Name: Motatapu Track: Fern Burn Hut
Rating: 4.0

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Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views

Permit required - New Zealand has a unique system of simple (mostly) backcountry huts that typically have wood/coal heating stoves, plastic-covered mattresses, clean water and bunkhouse communal living. Space can be limited and permits are required. Check in the DOC offices of major towns for permits. Good information can be found here at doc.govt.nz/

Runner Notes

Mostly a good, even trail with a few sections of steep ascent on some roots.

Description

The trail starts on some low pastoral land that you'll be sharing with cows. Soon the walls of the valley begin to rise around you, and you enter thick Southern Beech forest. Along the way, you have a few creek crossings and some steep ascents where you'll be thankful that you have roots to hold onto. As you rise in elevation the trees fade away and you find yourself deep in a golden tussock grass filled valley. Skirt along the several hills until you eventually turn a corner and find the Fern Burn Hut.