Mole–Jamieson Loop

The Mole–Jamieson Loop is a 15.4 km circuit from Tutaki Road South: up the Mole Track beside Mole Stream, past Mole Hut to Mole Saddle, then back down Jameson Ridge. Allow six to seven hours and roughly 800 m of climbing. It suits experienced day walkers who want a remote tramp through forest, streambed and open tussock. The circuit reaches the saddle below Mole Tops; the 1651 m knoll is a separate, unmarked side trip, not part of this mapped route.

From the Mole Stream car park, the track crosses farmland and enters beech forest before dropping to the stream. It follows the stream uphill through a broad boulder bed, with several crossings and sparse markers in the open section. That part is slow going, especially after rain. The route climbs back into forest and reaches the four-bunk Mole Hut near the bushline. Jameson Ridge is reported dry, so carry enough water for the upper return.

From the hut, poles lead across red tussock to Mole Saddle. The open ground gives you the best view of the day: tussock basins in front, with the Mahanga and Travers ranges beyond. The marked Jameson Ridge track descends through open ridge and beech forest to Tutaki Road, about 200 m from the Mole Stream car park; walk the road back to close the loop. The climbing adds up, and the rough streambed makes this feel longer than the distance suggests.

A faint, unmarked route leaves the saddle for the 1651 m Mole Tops knoll; Point 1770 m is a further scramble. Neither extension is included in the 15.4 km circuit or its time estimate. Only add it if you can navigate off track and have settled visibility. Mole Hut is an on-route four-bunk Department of Conservation hut, first come first served; an overnight stay requires a hut ticket or pass. Dogs are not permitted in Nelson Lakes National Park.