There are many ways to Rod Donald hut. This is my favourite one. It starts at the end of Kaituna Valley Road where a small carpark can be found. Carmela and I parked her car there on a beautiful winter morning and started a swift walk along the Monument Track. Once we hit Te Are Pātaka, we continued East along the track. The ridge walking here is very pleasant, and easily doable for kids too. The only a wee bit unpleasant thing for kiddos may be the descent to Rod Donal Hut as it’s a little bit overgrown with gorse and pretty muddy and rocky at places.
Rod Donal hut itself is really cool, I wish there were more huts in Port Hills like that. Warm, beautiful views – perfect combo for winter overnight. We took an early lunch on a porch and started going back where we came from. The whole tramp took us only 5 hours so we were home for lunch. Great day out with great company!
Rough stats: 15.6 km, 5 hours, 800m ascent
Participants: Michal Klajban (leader, scribe, GPX), Carmela Terrobias
Tramped on 3rd July 2022.
Photos
Map
Max elevation: 748 m
Min elevation: 209 m
Be the first to comment on "Rod Donald Hut from Kaituna Valley"