Mole Saddle–Tiraumea Track

Mole Saddle–Tiraumea Track is a 3.6-mile (5.8 km) one-way backcountry route from Mole Saddle to Tiraumea Hut. It undulates along a high ridge, then drops steeply to open flats and the six-bunk hut beside a stream. This is a remote hut-to-hut link, not a road-accessible day walk. Allow about four hours for the mapped section: DOC lists three hours from Mole Hut to Tiraumea Hut, while a regional route account allows five for the same ridge connection. Treat 3–5 hours as a planning range and leave extra time for the approach to the saddle.

From the open saddle, the named track starts at the bushline. It has more rises and dips than the map suggests, and the final drop to the hut is steep. Older red-and-white markers are not always easy to see, so bring reliable navigation and know how to use it. Check DOC track notices before heading into this remote section.

The mapped line begins at Mole Saddle, not at a car park. The backcountry approach starts from signposted Mole Stream parking near Mataki Lodge and continues via Mole Hut; reports put the approach to the hut at about three to four hours, separate from the 3.6-mile track above. Tiraumea is a DOC standard hut with six bunks, first come with no booking; an overnight stay requires a hut ticket or pass. Food and other services on the route were not found. Dogs and other domestic animals are prohibited in Nelson Lakes National Park.