Waipakihi Hut

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Originally Posted by slowblink

Hi.
First post on the forum.
Planning on going up to Waipakihi hut in the near future. How close can you get to the hut with a jet boat?
Google earth goes very low-def up the river. Probably something to do with army nearby.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Mick

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In the early 1970's the Govt leased that area for Vietnam training. The Army used to get quite a way up the Waipakahi valley in the M41 medium tank.

Do you have a tank at your disposal?

:omg:

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Originally Posted by NZHTR

If your are talking Kaimanawa's Waipakahi ? you wont get any place up the Waipakahi in a jet boat - shank's pony up that river or over Umukirkiri track . did bump into a Nissan Navara pathfinder heading up bout 3 or so ks .

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https://youtu.be/VUwT9gqN8i8?si=Y2dsYGg40YWj0DCI

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Originally Posted by XR500

From June onwards the Waipakahi valley, like all alpine valleys is as cold as a bastard. In July last year my drink bottle froze solid under the fly. No deer down low at all. They are all halfway - three quarters of the way up the sides, staying in the sun.

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Thanks...might just stay at the Waikoko campground and try my luck around the Urchin and Umakarkari track

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Originally Posted by Steffen

Thanks...might just stay at the Waikoko campground and try my luck around the Urchin and Umakarkari track

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The Waipakahi faces accessible from the Urchin are a great winter spot. You don't have to go very low. Keep some elevation and glass into the feed belt and gully head areas about 1/3rd down from the top. They can be quite bluffy so watch where you go.