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Hodder River

Type

This is the most common approach to the Inland Kaikōura Range peaks

Access

From the turn-off on SH1 4km north of the Seddon pub it is about 50km up the Awatere valley to the Hodder bridge and Gladstone Downs Station. Most of the area is private land, and you must ask permission beforehand. Full details on gaining access across Gladstone Downs station and to Hodder Huts are on the Marlborough Tramping Club website: http://www.marlboroughtrampingclub.co.nz/Climbing-Mt-Tapuae0Uenuku/Huts-Access
Park just across the Hodder bridge and follow farm tracks for about 3km, past the Hodder-Shin junction, to a rock cairn beside the track, then a steep descent to the riverbed. The Hodder approach is notorious for its 80 or more crossings, and neoprene socks or booties (used by divers) inside approach shoes are recommended. Look for a track on the true right over tussock and ribbonwood terraces to bypass a waterfall . It is 6-8 hours and a 1000m climb to the Hodder Huts at 1440m (6 bunks and 12 bunks).
Note that there are no easy exits if the Hodder is in flood. Tongue Spur and the Shin River could be used, involving a descent to the Shin from a low saddle (map ref. O30/650200) and one river crossing onto the east bank, which can be followed to the Hodder bridge, but it is a long route.

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Places

Type Name
Mountain Mitre Pk
Mountain Pinnacle
Comments
Attribution
Ben Winnubst
UUID
 
f299c3bc-ccef-4df5-942b-5882a134f493