Tararuas MidWinter Trip - Tutuwai, Cone, Alpha

Keen to do a trip this break, but would prefer somewhere more local?

I plan to lead a 3-day journey in the Tararuas, staying in Tutuwai Hut and Alpha Hut!

The first day will be the easiest day, it is the same trek to bush ball (starting at Kaitoke campsite), plus two more hours to get to Tutuwai Hut for the night. A four hour leg.

The next day we will walk 1 hour to Cone Hut, then cross a river (if in suitable conditions, otherwise we will backtrack and walk up via Tutuwai or Block XVI, or change plans), and walk up a kind-of steep climb (including a steep section at Hells gate) to Alpha Hut (elevation 1100m). Hopefully we will get to see some snow, and some great views across the Tararuas. Another 4 hour leg (6 hours if the river at cone hut is nasty).

The final day will be the hardest day - a 7-9 hour walk down to the carpark (remember the sign at Bush ball saying 'Alpha Hut - 8hr 30 minutes'? It is THAT walk going down). It will be fairly steep so we will need to take care walking down, but not too hard.

This trip will be of medium difficulty due to the long final day, the climb up to Alpha Hut, and the river crossing. But snowcraft experience is NOT required. And (obviously) this trip will be weather-dependent.

Any additional car means I can increase the trip capacity!

Sign up below, it will be an awesome trip with great sights, 3 potential huts to bag, and a great sense of accomplishment. Cost will be determined after working out petrol and food-related costs, and staying at the huts.