Ahukawakawa Track @ Toptracks.info

DoC recommended times and track type:

Where is it? From behind Pouakai Hut the Pouakai track goes left to Henry’s Peak, and right to the Pouakai Summit and Holly Hut. Head to the right and about fifteen minutes along this track a junction is reached. The Ahukawakawa track branches left along a ridge and down into the swamp. The descent is not easy as the steps have suffered from years of erosion. Once down in the swamp a ground level boardwalk takes you across to the other side. Crossing the stream that feeds Bells Falls is now much easier with an impressive new bridge.
Before Holly Hut is an observation platform/post which gives an opportunity to have a break and enjoy more of the scenery. The platform is the same style as the one on top of Henry’s Peak. Another track junction is two minutes further on, turn left to head to North Egmont, or straight on for another minute to the 30 bed Holly Hut. Features The changes in flora on this relatively short track are impressive. Wetland plants, to wind battered trees, alpine grasses, and around Holly Hut impressive stands of pepper trees et al.

Accessibility and Dangers The track down the ridge is still hard going. It will give your hips and knees a good workout! The worst portion has been corrected in 2004 with steps to limit further erosion. This is perhaps the nastiest part of the Pouakai Circuit as far as track conditions are concerned. Ice can also be a problem in the winter months. The boardwalk in the swamp is good, but beware of missing boards, especially if heading to Pouakai (from Holly). Also beware, if the timber is wet, or under water, it is extremely slippery! On a fine day, this is a very pleasant and scenic walk. This information was gathered while on site in 2004.

Where is it?

From behind Pouakai Hut the Pouakai track goes left to Henry’s Peak, and right to the Pouakai Summit and Holly Hut. Head to the right and about fifteen minutes along this track a junction is reached. The Ahukawakawa track branches left along a ridge and down into the swamp. The descent is not easy as the steps have suffered from years of erosion. Once down in the swamp a ground level boardwalk takes you across to the other side. Crossing the stream that feeds Bells Falls is now much easier with an impressive new bridge.

Before Holly Hut is an observation platform/post which gives an opportunity to have a break and enjoy more of the scenery. The platform is the same style as the one on top of Henry’s Peak.

Another track junction is two minutes further on, turn left to head to North Egmont, or straight on for another minute to the 30 bed Holly Hut.

Features

The changes in flora on this relatively short track are impressive. Wetland plants, to wind battered trees, alpine grasses, and around Holly Hut impressive stands of pepper trees et al.


Ahukawakawa Track
DoC recommended times and track type:
2 - 3 hours
tramping track
This track runs roughly between Holly and Pouakai Huts across the Ahukawakawa wetland (Pouakai swamp).