Kaimanawa Killer

The first 10k or so of this route are shared with the Te Iringa Track run, but makes for a MUCH bigger, MUCH more adventurous loop instead of an out-and-back. It is a challenging trail, and one that probably shouldn't be undertaken solo for safety reasons.

This trail is NOT for the faint hearted or people with bad navigation skills.

The first 12.5km on Te Iringa Track (sign-posted for Oamaru and Cascade Huts) are a delightful trot (well sign posted) through beautiful New Zealand bush with some gut-busting hills in the mix. You will get the odd glimpse of Ruapehu if you keep an eye out.

After 12.5km you will cross a one-person suspension bridge and turn right on to Kaipo Valley to Cascade Stream Track (sign-posted for Cascade Hut) The first couple of kms are equally beautiful with some good photo ops, and then the fun begins. For 14kms, you will have to follow the orange triangle markers religiously. You will cross the stream approximately 35-40 times throughout (not more than knee-high during summer months). On most occasions when you get to the stream, ensure to look downstream on the opposite bank as 90% of the time, the trail continues on the opposite side. Navigation is a challenge at times so you may need to do a few trial-and-error out and backs to find the next marker.

This is dense bush with ZERO cellphone coverage, so it is of the utmost importance to stay on track. It is NOT recommended to attempt this trail during darkness or in poor weather with poor visibility. The route is very slow to navigate, with steep climbs, fallen trees to clamber over/under and very rooty terrain underfoot.

After what may seem like a lifetime, you will eventually reach a very welcome sign informing you that Cascade Hut is a mere 30 minutes away - follow this sign. Enjoy the gorgeous, basic six-bed Cascade Hut. At the back of the hut, the trail continues on Hinemaiaia Track - sign-posted for "Clements Mill Road 4-5 hours". Another stream crossing ensues, and you follow the stream loosely for approximately 2km, then turn inland and the climbing begins. Once again, follow the orange triangle markers as sometimes they tend to disappear due to a fallen tree or some such obstacle.

Over the next 4km, you will do approximately 600 metres of climbing. It is just as steep and challenging going down the other side as it is going up. You then arrive at Clements Mill End campsite and it is a 14km gravel grind (relatively flat) back to Te Iringa campsite.