Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku, Kaikōura Ranges
This epic adventure up the highest mountain in NZ outside of the Southern Alps is incredible! Mount Tappy rises to 2885m and gives you views all the way to Wellington and beyond.
The name translates from te reo Māori as "footprint of the rainbow' and it is nestled in the inland Kaikōura ranges. This is a grade 2 climb in parts and requires a lot of endurance for the walk in, up to the summit and then out. We took 3 days (16km, 12km, 16km).
The trailhead is a 4 hour drive from Nelson up the Awatere Valley Road.
We started from Gladstone Downs and headed up the Hodder River for 15km, crossing it roughly 90-100ish times (to be honest, you are just walking up the river so we lost count!)
It is a relatively easy walk in with over 1000m elevation, rocky underfoot, with cairns to show you the way. There are loads of furry goat friends to look at on the way
You then reach the Hodder Huts which are incredibly cute and well kept thanks to MTC.
The next day then leads on to an early start and a 12km loop up to the summit depending on which way you decide to go… Expect lots of cairns, scree slopes, and epic views!
After summiting, head back to another night in Hodders before returning back the way you came along the stunning river valley.
Snow levels are variable throughout the year and having a good weather window highly important with low wind and low river levels. This one is no mean feat so make sure you do your research!
To use this track you need permission from the farmer and permission from the Marlborough Tramping Club for the huts. All info can be obtained through the Marborough Tramping Club website.
As Sir Edmund Hillary said "I've climbed a decent mountain at last" - and it truly is special.
