15 min from Kaikōura (both Kōwhai and Hapuku ends)

The circuit can be completed in either direction.

The Kōwhai end of the circuit begins at the Mt Fyffe car park. The car park is at the end of Chapman Rd, which is accessed via Postmans Rd, a short distance from Kaikōura township. Postmans Rd is unsealed from just prior to the righthand turn onto Chapmans Rd, as is the latter, which follows the true left of the Kōwhai River to the car park. Mt Fyffe car park has a toilet and information panel with track times and distances.

The Hapuku end is located at the end of Grange Rd, is accessed a short distance north of Kaikōura along SH1. There is a parking area right next to the river.

Be aware, as this route requires numerous river crossings (15-20 between Mt Fyffe car park and Kōwhai Hut alone), and significant sections of riverbed travel, it cannot be done safely when river levels are high.

Mt Fyffe car park to Kōwhai Hut

From Mt Fyffe Car Park, the route leads into the Kōwhai River valley, initially following the riverbed on the true left. After about a kilometer, it transitions onto a vehicle track that continues up the valley before crossing to the true right and entering the bush on a terrace.

The next 2 km take you through a narrower section of the valley, requiring multiple river crossings in quick succession. As the valley straightens, the final 3 km to Kōwhai Hut primarily follow a bush-covered terrace above the true left. Along this stretch, the Spaniard Spur Route branches to the right, climbing the valley side toward Mt Fyffe Hut. A final river crossing brings you to Kōwhai Hut.

Kōwhai Hut sits on a high terrace above the true right of the Kōwhai River. It features six bunks, but there is ample space for tents both in the grassy clearing surrounding the hut and in nearby glades. A well-worn path from the hut leads down to the river.

Kōwhai Hut to Hapuku Hut

From Kōwhai Hut, the route crosses the Kowhai River and begins the challenging ascent toward Kōwhai Saddle. Though only 2 km in distance, this section is often slow-going due to the lack of a clear track. At times, the most apparent path is directly up the creek bed, requiring boulder-hopping, scrub-bashing (beware of spaniard grass), and sidling across scree slopes. Occasional marker poles and orange arrows painted on boulders provide some guidance, but careful navigation is required as you climb nearly 700 vertical meters to the saddle.

At the top of Kōwhai Saddle (1,153 m), take in sweeping views of the Hapuku Valley ahead and the Kōwhai Valley behind. The steep flanks of Uwerau (2,213 m) dominate the western skyline, while the distant Pacific Ocean can be glimpsed. From the saddle, there is also a junction with the route leading along the ridgeline to the summit of Mt Fyffe.

The upper kilometre of the Hapuku Valley is arguably the most hazardous section of the circuit. The route descends steeply from Kōwhai Saddle through a gully of actively eroding rock, with overhanging craggy bluffs posing a significant rockfall danger. On the left, the distinct fault scarp of the Kōwhai Fault is visible – an impressive reminder of the area’s tectonic activity.

As you descend further, the valley’s vegetation transitions to stands of Hall’s tōtara, which forms the tree line in the Hapuku catchment. Hapuku Hut is located on the true right of the river, about 4 km from Kōwhai Saddle.

Hapuku Hut to Grange Rd

The route continues down the valley, requiring two river crossings, the most being the crossing is at the confluence of the Hapuku River West Branch and Stace Creek. About 1.5 km downstream from Hapuku Hut, the route leaves the riverbed and ascends the true right side of the valley to bypass the narrow Hapuku Gorge. While it’s possible to descend through the gorge to avoid this climb, this should only be attempted when the river is running low. Through this bypass section, the vegetation is dominated by towering matai, hinau and occasional rimu. The route drops down to the riverbed at the downstream end of the gorge, after which the valley widens.

The final 4 km to the car park follows the riverbed, with no defined track and few markers. Here, you’ll need to choose the best path as you navigate the shifting channels of the Hapuku River, which flows swiftly over its deep gravel bed. Expect to cross the river several times before reaching the Hapuku parking area, located on the true right of the river at the end of Grange Road.

This route involves numerous unbridged river crossings, making it impassable after heavy rain. Even in normal flow conditions, river crossings require caution and should only be attempted if you have the experience to do so safely. The Hapuku River, in particular, meanders across a highly-mobile riverbed, built up from the massive sediment deposits washed down from the surrounding ranges. The terrain is highly geologically active, with hundreds of slips presenting a serious risk of rockfall. For tips on preparing for multi-day tramping, visit the Mountain Safety Council website.