Stanfield Hut

went there today, 2 hrs hike... great weather , awesome bunch of Manawatu tramping & skiing people, thanx to the van driver too.

Stanfield HutLocation: Ruahines. Start point is from a small Carpark at Tamaki West Road End.Walking time: Approx 2hrsDistance: 4.5kmDifficulty: ModerateNotes on Travel (see map): The RED line indicates the easiest route of travel and is the typical route for people to follow in and out. The terrain is fairly easy going with the first 100 - 200m leading toward an open clearing that is signposted with 3 signs, a MAP Board and dwelling block.A LARGE orange triangle denotes the direction in which you should go and this is signposted Stanfield Hut 2hrs".Ignore the signage that says "A-Frame Hut" as this will lead you in the opposing direction. There is another "Stanfield" Hut sign that indicates the RIVER path option but this is less traveled and should generally be avoided unless you are very familiar with the area.Directions:- Leave car park through the gate headed west. Cross river to opposite bank and follow track into clearing.- Head RIGHT (past the building block) and toward a LARGE ORANGE triangle. Follow the path down for approx 5m to the rivers edge.- You will need to head UPSTREAM approx 5 to 10m and cross over the river.- Once across scan directly ahead and look for an opening in the bush line and more orange triangles. The track is easy to find (refer to map) and from here you can head in a general northerly direction.- There is a sharp ascent of approx 300 to 400m in elevation that takes approx 20 to 30mins. This will lead you out onto an open grass/dirt track.- Continue uphill (see map) and follow along steadily increasing elevation where eventually the track levels out along Holmes Ridge- After approx 60mins of walking you will arrive in a large open clearing with an excellent view of the ranges. There is a sign with "Stanfield Hut" 45mins here as well. From this point the track will descend into the bushline.- Follow the track all the way down until you reach another sign (on RIGHT hand side)