New Zealand - Crosbies Hut Tramp via Waiotahi and Te Puru Tracks

New Zealand - Crosbies Hut Tramp via Waiotahi and Te Puru Tracks

Time from Auckland CBD: 1 hour 25 minutes non stop

Cost: $10/night camping

We spent Queen's Birthday weekend wading through mud and climbing over fallen trees to and from Crosbies Hut.

Length of track: 24km

Duration: 1 - 2 days

What to take:

At least 3L water for each day - can top up each day at the hut
Enough food for the trip
Strong shoes - track can be very muddy and boggy
First aid kit
Gloves
Sun hat
Warm hat
Water and wind proof jacket and over trousers
Three warm top layers (no cotton)
Two water bottom layers (no cotton)
Cooking equipment

There are a few different ways to approach Crosbies Hut - Thames, Te Puru, Waiomu and various places in the Kauaeranga Valley. We found the walking times on the DOC signs were incredibly inaccurate, especially for going uphill. The hut only sleeps 10, so it is advisable to book in advance, unless you want to camp!

We started in Thames and ended in Te Puru. These two towns are 12km apart, so we left our car in Thames, did the walk, ended in Te Puru, then hitchhiked back to our car in Thames. Alternatively, you could take two cars, and park one at each end of the track.

Route map for Crosbies Hut

Thames to Crosbies hut:

The trek between Thames and Crosbies Hut was boring, as the track was quite wide.

Time: 4 hours - 6 hours up

Distance: 14km

We were not comfortable leaving our car at the start of the track, as there was not much traffic going past, so we left it in a more high traffic area.

Waiotahi road start:

Park car: Pollen street

Distance to start of track: 1.4km up Waiotahi road

Karaka road start:

Park car: Rolleston street

Distance to start of track: 1.2km up Karaka road

Parking logistics for Crosbies Hut

Crosbies Hut to Te Puru/Waiomu:

The track between Crosbies Hut and Te Pure/Waiomu was very steep, boggy and narrow - in some places it was hard to see the track - far more exciting compared to the way up! I would imagine walking up this track would be incredibly gruelling.

Time: 4 hours down

Distance: 10km

Once you pop out onto a road, walk to the main coast road, State Highway 25, and hitchhike back to your car.

Te Puru finish:

Distance to road: 800m