Top Dingle Hut April 2024

Trip Report, Top Dingle Hut, 27 – 28 April, 2024

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This trip was the third time we had attempted to cross the Ahuriri River to reach Snowy Gorge Hut. Once again we decided the river was too deep and fast for any safe crossing, after checking the river at the first Access Road and further up Birchwood Rd opposite the confluence of Snowy Gorge Creek and the Ahuriri.

But the forecast was good and the mountains looked inviting with a fresh coating of early snow, so the three trampers continued further up Birchwood Rd intending to climb over to the Dingle Burn Valley to stay the night at the Top Dingle Hut. (It’s always wise to have an alternative trip planned if trying to cross the Ahuriri!)

Robbie drove us right up to the Dingle Burn Track carpark, and the three of us headed off up the track at 11.30am. We reached the saddle by 1pm, having lunched lower down to shelter from the freezing wind blowing off the snowy peaks. Then we headed down the steep ridge to the Dingle Valley below, reaching Top Dingle Hut soon after 2.30pm.

Top Dingle Hut is well worth a visit: a small 1963 hut with 6 bunks, fireplace, stainless steel bench and bespoke table and stools. Surrounded by beech trees, catching the afternoon sun, looking out over the Dingle Burn to mighty peaks above, it is a place to linger. After settling in with hot drinks and afternoon tea, we spent the sunny late afternoon collecting firewood from the forest, then settling in for a game of Five Crowns by the blazing fire.

Leaving at 8am the next morning to climb back up the hill, we reached the saddle by 10am, so we had time to walk for an hour north along the ridge to a small tarn. The day was perfect, windless and sunny, and the views up the Ahuriri valley over to Mt Barth, Mt Huxley, and Mt Maitland were magnificent. Another hour back to the saddle and a quick descent in an hour to the carpark made for a comfortable five hour walk in all.

Many thanks to Robbie for leading the alternative trip and to Karen for joining us on another stunning Ahuriri adventure. Snowy Gorge still awaits us!

Jenny Kitchin.