Whangapeka Track and Kakapo Hut Loop - Kahurangi National Park

6 Days in Kahurangi: The Whangapeka Track and Remote Kakapo Hut

Journey with me through the rugged beauty of Kahurangi National Park on a six-day adventure covering 68 km, four alpine saddles, and a visit to one of the most remote huts in the country. This loop combines the Whangapeka Track with a side trip to the legendary Kakapo Hut, taking you deep into seldom-visited corners of the park.

Day 1 – To Belltown Manunui Hut

The track begins at the Whangapeka Road end and wastes no time in showing its wild character. Fern overgrowth hides sections of the path, and soon we found ourselves negotiating a slip—clambering up slippery rocks and carefully sidling across mud with the help of a fixed chain. At times, the sidles were narrow and exposed, demanding focus before finally easing down into the valley.

Reaching Lawrence Stream, it was only a short distance further to Belltown Manunui Hut, our home for the night.

Day 2 – Belltown Manunui Hut to Kakapo Hut

Leaving the hut behind, the track to Kakapo Hut starts just above the old Belltown Hut site. It climbs steadily through bush to the 550-metre contour, where the forest opens out and the sidle leads toward Lawrence Saddle. After dropping to Bellbird Creek, the climb to Unnamed Saddle is sharp—250 metres up in a short burst.

From the saddle, the trail plunges down with a sheer 60-metre descent before climbing steeply again. After that workout, the track finally eases, descending into the Kakapo River valley. Following a predator-trap line, we reached the isolated Kakapo Hut, a rare gem in the backcountry that few trampers ever visit.

Day 3 – Kakapo Hut to Trevor Carter Hut

The first three kilometres after leaving Kakapo Hut follows a trap line before ending at a river clearing. From here, things get truly wild: no track, just rough travel through dense bush, scrub, and boulders. It’s a slow, testing section that keeps you honest.

Eventually, we reached the permolat markers and picked up the worn path climbing to Kakapo Saddle. The reward was a dramatic crossing and a long descent into Hector Creek, reconnecting with the Whangapeka Track. A final 1 hour 45 minutes alongside the river brought us to Trevor Carter Hut, a comfortable base after a challenging day.

Day 4 – Trevor Carter Hut to Taipo Hut

The Lost Valley Track departs from Trevor Carter Hut, weaving through waist-high fern and overgrown sections. A steady climb leads up and over the saddle before the descent drops us right in front of Helicopter Flat Hut.

From there, the Whangapeka Track sidles above the river before crossing the Taipo Swingbridge. The terrain eases off, and a straightforward hike leads to Taipo Hut, where the evening river views are worth lingering over.

Day 5 – Taipo Hut to Belltown Manunui Hut via Little Wanganui Saddle

The morning begins with a steep climb from Taipo Hut to Stag Flat and its emergency shelter. Crossing the open flat, the track rises again with sharp zig-zags to reach Little Wanganui Saddle, perched on the bush edge.

Here, the landscape changes dramatically—two small alpine lakes sit at the saddle before the trail plunges steeply into bush. The descent is rugged, winding down into the Little Wanganui Gorge and past another emergency shelter. After crossing the gorge, the route follows Tangent Creek, climbing high to skirt slips before dropping again at Smith Creek.

From there, the track eases into an enjoyable stretch back to Belltown Manunui Hut—a fitting bookend to the journey.

Day 6 – Back to the Road End

The final leg retraces the route out from Belltown Manunui Hut to the Whangapeka Road end. After six days, 68 km, four saddles, and countless climbs and descents, the circle was complete.

Reflections

The Whangapeka Track on its own is a classic Kahurangi journey, but adding the detour to Kakapo Hut transforms it into something truly special. This route demands fitness, patience, and respect for the wild terrain—especially the trackless push out of Kakapo—but the rewards are immense: remote valleys, hidden huts, and the sense of walking where few others venture.

For trampers seeking a challenging multi-day adventure that blends solitude, history, and raw West Coast wilderness, this journey delivers in every way.

Quick Reference: Whangapeka Track + Kakapo Hut

• Total distance: ~68 km

• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

• Saddles crossed: Lawrence, Unnamed, Kakapo, Little Wanganui

Itinerary

• Day 1 – Road end → Belltown Manunui Hut (challenging sidles, slip crossing with chain)

• Day 2 – Belltown Manunui Hut → Kakapo Hut via Lawrence & Unnamed Saddles

• Day 3 – Kakapo Hut → Trevor Carter Hut via Kakapo Saddle (trackless section, very rough)

• Day 4 – Trevor Carter Hut → Taipo Hut via Lost Valley Track & Helicopter Flat Hut

• Day 5 – Taipo Hut → Belltown Manunui Hut via Little Wanganui Saddle (lakes, gorge, slips)

• Day 6 – Belltown Manunui Hut → Road end

Huts & Shelters

• Belltown Manunui Hut – standard DOC hut

• Kakapo Hut – remote, seldom-visited hut, basic facilities

• Trevor Carter Hut – standard hut on Whangapeka Track

• Helicopter Flat Hut – standard hut on Whangapeka Track

• Taipo Hut – standard hut with river views

• Emergency shelters – Stag Flat, Little Wanganui Gorge

Key Notes

• Overgrown sections and slips common – expect slow going.

• Kakapo Hut detour includes an untracked, very rough section.

• Weather can change quickly across saddles – pack accordingly.

• Remote area – carry PLB and be fully self-sufficient.

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