Rangiwahia Hut Track, Ruahine Forest Park

A steady climb from the car park

Rangiwahia Hut Track begins beside the top car park at the end of Renfrew Road in Ruahine Forest Park. Its benched surface climbs at a steady grade through predominantly red beech forest. A few metres from the car park, Deadmans Track branches to the right; the main route continues upward. The defined climb makes the hut a clear destination for an overnight tramp or an outing to the tussock tops beyond. DOC

The track zig-zags above an active slip before reaching the deep ravine of Mangahuia Stream. An arched wooden bridge carries walkers across it. This is a notable change in the walk: after the steady forest approach and switchbacks, the ravine concentrates the route at a single crossing before the climb resumes. DOC

Waterfall and hut above the bush line

Past the bridge, the grade becomes slightly steeper. The route climbs through smaller shrub species and passes a waterfall before reaching Rangiwahia Hut. The hut sits above the bush line on the Whanahuia Range, and the open tussock country continues beyond it. The transition from beech forest to shrubs and then open tops gives the walk a distinct sequence despite its short approach. DOC

The hut has thirteen bunks, heating and mattresses. Its tap water is untreated and must be boiled. Gas cooking has been removed, so visitors need portable cooking stoves; a wood burner with supplied firewood provides heat and may also be used for cooking. Those details make the hut a practical overnight stop, but not a reason to leave cooking equipment behind. DOC

A track with a skiing past

The broad snow-covered slopes around Rangiwahia drew skiing enthusiasts, and the Rangiwahia Ski Club once installed a rope tow to pull skiers uphill. Today’s popular, well-defined track leads to the hut and onward to tussock-covered open tops, placing that history in a landscape shaped by both forest and exposed range. DOC

Reaching Renfrew Road

Travel past Kimbolton and Rangiwahia, then continue along Te Para Para Road and Renfrew Road to the car park at the road’s end. The track is graded easy to intermediate and is described as suitable for families with children and new trampers. Recreational dog walking is not allowed in Ruahine Forest Park; dogs are permitted only with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes. DOC