Mole Hut

Mole Hut is a standard backcountry hut at 1,160 m in the headwaters of Mole Creek, near Mole Saddle, on the forest edge above Mole Stream. It is an overnight tramping destination, not a quick roadside stop, and a base for exploring the high country around Mole Tops. The hut has four bunks and a pit toilet, but no drinking-water supply or fireplace. Bring your food, water and warm gear; DOC hut tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass are needed for an overnight stay.

The signposted car park is beside Mole Stream near Mataki Lodge, on Tutaki Road South about 35 km from Murchison. Jameson Ridge Track starts farther up the road, crosses a stile at the farmland edge, then climbs through beech forest before opening onto tussock. The Mole Stream route stays lower and follows the creek, with rough boulder crossings. Each approach is estimated at about three hours; linking the two makes a 15.4 km circuit with roughly 700 m of total ascent. Treat those as planning estimates and check current track information before setting out.

From the hut, a poled route crosses red tussock to Mole Saddle. An unmarked foot trail then climbs steeply to Mole Tops at 1,651 m. The ridge is dotted with tarns; a higher rocky point at 1,770 m opens broader views across the Nelson Lakes mountains toward the Victoria Range and Mt Owen. This is extra walking beyond the hut, and the upper spur is unmarked.

The open tops were farmed in the past, and some of the open country has been burned. Kārearea, or New Zealand falcons, have been reported nesting in the area, though a sighting is never guaranteed.