Kapakapanui Track - Dead Tree Vista
This is a toughish 6 - 8 hour circular walk into the Tararuas which is well marked with orange triangles. There are excellent views of the Tararua peaks on a clear day (which isn't very often). At the start of the route there are some wide streams to cross and you will get your feet wet (it is ankle deep even in summer). Most people do the walk clockwise, but you can go round either way. There is a DOC hut (sleeps 6) about 2/3rds of the way up to the summit when going clockwise, from which it is another 30ish minutes to the top. It is only at the top that you get a view of the Tararuas, otherwise you are walking in native bush. There are some short steep parts going up and down. This walk is for experienced trampers.
I completed this walk with tmann421 and we placed a number of caches along the way which we hope will break up the hike, but will of course add additional time to the overall trek.
Getting there and starting off
Access to the track is relatively simple to get to - turn right at the traffic lights at Waikanae north of Wellington so you find yourself on the Akatarawa Road and follow until you reach a turnoff around 5km along the road on the left called Ngatiawa Road (and has a sign for Ngatiawa Campsite) which you need to follow for another 3-4km or so to the carpark, which constitutes a dead-end with a few houses and some grass you can park your car on. Follow the poled route through the farmland and ford the river crossings, and then follow the track for another 5 minutes or so until you reach a junction - where you get to decide whether to head up the mountain clockwise or anti-clockwise. Most people complete the hike clockwise.
Junction to Kapakapanui Hut (2-3 hours)
If heading around the loop in a clockwise direction take the turnoff to the left, crossing the river and carry on following the orange markers up the hill. The first 4-500 metres are very steep. Eventually the steep gradient lessens off, and you should come to a grassy knoll called Ngatiawa. Good photo opportunity here of the Waikanae area and out to Kapiti Island. Carry on along the track which proceeds much more a little more easier up the mountain until you reach Kapakapanui Hut, which is run by the local Deerstalkers club. It can sleep 6, and has the basic facilities, although if you intend to stay the night you should bring along a portable cooker.
Kapakapanui Hut to Mt. Kapakapanui summit (1 Hour)
Having had a break or stayed the night at the hut, carry on up the track as it winds its way up to the summit. You'll pass through a couple of small clearings before ducking back into some bush until you finally reach the summit at 1102m which is marked by a large trig station. Take some time to view the area and look out to the North and South. Also have a look for signs of scarring from fire and strong winds - the summit of Kapakapanui was apparently stripped bare of bush by a fire and a strong gale some 80-100 years ago.
Kapakapanui Summit to the Junction (3-4 Hours)
Proceed onwards past the junction at the summit and follow the track as it drops back down into the bush and winds down towards the track start. The descent is mostly easier going that the steep climb up, however there are steep sections which should not be taken lightly (particularly if it has recently rained) . Also be aware of a rather large felled tree that blocks the track not far from the bottom. It is fairly easy to navigate around but when we walked this track there had been no efforts to cut in any steps, so it is advisable to go around it. Keep heading down the hill and you will eventually meet up at the loop start/finish.
Once you are back at the Junction it is simply a case of walking straight out the way you came in, albeit with a few new rewarding experiences and hopefully some memories of some great views - if you picked a good weekend for it.
I would recommend completing this walk during the summer as I suspect the streams will become more swift and flooded during winter. It also snows at the top during winter.
This walk is not to be underestimated and as always you should check the weather forecast before you begin, ensure you carry sufficient nutrition/hydration and clothing as the weather can be very changable.
We hope you enjoy this loop walk as much as we did and enjoy collecting the series of caches along the way.