A three day 35k tramp from the Wangapeka to John Reid Hut via Kiwi Saddle Hut and Mt Patriarch. Mt Patriarch is situated at the southern end of the 40km long Arthur Range in Kahurangi National Park. We choose a clockwise loop via the easier Wangapeka and Kiwi Track to Kiwi Saddle Hut. Chummies Track to John Reid Hut is much steeper. A ground trail leads up to the summit of Mt Patriarch from the saddle above Kiwi Saddle Hut which on a good day provides spectacular 360 views of the southern end of Kahurangi National Park. An 8km ridgeline traverse provides easy access to John Reid Hut when the weather is favourable. Chummies track gets you back down to the Wangapeka.
NOTE: Access via the Wangapeka River Road Dart River Ford The Dart River Ford provides access to the southern end of the Arthur Range and Courthouse Flat. The pipes under the ford often fill up with gravel which forces the water over the ford at any time. After rain this gets high enough to prevent cars crossing. High clearance 4 wheel drive vehicles struggle to cross after heavier rain. Once the rain stops the Dart River flow drops reasonably quickly.
River flow data can be found here: https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-region/...
