Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Thousand Acre Plateau, Larrikin Hut, Kahurangi National Park, near Murchison
What a unique spot to explore! Just north of Murchison, you start your tramp by the Matiri Valley and head into the southern part of the Kahurangi National Park.
After an easy walk up to Lake Matiri (see Lake Matiri Hut), we have a steep 1000m grunt up through the forest that will take a few hours, before you break out onto the plateau - and what a view to be rewarded with!
From here, you are out on the open tussock-filled tableland with epic vistas of the striking Needle and Haystack peaks (1,500m) ahead of you.
This needle is easy to find in a haystack, leading the way across the (very boggy) plateau, as you tramp across the open tussock to Poor Pete’s Hut.
A very welcome and great spot for lunch, Poor Pete’s hut has only two bunks (no fire, but apparently toasty warm!). Keep poling across the spectacular tableland and forest, crossing pretty creeks cut into the limestone rock to Larrikins Creek Hut. If you explore further down the creek closest to the hut, you will be rewarded with an awesome swim spot!
The hut’s location is stunning, tucked away in the head of the plateau and sheltered by the two peaks. The hut is small 4-bunker; basic and cosy with an open fireplace and Monopoly Deal (an essential in our opinion). There are lots of camp spots to choose from here too.
We suggest a two night stay so you can spend time summiting both peaks or Mt Misery, all with epic 360-degree views that really show the uniqueness of the area.
Bringing poles is essential for this one to help with the steep up and the bog - but it’s 100% worth it!
The Details:
20km each way on this out and back route (6-8 hours moving time) to Larrikins Creek Hut. Start and end from the trailhead at the end of Matiri West Bank Road (2WD accessible).