Thread: Upper Caples Block July

Originally Posted by Dama dama

About 4 hrs to Upper Caples hut from memory, and then about another 2 hrs to Kay Creek hut (at a guess).

Yep - bang on, Dama Dama.

Just checked my App... took me 4 hours 25 minutes to walk into the Upper Caples Hut and 4 hours 8 minutes from the Upper Caples Hut back to the Carpark. Had a 10 minute break at the Mid Caples in both directions. Must have been fitter by the time I walked out. It's 16.4 km and uphill in both directions. I don't have the exact figures for the walk up to Kay Creek Hut but I think it's a good 2.5 hour walk from memory.

Just be aware that the Upper Caples Hut is a "private" hut - owned by NZDA - and it is always locked. Don't go walking in there expecting to park up for the night in a warm bed to break your trip up to Kay Creek. If you're going to break the trip in two you would need to stay at the Mid Caples Hut operated by DOC.

This photo below is looking up Kay Creek (center of frame) from the southern side of the Caples Valley, looking north. Lovely countryside. Snow is predicted this weekend so most of that will be white by next week.