There are a couple of ways to reach Mid Waiohine Hut, with the easiest and quickest being over Mt Holdsworth.

It takes two hours to reach Powell Hut along the well maintained track. From there, it doesn’t take long to reach the summit of Mt Holdsworth, with its spectacular 360-degree views.

Carry on along the ridge to the next high point, Isabelle (1385m), before beginning the descent to Mid Waiohine Hut.

The ridge has a gentle slope until just above the river, when it drops more sharply.

Mid Waiohine Hut sits above the river in a beautiful sunny clearing. The hut has been revamped and painted a vibrant orange by a group called ‘exNZFS’ – a volunteer group of former deer cullers working to protect original Forest Service huts. It’s a far cry from the hut,s previous reputation for being rather shabby.