Main Range S-K (Schormann to Kaitoke) Information
Revered and feared by many experienced trampers and mountain runners this is the most tough challenge in the Tararuas. First accomplished in 1963 (1963 was first recorded trip in a weekend, but not the first trip of the route -1931 for a tramping party, possibly before that unrecorded) ) in those days the route took them up the Shormanns track to Putara hut near the Putara road end .Putara hut was burnt down in 1977 and was replaced with Herepai in hut. Schormanns track was closed but the name stuck.
Many details (maps, gps tracks, photos, various statistics) here: https://tararuafkt.wordpress.com/routes/s-k/
This route is becoming something like a "Kiwi Bob Graham", and records are kept of those completing under 24 hours.
This is the original sub-24 Tararua challenge. Full route information and statistics are available here: https://tararuafkt.wordpress.com/routes/s-k/
The route follows the Main Range of the Tararua Ranges from Putara to Kaitoke via Dundas Ridge - Mt Crawford – Aokaparangi - Tararua Peaks - Mt Hector - Dress Circle - Marchant Ridge.
There is a long established history of the S-K routes, which started with the Main Range SK. Initially the idea was to complete the north to south traverse in a weekend (under-48 hours) by fast-packing. In 1995 Colin Rolfe completed the Main Range SK in 22:59, and a sub-24 hour club was created, along with two additional routes (Tarn SK and Valleys SK). All three routes start and finish in the same location, but take different ridges or valleys to get there. Parts of all routes are exposed to the elements or require low river levels - trying to attempt any SK in winter is a serious undertaking and chances of completing, let alone going sub-24 in snowy and icy conditions is near impossible. The Tararua Ranges have a reputation for steep hills, extreme weather conditions, and as such many lives have been lost over the years. Thus, to complete an SK (and in under 24 hours) is no mean feat. Always check the weather multiple times before you start!
1. FOR THE EXPERIENCED MOUNTAIN RUNNER ONLY: there are long unmarked sections and you really need to be self-sufficient on this run as there are limited bail out options once you're on the tops. The weather can be gnarly, so choose your day wisely! You will need to be capable with a map and compass if visibility is poor - in clear weather navigation is fairly straightforward.
Beginning at Putara Road end, the route follows marked tracks up to Herepai Hut. From there a marked route continues up onto Herepai Peak. Now the route is unmarked with a ground trail in places. Care needs to be taken with direction changes over Rupae and East Peak. Drop down through the leatherwood, then climb back up onto West Peak. Requires careful navigation in the dark. Once on West Peak, head south along Dundas Ridge, around interesting rock formations, before climbing onto Mt Dundas. You do not need to drop down to Arete Hut unless you require water (difficult to find in low visibility conditions). Dog leg around to Pukematawai, where the route joins the Te Araroa Trail (NZ national walkway) through to Junction Knob. Travel is easy through to Anderson Memorial, but undulating through to Maungahuka Hut. The section between Maungahuka and McIntosh is the most technical of the route, requiring some sections of climbing (some ropes and a very long ladder provided). This section could be difficult when wet or icy as it is narrow in parts and has very steep drop offs. Once through the scrambly bits, it is a long slow climb up to Bridge Peak. "Turn Left for Glory" is one of the Big Sunday Run mottos, and head to Kime Hut and Mt Hector. This part of the route is known as the "Southern Crossing". Follow the Dress Circle around to Alpha Hut, before the long descent to the end via Marchant Ridge. This part really does seem to go on forever!
The route begins at the Putara Road end, west of Eketahuna. The area was originally called Schorman's (hence the S in SK). At the road end there is ample parking, which may become full on busy weekends. There is no camping, toilet or water facilities in the carpark. Water may be obtained from the river not far into the route. Accommodation can be booked at the Putara Basecamp (old schoolhouse), some 10min drive from the start.
The route finishes near Kaitoke in the Department of Conservation car park close to the YMCA Camp on Kiwi Ranch Road, north of Upper Hutt. There are no facilities available here either. It is typical for people to arrange to be dropped off at the start of the route and picked up at the end.
Water can be obtained along much of the route, except in the dry summer months. There is usually no water between Herepai and Arete Huts (at least 4 hours), so make sure you get plenty at Herepai Hut. There is the option of dropping down to Dundas, but this is not ideal if you want to go sub-24. The sections on the Te Araroa trail (Arete - Anderson Memorial) can run out of water during very dry summer months. There are a few tarns along the way, but water may not be suitable (or present). Maungahuka, Kime and Alpha all have reasonable year-round water supplies. There is no water from Alpha Hut to the finish.
Bail out options from the route include: From West Peak return to the start the way you came. From Arete Hut - exit to Poads road via Te Matawai and Gable End (note this is a long way, but if weather is bad, is definitely the safest option), Junction Knob to Otaki Forks via Waitewaewae (if weather is bad), Otaki Forks via Field Hut.
