Child friendly rating: 4 stars

Distance: 10km

Signposted time: 3 hours

Bookings Required? No

Suitable in Winter? To a degree

Camping Available? Plenty

4wd required? No

Parking:

Park off Hakatere Heron Road at the Double Hut carpark.

The Track:

This track is very similar to the nearby Manuka Hut track in some ways, but this one I would say is the harder of the two. It is a bit longer, and it feels like it's more undulating.

It is however still an easy walk.

We have tried to take the kids bikes on this track before, but the trail especially near the start is so undulating that we had to carry the bikes back because the kids couldn't manage (This was with a 6 year old) Manuka Hut would be easier on bikes though you'd have to take the long-cut.

Walking it is extremely exposed as there are no trees to hide in - bring plenty of sunscreen and don't go on a windy day, or on a day that's too hot under the sun.

Hut:

 The hut is very basic and rustic. It can get pretty cold, and in the wind it feels like the whole hut is going to take off. A tent would be warmer in winter.

There's plenty of space to play and explore near the hut so a great space to be based.

It is on the Te Araroa trail, and a good base for climbing Mt Taylor so can be very busy in summer.

With kids and day trip packs it takes around 3 hours. On the other hand with overnight packs and no kids we've done it in just under 2 hours.

Recommendations:

 It's best to visit this hut when its warmer (With the colder rustic hut) but not too hot due to how exposed you are with no shelter from the sun. Bring a tent just incase as it'll be busy over summer being along the Te Araroa.