Kupkin returned to New Zealand after spending a few months tramping and cycling around Europe. I couldn’t think of a better option for where to go than Cedar Flat Huts. It’s one of the most accessible huts on the West Coast, suitable enough for my 2-year-old kid, and, of course, there are hot pools that my partner loves from the bottom of her heart. The track to the huts was okay, though I wouldn’t recommend it for your kids unless you really know what you’re doing. There is a lot of boulder hopping, slippery and scrambly parts with one not-so-good river crossing. I think the dodgiest part of the track is actually a swing bridge across Toaroha River by Cedar Flat Huts. There are very steep steps to the bridge, which takes you maybe 5 metres above the ground. Not a big deal for an adult because there are steel ropes on each side, but not super comfortable with a 20 kg pack on the back and a 15 kg toddler in the front.
My kid quite enjoys scrambling but still needed to be carried across some flat bits and boulders. It was really good, though, challenging just enough that we still felt comfortable. When we reached the hut, we camped in the nearby forest to have some privacy. It was a long weekend, so both huts were filled.
Photos from the 1st day
Max elevation: 526 m
Min elevation: 96 m
Photos from the 2nd day
The day after, Kupkin went on a mission to Mullins Hut and over Jumble Top and Squall Peak back to Cedar Flats, while we were hanging out in the hot pool and just chilling by a river. My kid loves throwing rocks in rivers, so that’s what we were doing most of the day. In the evening, a group of international hikers came over and took out a data projector and started to watch a movie inside Cedar Flat Hut. I’ve never seen anything like it. After Anna and Elliot went to bed, me and Kupkin ended up in the hot pools for 3 hours soaks. Oh boy.
On the third day, we walked out. My kid walked a bit less than on the first day, but that’s fine. It was a bit drizzly at times, and he even asked for a nap in the middle of the day, being visibly tired. On the way back, we stopped in Hokitika for a well-deserved fish and chips. Oh yeah!
Photos from the 3rd day
Max elevation: 526 m
Min elevation: 96 m
Stats for geeks
IN: 10.8 km, 5 h, 55 min, 570 m ascent
OUT: 10.8 km, 6 h, 30 min, 230 m ascent
Participants: Michal Klajban, Anna, Elliot, and Kupkin
Tramped on 21-23rd October 2023.
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