Snowy River, 666 & Elder Hut Loop

Trip Dates: 12th-13th January 2019

Snowy hut is one of those unofficial huts in the Tararuas, although it is actually marked on the map if you know where to look. I decided to post a last-minute trip to make the most of the good weather on Saturday.

With less than 24 hours notice I was not surprised that I was the only attendee. I’m not sure that the tramper on his knees begging to Satan encouraged people to sign up but anything that involves 666 is Devil territory and not to be taken lightly!

It turned out to be an easy trip to navigate. Simply follow the DOC path to Waiotauru Forks, then walk up the stream enjoying the sunshine. You could try and avoid the stream to get there, but the river route is certainly the quickest way if you don’t mind getting wet.

And when I say get wet I mean it, there is a gorge that you have to swim up!

Baphomet

There was a black goat at the other end of the Gorge, this hoofed beast was clearly the sign of the Devil. For safe passage a deal should be made that involves sacrificing an animal.

Fortunately, I’d bludgeoned a possum to death the previous week by stamping on its head 10 times. I projected the thought to the goat and it disappeared from sight. With the trade done I could proceed through the gorge.

I double-checked all my dry bags were sealed inside my pack, chucked it in the river and swam upstream pushing it ahead of me.

After the gorge, there is a sweet sunny spot that looks good for camping. The grass is short, no doubt thanks to the local feral goats. It’s a good spot to towel off too.

Snowy Hut

Just beyond the meadow is Snowy Hut, it’s easy to find.

From here I headed up to the ridge to 666 where I was expecting to find a shrine. Sadly it was unremarkable but I dare say that can be fixed with some time and effort.

The route is an easy one to follow and is not really what I call going off track. There is a clearly defined trail to follow up the ridge all the way to the top though a lovely section of Goblin forest.

I arrived at Elder Hut 6 hours after setting off from Otaki Forks to enjoy some fine views and a good sunset.

Day Two

It was a white out and super windy, I procrastinated for 5 minutes about going back via Renata hut, but made the call too tough it out and take a beating going over the tops. If I had anyone else to look after I would have gone the other way as stopping for others in these conditions is simply dangerous.

It was really hard to stand up on Hector I focused all my energy on keeping a good pace and watching where I placed my feet.

I got to Kime Hut at 10:40 where I took an early lunch and enjoyed some much-needed food! After that, I could relax as the conditions eased as I dropped down towards Field hut

Monday I was super tired, my whole body ached and just wanted a rest. I can’t say I’ve ever felt that way after a trip.

Trip Times:

Day One:
11:40 Leave Otaki Forks
13:10 Waiotauru Forks
15:23 Snowy Hut. Dry myself after the swim!
16:49 666
18:31 Join path and find Orange marker 🙂
18:43 Elder Hut

Day Two:
07:50 Leave Elder Hut contemplating if the tops are a good idea as it’s blowing a bastard and a white out!
10:40 Arrive at Kime Hut and have an early lunch.
13:36 Back at Otaki Forks