- Area
- Tararua Forest Park
- Distance
- 3.59km
- Time
- 2-3hr
- Grade
- Easy
- Accom.
- Blue Range Hut (standard, 4 bunks)
- Access
- From Kiriwhakapapa Road end,off SH2
- Map
- BN34
- GPX File
- Blue Range Hut (gpx, yo 5 KB)
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Blue Range Hut was built by the Masterton Tramping Club over two years in the 1950s. The track up to the hut ascends some 700m, but is fairly easy.
The route is well maintained and winds its way through gnarled beach forest.
At the top of the hill (Pt 978m), the track branches to the right and descends to the hut. Even though Blue Range Hut is in the front country, it has a backcountry feel about it. The place seems removed from civilisation and the area is pristine. There is a potbelly stove.
The area also receives its fair share of rain, up to 5000mm every year. The Blue Range is fairly well protected though with the western aspects bearing most of the brunt.
To the west lies an impressive network of huts and tracks, most of which are well maintained. Immediately past Blue Range Hut turn-off is the track down to Cow Creek Hut located at the head of the Waingawa River.
The Mitre Flats Hut can also be reached in a day from the Blue Range. The tracks provide good travel and there are (with some short detours) bridges on all the major river crossings.
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