Overnighter to Blue Range Hut

Come along to an overnight tramp to Blue Range Hut, nestled in a stunning beech forest near Masterton in the mountains. With a wood-burning fireplace, a sheltered setting, and a short but rewarding climb, it's a great trip for newer trampers! https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/wellington-kapiti/places/tararua-forest-park/things-to-do/huts/blue-range-hut/

This is an easy medium overnighter in the Tararuas, being around a two-hour drive from Wellington to Kiriwhakapapa campsite. The "Kiriwhakapapa To Blue Range Hut" track is only 3.4km and has only ONE river crossing; however, it has a gain of 650 metres over that short distance. It will take around 2 hours to traverse, with a gentle start until it kicks up sharply to a steep incline in some spots. However, reaching the hut will be worth it, seeing its beautiful blue brushstrokes of paint contrast with the surrounding scenery, having a calming and serene quality to it.

We will meet at the Hunter Carpark in Kelburn Campus at 10:00 am and head off around 10:30 am. The hut contains a maximum of four bunk beds, but we can fit some people on the floor and set up a max of 2 tents at some small clearings. I'll max out the trip at 12 people and three car groups.