Another one of the sub-24 Tararua challenges. Full route information and statistics are available here: https://tararuafkt.wordpress.com/routes/tarn-ridge-s-k/
The route runs from Putara to Kaitoke via Dundas Range - Waiohine Pinnacles – Tarn Ridge - The Kings - Broken Axe Pinnacles - Jumbo- Holdsworth - Powell Hut - Totara Flats - Cone Saddle - Tauherenikau Valley.
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, until about the halfway mark. 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 as the first half is more of a route than a track until Jumbo. 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 interested rock formations, before climbing onto Mt Dundas. Drop down to Arete Hut (difficult to find in low visibility conditions). From Arete Hut to the top of the Waiohine Pinnacles is quite broad. Make sure to stay on the eastern side, so as not to end up on Lancaster. Climbing down the Waiohine Pinnacles is fairly straight forward (the rock is mostly solid underfoot), but would be difficult in wet conditions and downright dangerous if icy. Once down onto Tarn Ridge, there is easy runnable sections with plenty of water supply. The ridge narrows again towards Girdlestone, which may be sidled under around the 1480 contour on the southern side. The ridge remains narrow over The Three Kings and navigation is not a problem in good weather, but take care to take the correct line in clag. South King to Broken Axe Pinnacles opens up again with good running, until narrowing just before the Pinnacles proper. It is possible to climb up and over (once at the top the rest is easy travel) or alternatively followed a poled sidle to the east. From McGregor to Powell Hut is all great running, with a poled route starting again from Jumbo. Follow the marked, benched track to the turn off to Totara Flats Hut. A little rooty underfoot in places, but mostly runnable. Cross the super long swingbridge to the Hut. Follow the track past to toilets onto the Flats. The route is unmarked, but well worn into the grass. Look careful for the markers on the true right bank which lead up and over the cliff. Further along, sidle in the riverbed under a large old slip, once again carefully looking for markers on the TR indicating the exit point. Crossing a small footbridge and climbing straight up a bank to the junction. Cone Saddle is a relatively easy climb, but care must be taken to stay on the right path as it overgrown in places and can be hard to follow (especially if you are doing this section in the dark). The descent down to Cone Hut is steep, but once on the Tauherenikau Track is easy running. Weaving in and out of the bush and across river flats, be sure to pick up the track on the other side of the grassy areas. Once you reach the swingbridge, there is one stream crossing (Marchant) before Smith Creek shelter - which you do not directly pass. Continue on the Dobson Loop track before the final climb over Puffer Saddle. This is claybased and the descent will be slippery after rain. Pass the sign for Marchant Ridge and continue downhill until the signposted track to Kiwi Ranch Road. Drop down the stairs, through the bush and out along the farm fence to the sign at the carpark.
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. Further along Tarn Ridge (between the Waiohine Pinnacles and Tarn Ridge Hut) are a number of tarns suitable for drinking, likewise near Mid King, Baldy, and McGregor. These may dry up or be unsuitable for drinking from after long dry spells. Once down at Totara Flats Hut there are many opportunities for water, even from the streams across Cone Saddle. You should not need to carry more than 1L at a time through this section. Marchant Stream will be your last opportunity for water before the Kaitoke roadend.
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), Baldy Track or Jumbo/Rainguage or Holdwsorth Track then out to Holdsworth Road end.
