Stanfield Hut - Stanfield Hut

went there today, 2 hrs hike... great weather , awesome bunch of Manawatu tramping & skiing people, thanx to the van driver too.

Stanfield Hut Location: Ruahines. Start point is from a small Carpark at Tamaki West Road End. Walking time: Approx 2hrs Distance: 4.5km Difficulty: Moderate Notes on Travel (see map): The RED line indicates the easiest route of travel and is the typical route for people to follow in and out. The terrain is fairly easy going with the first 100 - 200m leading toward an open clearing that is signposted with 3 signs, a MAP Board and dwelling block. A LARGE orange triangle denotes the direction in which you should go and this is signposted "Stanfield Hut 2hrs". Ignore the signage that says "A-Frame Hut" as this will lead you in the opposing direction. There is another "Stanfield" Hut sign that indicates the RIVER path option but this is less traveled and should generally be avoided unless you are very familiar with the area. Directions: - Leave car park through the gate headed west. Cross river to opposite bank and follow track into clearing. - Head RIGHT (past the building block) and toward a LARGE ORANGE triangle. Follow the path down for approx 5m to the rivers edge. - You will need to head UPSTREAM approx 5 to 10m and cross over the river. - Once across scan directly ahead and look for an opening in the bush line and more orange triangles. The track is easy to find (refer to map) and from here you can head in a general northerly direction. - There is a sharp ascent of approx 300 to 400m in elevation that takes approx 20 to 30mins. This will lead you out onto an open grass/dirt track. - Continue uphill (see map) and follow along steadily increasing elevation where eventually the track levels out along Holmes Ridge - After approx 60mins of walking you will arrive in a large open clearing with an excellent view of the ranges. There is a sign with "Stanfield Hut" 45mins here as well. From this point the track will descend into the bushline. - Follow the track all the way down until you reach another sign (on RIGHT hand side), indicating "Standfield Hut 20 mins" - You must CROSS OVER the river from this point onto the opposite side and from here follow you way North (see map). You may need to skirt over logs in/and along near the treeline but it is advised to stay on the riverbed for the duration - you are literally not far from the Hut on this section of the walk - The photo that shows a large triangle looking back along the river is what you will need to keep an eye out for when heading TO the hut (keep scanning up and to the LEFT when coming up the river). It is planted in a fairly view able spot and this is actually the BACK path to the Hut itself. - Follow the path uphill and the Hut is basically 30m on the RIGHT and is denoted by its very distinct ORANGE color. An outdoor toilet is situated nearby uphill (LEFT) approx 20m away Alternative Routes (Stanfield Hut via A-Frame Hut) From the clearing after the CARPARK you can travel to Stanfield via A-Frame Hut (LEFT SIDE). This is a very tough climb and is a LONG journey that isn't advised to be done late in the day. A-Frame Hut isn't a serviced place and is in terrible condition but in a pinch can serve as emergency shelter. Following the track along the ridge line you'll want to keep and eye out for signage directing you DOWN to the RIGHT toward Stanfield. It is recommended that you descend the track that is CLOSEST to Stanfield Hut (see map) which will take you directly past the toilet and right onto the Hut doorstep. Be prepared for sore legs after. Distance: 4 to 7km Duration: 3 to 5hrs Difficulty: Hard The River Route This route is best done during summer (Dec - Feb). Be prepared to get soaking wet feet and spend alot of time rock hopping, scrambling, climbing and criss crossing the banks & river for approx 3hrs. You'll want to keep and eye out (RIGHT HAND side if travelling NORTH) for the "Standfield Hut 20 mins" sign as this will indicate you are near end of the journey. Distance: 4 to 7km Duration: 2 to 4hrs Difficulty: Moderate / Hard