Kiriwhakapapa to Blue Range Hut: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Tramp from Kiriwhakapapa road end to Blue Range Hut, a quirky hut with great views.

This DOC directory entry covers Kiriwhakapapa to Blue Range Hut in Wellington, within Tararua Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 2-3 hr
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The track from Kiriwhakapapa Road End to Blue Range Hut is short but steep – it gains around 650 m of elevation in just 3.36 km of track.

This is a typical backcountry track and you can expect a rough and unformed track surface. You will be scrambling up steep slopes, using tree roots as handholds and footholds. Some people will find it takes longer than 2-3 hours, so plan for extra time and go slowly and carefully.

The track starts at the end of Kiriwhakapapa Road, beside Kiriwhakapapa Campsite. The first part of the track is along the Kiriwhakapapa Loop Track, a well-graded, family-friendly loop track. It passes a spectacular stand of tall redwoods trees and regenerating native forest.

At the track junction, take the right-hand track to Blue Range Hut. This is where the tramping track separates from the Kiriwhakapapa Loop Track, so you will notice that the track quickly becomes narrower and rougher.

The track follows Reef Creek up the valley on the true right. A side stream meets Reef Creek and the track crosses the stream (unbridged crossing), then follows a steep ridge up to the top of Blue Range.

When you are almost at the top, you come to a track junction. Take the right-hand track to Blue Range Hut. The left-hand track goes to Cow Creek Hut (4.61 km) in the Waingawa River valley.

Arriving at the top of Blue Range makes the climb worthwhile. You briefly leave the forest and enjoy fantastic views of the peaks deeper into the park.

From here, Blue Range Hut is on a short walk along the ridge.

Getting there

Blue Range Track begins at the end of Kiriwhakapapa Road, 7 km from State Highway 2 and around 16 km north of Masterton.

Know before you go

Be prepared for a big climb

This track is challenging despite its short distance, as it has a very steep climb.

The views and quirky hut make the trip well worth it, but check that everyone in your group has the fitness for the climb and build some extra time into your plans in case it takes longer than expected.

There is no water (including no side streams) during the climb, so pack at least 2L of water per person, along with high energy snacks.

Expect a backcountry tramping track

This track is a typical Tararua backcountry tramping track. It is rough and uneven, and you can expect to be scrambling up and down tree roots. The valley section can get very muddy, especially in winter and after heavy rain.

Pack for bad weather

The Tararua Ranges are well known for wild, fast-changing and unpredictable weather. Anytime you go into the Tararua Forest Park, pack warm and waterproof clothing (even if the forecast is good).

Find a tramping packing list here

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.