Distance: 1.6 km (0.8 DOC hours) - Benched track - Easy-moderate terrain
Altitude: 856m to 1046m. Gain: 43m. Loss: 233m . Gradient: 10 deg (Moderate)
Skills: Alpine weather (2/7) Winter - Snow/ice underfoot (2/7)

Benched track (3/9)
Benched, maintained, marked tramping track or pack-track

Primary, mapped (1/5)
Formal route, on maps, principal access to hut or along range / catchment

Moderate (difficulty: 3/5)
Occasional moderate climbs

Easy-moderate (difficulty: 2/5)
Tussock / river-gravel / open bush / cut track

Alpine weather (difficulty: 2/7)
Tramp on open tops, exposed to alpine weather

None (difficulty: 1/6)
No unbridged river crossings

Snow/ice underfoot (difficulty: 2/7)
Snow/ice likely on track

Snow may be present on Tabletop in winter.

From Field Hut, the track to Penn Creek continues up the ridge for another couple of kilometers to the junction on Table Top. Leaving Field Hut, the track climbs steeply in a series of zigzags through the last of the bush, to reach the bushedge 80m above, From here the gradient becomes pleasant and the track climbs gently through low scrub. Reaching the base of Table Top a second climb begins, sidling up and south of the peak to reach the flat, open tussock tops beyond. Once on the summit, views back over the entire Kapiti Coast are the reward, along with clear views of the main range all the way from Mangahuka to Alpha.

The track continues along the flat Table Top. The ground is marshy, but the track is boardwalked or graveled and good going. The Penn Creek turnoff is at the far end of the flats, at the top of the first, small rise, and is marked by a signpost.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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