North Mangahao Biv

A day trip that may become a overnighter, or an overnighter that may become a day trip,

Optimistically I want to do this as a day trip, but that might not happen, so don't make plans for Sunday.

Depending on who you talk to and what you read getting to this biv will be pretty 'easy' or very hard.

On the map (assuming the Biv is marked at the correct location on your version), it's only 3.5km from the end of a logging road.

A significant portion of this trip will be off trail, and using map & compass.

This trip report is worth a read, we will attempt to do what he did https://tramper.nz/7445/route-guide-scotts-road-to-north-mangahao-biv/

TLDR:

"on the way in I headed for where the biv is shown on the new  [2009] topo50 maps: I could give you a great guide to how to get there – but unfortunately it’s not where the biv is!)"

"Both local hut books mention a sidle track –  Punga Hut refers to it as a superhighway – ... It is not in the lower half of the valleyside, that I can confirm, ..."

Gear:

I'm going to pack for an overnight trip & I would prefer if you did the same. Basic + Overnight from http://new.vuwtc.org.nz/gear-list

Leaving Hunter carpark around 6am Saturday, driving to the end of Scotts Rd, and walking up the logging road to pt 686, Down to the saddle, and hopefully finding the siddle track to the Biv. Returning the same way on Saturday or Sunday depending on time we get to the Biv or give up.

Cost ~$20 for petrol depending on how many people sign up

Difficulty: Medium-Hard