This track is a steep and unrelenting uphill climb but quickly rewards you with GREAT views of Lake Hawea and the Southern Alps, including Mt. Aspiring. It's only a 4km trek to the hut, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a short and easy stroll!
From the road to Pakituhi Hut the track is a steady climb rising 400 meters on a formed zig-zag track to a small saddle. You'll get increasingly better views of Lake Hawea as you climb up the switch-backs, and you might walk alongside some sheep that make the uphill slog look much easier than it feels. The next section of track follows a prominent ridge to the highest point (1300 m). This section is a bit more technical since you sometimes scramble on all fours, but it can still be done without rock climbing skills. At the high point you can descend to the hut or keep heading up to the Breast Hill summit, which is well worth it on a clear day.