Routes
Huts / campsites
Roadends
Summits
Passes / crossings
Scenic features
Junctions
DOC Land
Altitude: 566m to 884m. Gain: 311m. Loss: 516m . Gradient: 5 deg (Moderate)
Skills:
Rua's track was once a fairly major construction. Apparently by the Public Works department early in the 20th Century.
It is hard to find much about the track, but some info here
http://www.fishnhunt.co.nz/forum/YaBB.cgi?num=1322551944/0
http://www.fishnhunt.co.nz/forum/YaBB.cgi?num=1224018229/0#0
The track has not been maintained in a very long time and perhaps it never will be again. 80% of the track was easy to follow but there are some sections with no (or few) markers. One should be prepared to lose the track altogether at times and confident enough to start navigating with compass. We did this a couple of times before finding the track again.
Many of the small streams/gullies are bridged by the logs the bushmen cut 100+ years ago. You can still see the stumps with Jigger Board cuts in places.
The last 3-4km alternate between open areas of bowling green grass kept well trimmed by deer AND thick ferns that take energy to wade through. Often the track can be found by spotting lines of ferns that have grown along the track.
There is little water on this track. There are few very small streams (in Dec) coming off the Pt1108 Hill near Rangitata.
At the Waimaha Station end you will need permission to cross the farm. It is a 3 hour walk to the farm headquarters. There is a good camp spot beside the farm cottage next to the Hangaroa River. Permission should be sought to camp here.