true left bank of the Ngaruroro River at the mid-eastern boundary of the area known as the Manson Country. This hut is sited at the junction of three major tracks. It is a standard four-bunk hut. Fees apply. Bookings not required - first come, first served. Facilities include; Open fireplace Stream water supply Meat safe Long drop style toilet Getting there Helicopter There is a helipad located 20 metres from the hut. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island. Walking Manson Hut (3.5 hr) From Manson Hut a marked, then poled, track heads north climbing up to Mt Manson (1448 metres altitude) before circling east around Spion Kop main ridge. The track then descends steeply down to Rocks Ahead Hut via the cableway over the Ngaruroro River. Caution should be applied to travel in this area, especially the open Manson Tops, when poor visibility is often accompanied by high winds and cold temperatures. Kiwi Mouth Hut (2.5 3.5 hr) To reach Rocks Ahead Hut from Kiwi Mouth Hut Via Manson Hut: A marked track crosses the Ngaruroro River climbing to Manson Hut (2.5 3.5 hours). Alternative Longer Routes (5 hr and up to 10 hr): Via Back Ridge Bivouac (5 hr): Depart Kiwi Mouth Hut and climb north east up onto Back Ridge to reach the Back Ridge Bivouac/Rocks Ahead track junction (4 hours). Turn left here and travel downhill to reach Rocks Ahead Hut (1 hour). Via Ngaruroro River (up to 10 hr): This is a challenging walk following the Ngaruroro riverbed and should not be attempted in higher water flows. Tira Lodge (Venison Tops) (1.5 2.5 hr): A marked track from Tira Lodge crosses open sub-alpine country for 20 minutes before descending a long ridge through beech forest to reach Rocks Ahead Hut (1.5 2.5 hours). Tramping Rocks Ahead Hut provides trampers with an excellent base or stop-over point to explore