Explore Macaulay Hut: 17km Upriver 4WD Adventure!
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- čas přidán 4. 08. 2023
- Looking for an epic adventure that's off the beaten track? Look no further than the Macaulay River track in New Zealand. This incredible journey combines 4X4 track and river bed work, leading you to the final destination: Macaulay Hut. And let us tell you, this place is truly one of the best places to stay in all of New Zealand!
Located in the Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park, the Macaulay Hut is 17km up the Macaulay River, and can be accessed by 4WD vehicles, walking, or mountain biking. As you make your way there, keep an eye out for the DOC signs on the riverbed directing you towards the Macaulay Hut Track. And although the track is accessible all year round, be prepared for possible closures due to snow or high river levels caused by rain or snow melt.
But let's talk about the good stuff. The Macaulay Hut is an amazing place to stay and is a fantastic option for a weekend getaway or a pit-stop on your New Zealand tour. The hut is maintained with the help of the Mackenzie Alpine Trust and the local community and can be used by means of a donation. And if you want to leave a mark on this special place, you can even donate items to enhance the experience for future visitors.
Once you're inside the hut, you'll find 14 comfortable bunks with mattresses, providing a cozy space to rest and recharge after a day of exploring. And if you're traveling with a larger group, the living area has plenty of space for additional bed mats, ensuring that everyone can have a good night's sleep.
But before you kick back and relax, keep in mind that the Macaulay River track can be considered remote. So it's essential to be prepared with the appropriate gear. The weather in the area can be quite extreme and unpredictable, with both nighttime and daytime temperatures capable of rapidly dropping. And with the possibility of flash floods after heavy rain or snow melt, it's best to avoid this route during those periods.
If you do decide to take on the challenge, make sure your vehicle is equipped with good condition off-road tires and engine protection such as bash plates. You'll also want to have your vehicle equipped to handle water crossings. And since the track can be quite rugged, it's important to carry a comprehensive toolkit, spares, and the knowledge to perform track side repairs in case of any mechanical issues.
But trust me, it's all worth it. The Macaulay River track and Macaulay Hut offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience in the stunning landscape of New Zealand. So don't miss out on the chance to stay in this amazing hut in a breathtaking location. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
If you're after information on New Zealand tracks, I have created comprehensive Patreon posts that provide additional information to aid in the planning of your next adventure. These posts include a range of useful information, including detailed information on the tracks, including downloadable GPX files.
Additionally, you will find essential information on the necessary permissions, the history of the area, and interesting facts. All of these resources are designed to assist you in planning your next adventure with ease and confidence:
- Macauley Hut track: / 77935678
- The Macauley Hut: / 77944474
You can try the Patreon membership free for 7 days and have access to all the exclusive content I've created and shared with my members.
Why not give it a go? - / explorewithmarcus
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Mate this is a fantastic video. What time of year was this video taken? Thanks for sharing such a detailed video of the track.
Thank you, this was over new years, height of summer. Let me know if you want any additional information.
Hey, what a spot…!! how advanced would you say this track is? In summer months, is this suitable for drivers with limited experience?
It’s pretty easy once you’ve done a bit of 4wd’ing. Major things on the track is the river crossing. Just walk the crossing and if you can, then you’ll be good. But if the river is up, please don’t attempt to cross, because you have to be at work on Monday. There are numerous examples of utes stuck and buried for weeks in the Macauley river, because people did stupid things.
Would be best to have a mate go with you and ensure you have a snatch strap or something, if you get in trouble.
For the main Macauley crossing at the end of the gravel road, use the well worn track. The gravel bars can be very soft and you can sink your truck to the chassis.
But in general, the track is pretty easy and the first time out there is always very magical.
Send me a PM if you need more info.
That's a popular hut!
Yes, it is. In December during school holidays it is not uncommon to have up to 40 people staying there.
Thank for sharing this video. I was searching on the actual route to get to Macauley Hut. Google map only show me bicycle/walking route. I plan to use Bicycle route.
I will drive Toyota Land Cruiser (4WD), is this vehicle good to start this adventure journey? Is the river level very deep? Can you give me few advise or suggestion, so I can drive safe in this adventure journey in Christmas this year. Thank you very much
My pleasure. A Toyota Land Cruiser would be fine. Normally around xmas the water levels in Macauley is not to deep, but can rise quickly after a rain storm in the catchment of the river.
Might be a dumb question but is there service up there or partway up the river?? Cheers!
Not as far as I know.
Would this track be suitable for a stock BT50 no snorkel?
Yes, first time we took a stock Hilux with standard size tyres (AT) and no lift in. If you go, just walk any water that look deep, don't just drive in. A while back there was a Hilux drowned and it took a group of 15 or so 4wd's and a lot of digging one weekend to get it out.
Just be sensible when you cross the rivers. Check the depth and the bottom for big rocks and if there is a pebble bar, check if it is soft before you drive over it.
Is this a re upload of an old video or a new video?
This video is my first ever video I made for the channel. It has minor edits.
@explorewithmarcus sorry so is that a re-upload from the old channel or not? Haha