Kowhai Hapuku Route & Mt Fyffe Traverse

Through the course of the Kowhai River, which has to be forded about 20 to 30 times, the trail goes upstream without any trail markings until the Kowhai Hut is reached. The best thing to do is not to try to keep your feet dry. If you want to enjoy the beautiful and undeveloped valley, you can spend the night in the rustic self-catering hut and dry your shoes and socks by the cosy fire. Good camping spots can also be found in the immediate vicinity of the hut. Afterwards, a somewhat steeper ascent with no discernible trail through dense bush up to the saddle. Then ascent in steep trackless terrain to the summit of 'Gable'. The ridge traverse to the summit of Mt Fyffe is only partly exposed, but offers magnificent views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the entire coastal region. From Mt Fyffe Hut, the descent is easy but strenuous on a wide gravel path.