Boo Boo Hut - Crinkle Top - Genoa Peak

Pinnacle Biv

Boo Boo Hut, Pinnacle Biv, Crinkle Top & Genoa Peak – Kokatahi Valley Adventure

Tucked deep in the Kokatahi Valley on the West Coast, Boo Boo Hut offers a fantastic backcountry adventure filled with history, rugged gorge scenery, and the opportunity to ascend higher into the peaks for some serious hut and peak bagging.

Boo Boo Hut – a hut with history

Boo Boo Hut sits at an elevation of 615 meters and has a name that has sparked many stories. One tale dates back to the 1950s when a botched food drop during a deer cull left hunters with a "boo boo" at camp. However, the 1919 topo map already marks a nearby creek as Booboo Creek, suggesting that the name has deeper roots. Regardless of its origin, it’s one of those quirky backcountry names that stick in your memory.

Into the Whakarira Gorge

The track begins from a small layby along Middlebranch Road (continue to the end of this road to access the track to Cedar Flats Hut), initially following an easement through farmland. Be sure to respect the landowner’s property and leave gates as you found them.

At the end of the easement, a large orange triangle indicates the start of the DOC track, which follows alongside the Kokatahi River. The trail meanders beside the river before a gentle climb leads to a bridge crossing over the Whakarira Gorge, one of the highlights of the Kokatahi. The river has carved sheer walls through the rock, and its waters shimmer with the deep West Coast blue that is both inviting and untouched. This area feels wild and remote from the very beginning, and you may even spot Whio, or Blue Ducks, playing in the rapids. From here, the climb commences—steep, relentless, and quintessentially West Coast. Roots, mud, and tree branches become part of the uphill challenge as you quickly gain elevation on your way to Boo Boo Hut. In certain sections, the bush is attempting to reclaim the trail, but dedicated efforts by Permalot volunteers help keep it open and easy to follow.

As the trail ascends the ridge and the bush begins to thin, the gradient eases and a small water tank appears beside the track. Eventually, the trail reaches a clearing with a heli pad and a sign indicating the path toward Pinnacle Biv. Shortly thereafter, you'll find Boo Boo Hut situated in a sunny clearing, although there isn’t much room for tents.

Boo Boo Hut to Pinnacle Biv

Arriving at Boo Boo Hut is rewarding, but for those seeking more adventure, the real challenge lies ahead. From the hut, return to the heli pad and sign— the track is steep and filled with tree roots, making the climb relentless at times. Eventually, the bush gives way to sweeping tussock slopes. The ascent remains steep, necessitating the use of tussock and flax to haul yourself up.

Upon reaching about 1250 meters, you arrive at Pinnacle Biv. This bright orange bivy rests tucked beneath Crinkle Top, providing a classic spot to catch your breath and shelter in case of inclement weather. The bivy now has two mattresses, and water is sourced from a tarn below, but note that there is no toilet.

Alternative routes from Boo Boo Hut lead further up the Kokatahi River, first reaching Crawford Junction Hut, then continuing to Top Kokatahi Hut before climbing Zit Saddle and descending into the Toaroha Valley, where you can reach Cedar Flats Hut.

Bagging the tops – Crinkle Top & Genoa Peak

With the bivy as a launching point, the ridgeline opens up, leading you to Crinkle Top (1315m) and further on to Genoa Peak (1503m). The climb is steep and demanding, and without trail markers, a faint trail on the ground may be your only guide. Good visibility and strong navigation skills are essential for this section. The views from the peaks are rewarding—tangled valleys below, jagged ridgelines stretching away, and a profound sense of isolation in the Southern Alps. You can continue beyond Genoa Peak, crossing Mt. Reeves and dropping down to Zit Saddle.

A wild West Coast circuit

This trip encapsulates everything that makes the West Coast special: wild river gorges, steep climbs through lush green forests, quirky backcountry huts filled with history, and opportunities to venture into alpine heights. Boo Boo Hut may be your initial goal, but if you have the stamina and the weather is favorable, Pinnacle Biv, Crinkle Top, and Genoa Peak promise to transform your adventure into an unforgettable experience.

Enjoyed this adventure? 🌿 Subscribe here to get the latest hiking stories and tips straight to your inbox.