Hunters Hut Mission

"Situated at the south western edge of the Mt Richmond Forest Park, the Red Hills are a unique ultramafic geological area composed of very dense magnesium-rich rocks which have been thrust up at least 10 km or more from below the earths crust. The soils derived from these magnesium-rich rocks are too toxic for tree growth so much of the area is covered in distinctive scrub and tussock. This ultramafic area runs from Ben Nevis in the north approximately 20 km south to State Highway 63.

The Red Hills has low to moderate red deer numbers which tend to stay within the forested areas more than the ultramafic.

Goats can also be encountered throughout the area and the support of recreational hunters in controlling these animals in this fragile environment would be much appreciated.

The odd pig may show up in the forested area but their numbers are generally low."

From: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/where-to-hunt/nelson-tasman/nelson-lakes-hunting/where-to-hunt/red-hills/

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

There is no public transport. Car parking is remote and probably safe. This is a lesser known track.

50 km

46 minutes

Yes

No

Hard.

Make sure you stay alert for the orange markers along the ridge lines and the triangles along the river. Take a Topo Map: NZTopo50-BR25 (Tophouse).

Hunters Hut is located at Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1600210, N5394711

Very patchy.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)

Carry your own water. Can get hot along the tops in summer due to sun/heat reflecting off the rocks.

In winter there is a high chance of snow along the tops, it can also be very exposed and windswept, on unstable rocky ground. The Motueka River can be prone to flooding, in which case you would not be trying to cross it to reach Hunters Hut. A DOC hut was swept away a few years ago, sadly resulting in two fatalities. There is reference to this in Hunters Hut.

See seasonality issues.

The Wakefield Bakery
12 Clifford Road, Wakefield, 7025
http://www.wakefield.org.nz/listing/wakefield-bakery/
Excellent meaty pies and evil sweet things.