Hasties Hill Loop @ Top Tracks.info

Where is it? From a few metres above the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre a track heads left into the bush. Take this, and turn left at the first junction. You could go straight ahead to complete the loop, however the recommended traverse is clockwise. Going left brings you to a track junction with the loop heading right. Straight ahead provides a view of the Upper Kaupokonui Falls down a short track. Water features seem to be a feature of the Dawson Falls walks, and this track doesn’t escape, with the first of the stream crossings soon encountered. As the track turns and rises, you will come close to the top of the cliff above the main branch of the Kaupokonui Stream. Hasties Hill is across the gorge to your left. Looking down from one eroded piece you will see the Hasties Hill track below, which means you are close to the track junction, and half way point on the loop. If you are going to divert to Hasties Hill, you are about quarter of the way. Taking the left turn down the Hill track brings you to another stream crossing and then a steep climb where several staircases ease the way.
Lower Lake Dive track heads off to the right, continue straight on. The final piece of track could be a bit overgrown to the top of the Hill. The top of the Hill would be the ideal place for a short viewing platform, providing just enough height to see over the kamahi. Still there are two viewing corridors, one across to the Beehives, and another back over Konini Lodge. There is a small grassy area at the top to stop for a break. Return back the same way to the loop junction, turn left and continue to the next junction, where you go right. From here continue without turning to return to the Visitor Centre.
Features views Track Surface In good condition, mostly dry, only overgrown part the final section going up Hasties Hill. Accessibility If you have comfortably completed the shorter loops, you shouldn’t find this loop or the extension too difficult. Dangers If taking children on the loop, they will need to be pre-warned about the cliff edge where there are no barriers. This is a place for mature behaviour.
Additional Notes The Department of Conservation website has some information in an excellent PDF file called Egmont National Park. There are also pupil activities at the end of this, see the link below. Hasties Hill Loop (pp 16, activities 2,3,4,5,15) http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/for-teachers/field-trip-resources/ field-trips-by-region/wanganui/egmont-national-park/teaching-resource/ This information gathered while on site in 2004.

Where is it?

From a few metres above the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre a track heads left into the bush. Take this, and turn left at the first junction. You could go straight ahead to complete the loop, however the recommended traverse is clockwise. Going left brings you to a track junction with the loop heading right. Straight ahead provides a view of the Upper Kaupokonui Falls down a short track.

Water features seem to be a feature of the Dawson Falls walks, and this track doesn’t escape, with the first of the stream crossings soon encountered. As the track turns and rises, you will come close to the top of the cliff above the main branch of the Kaupokonui Stream. Hasties Hill is across the gorge to your left. Looking down from one eroded piece you will see the Hasties Hill track below, which means you are close to the track junction, and half way point on the loop. If you are going to divert to Hasties Hill, you are about quarter of the way.

Taking the left turn down the Hill track brings you to another stream crossing and then a steep climb where several staircases ease the way.


Hasties Hill Loop Track
DoC recommended times and track type:
1.5 - 2 hours
tramping track
This Loop track is an increase in level from the shorter loops of Ridge, Wilkies, and Kapuni. While the level of difficulty is much the same, the length provides the extra challenge. The scenery is great, the extension to Hasties Hill well worth it for those who are able.