Rocks Ahead Bivouac
Campground
Contact
Ngaruroro River, Kaweka Forest Park, North Island.
Description
Rocks Ahead Bivouac is located on the true right bank of the Ngaruroro River at the mid-western boundary of the area known as the 'Manson Country'. There are no fees. Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Facilities include mattresses, non-flush toilets and water from a stream.
This bivouac is across the river from the Rocks Ahead Hut and can be accessed via the cableway. The bivouac is sited near the junction of three major tracks from the west (Manson), the north (Venison Tops) and the east (Back Ridge) areas.
Getting there:
Helicopter
The helipad is 10 metres from the bivouac. There is a second helipad 20 metres from Rocks Ahead Hut across the river. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island.
Walking
Manson Hut (3.5 hr)
From Manson Hut, a marked, then poled, track heads north climbing up to Mt Manson (1448 metres altitude). The track then circles east around Spion Kop main ridge to descend steeply down to Rocks Ahead Bivouac. Caution should be applied to travel in this area, especially the open Manson Tops, when poor visibility is often accompanied by high winds and cold temperatures.
Kiwi Mouth Hut (7 hr or 5.5 hr)
From Kiwi Mouth Hut there are two approaches
7 hours: A marked track crosses the Ngaruroro River before climbing to Manson Hut (2.5 3.5 hours) from where you follow the route from Manson Hut described above.
5.5 hr: Climb northeast up onto Back Ridge to reach the Back Ridge Bivouac/Rocks Ahead track junction (4 hours). Turn left here and head downhill to reach Rocks Ahead Hut (1 hour). To reach the bivouac you need to cross the river via the cableway and walk for a further 5 minutes.
Tira Lodge (1.5 2.5 hr)
From Tira Lodge (Venison Tops Hut), a marked track crosses open sub-alpine country for 20 minutes before descending a long ridge through beech forest to reach Rocks Ahead Hut.
Tramping
Rocks Ahead Hut
Features
Location
Lat: -39.275648 Lng: 176.295306
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