Venison Tops Hut (Tira Lodge)
Campground
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Venison Tops, Kaweka Forest Park, North Island.
Description
The single expanse of alpine tops where Tira Lodge is located provides panoramic views of the Kaweka Forest Park and beyond to the Kaimanawa Forest Park and Tongariro National Park. This is a standard twelve-bunk hut. Fees apply. Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Facilities include;
12 bunks with mattresses in two rooms (separate from the main entry/cooking area)
Wood/coal stove suitable for cooking
Rainwater supply from tank
Meat safe
Long drop style toilet
Dog kennel (special conditions)
Getting there
Helicopter
The helipad is located 40 metres from the hut. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island.
Walking
There are 3 ways to reach Tira Lodge. Times are approximate. Road access is available at Makahu Saddle, Middle Hill or the Makino road end carparks.
Makahu Road via Makino Hut (9 hr)
The track begins a short distance after Makahu Road enters the park where it climbs to a saddle. It is from this point that the track leaves the road. The track leads to Makino Hut (3 hours) and continues on to Mangaturutu Hut (a further 4 hours) via the Makino River. From Mangaturutu Hut it is a 2 hour walk to Tira Lodge.
Makahu Road via Middle Hill Hut (10 hr)
Travel to the Middle Hill carpark and then proceed up the Mangatutunui Stream before ascending a ridge to Middle Hill Hut (2.5 hours). From Middle Hill Hut the track continues over the northern (Whetu) end of the main Kaweka Range. This route is via a poled track which traverses the open Kaweka tops (1600 metres) for at least 1.5 hours tramping. The track passes a side track to Ballard Hut on the way, before dropping down onto the Ballard Saddle and crossing to Venison Tops and Tira Lodge. Some caution may be required during adverse weather conditions.
Kaweka Road - Makahu Saddle Carpark (up to 9 hr)
This track passes by Makahu Saddle Hut which is 5 minutes walk from the carpark before clim
Features
Location
Lat: -39.246732 Lng: 176.32079
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