Toka Biv

I’ve unintentionally made a ritual of taking the kids hiking before Christmas. With the eldest two (now 7 & 9) I’ve done a bit of the Round The Mountain Track and up and over Mt. Pureora.

Thinking now of taking them up the Ruahines, from Limestone Rd up to the top and over into Toka Biv. Probably won’t take the rifle as that’s not the intention of the trip and I’ll likely end up carrying some of the kids’ gear too.

How frequently is the Biv used? My main concern would be getting there and finding it’s occupied, as it only sleeps two (the three of us would make it work if we had it to ourselves).

Anything else we need to know going up there (walking access, track conditions etc)?


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It’s a good grunt to the tops. Track condition from memory is ok with a few tricky bit’s climbing up through the bush. It’s a decent hike to get there and those tops are renowned for being gnarly in bad weather. I would watch the weather with a lot of caution with kids but looking at the ages you have mentioned I would probably recommend somewhere a little less serious for the 7 year old. Maybe Rangi Hut or Longview etc.

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Originally Posted by stagstalker

It’s a good grunt to the tops. Track condition from memory is ok with a few tricky bit’s climbing up through the bush. It’s a decent hike to get there and those tops are renowned for being gnarly in bad weather. I would watch the weather with a lot of caution with kids but looking at the ages you have mentioned I would probably recommend somewhere a little less serious for the 7 year old. Maybe Rangi Hut or Longview etc.

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Agree with @stagstalker - there are plenty of spots in the Ruahines that will push your sprogs without putting them off the outdoors for good....
Depending on which side you're accessing (assuming you can do both coming down from Waikato) - you also need to consider river accessibility.
Not sure what experience your sprogs have already?

I also have to agree with the two posts above. I've taken a few groups into the hills and have experienced some of the individuals getting hypothermia. It goes hand in hand with fatigue and can come on real quick. The combination of "gnarly in bad weather" and a bit of a "grunt to the tops" and small body mass of kids that age would be making me err on the side of safety (and enjoyment).

Thanks for the advice. Certainly would only go up with a good forecast, but might look into some other options.


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Agree also. Longview and Sunrise are two great family huts on the eastern side. Note that Sunrise is on the DOC booking system.

Also the day you don't pack a tent and go to a 2-person dog box biv will be the day someone beat you there!!