[Paul Christoffel]

Hi there

Can someone please tell me if there’s a reasonably direct route between Longview and Howletts huts (Ruahines) without going via Daphne. It looks like there might be a route over Taumatataua but it’s not clear.

thanks
Paul

[Grant Newton]

Paul,

Yes there’s a straightforward route across the tops to Howletts Hut. I don’t have a map as I write this but remember you just follow the ridgeline around. We arrived at the hut by 2pm on a medium trip (we left from the carpark in the morning, not Longview). This route coupled with the Daphne Hut route, makes a nice weekend loop trip of E/M or M grade.

Grant

[Glynne Lloyd]

Hi Paul,

Like Grant I don’t have a map as well.

My recollection is that there are three ridges/spurs which are roughly in parallel. Just above Longview Hut there is one that goes down to the river about 1/2 km below Daphne Hut. Do not take that one. On leaving the Hut keeping going west(?) and climb up a couple of hundred meters onto another spur that ultimately goes down to Daphne Hut. You start out on this and after some time you have to head off this spur (a 90 degree left turn) down through a saddle and then up on to the main ridge that heads directly to Howletts.

Cheers,
Glynne

[Fergus Watts]

IS it mountain bike able?

[Mike]

Hi Fergus. I’d be surprised if it were practical because the routes are very steep and fragile, though I’ve never had a mountain bike so I don’t fully understand what sorts of places you can typically get to. I’d be very surprised if it were legal, however. You should definitely check with DOC if you’re thinking about this, and I’m pretty sure they’d say No. It’s great as a tramp and an awesome little hut, though.

[Author]

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