Mt Fyffe (1602 m) is located on the Seaward Kaikōura Range and overlooks the Kaikōura coastline. The mountain provides amazing views of Kaikōura and the main peaks of the Seaward Range further inland and can be climbed as a day walk or as an overnight trip, with Mt Fyffe Hut located partway up. The connecting track network also encompasses the respective Kōwhai and Hapuku valleys, allowing options for different circuits. Mt Fyffe is named after Robert Fyffe, a whaler who introduced sheep and milking goats to Kaikōura.
The 4WD track begins at the car park and immediately begins climbing. The track zig-zags steeply upwards through regenerating native bush. After 2 km you will reach a grassy clearing where the upper end of Kaiterau Climbing Trail and the Kaiterau Downhill Trail begins. Above here the track continues along the crest of the range, zig-zagging upward to Mt Fyffe Hut. The hut is positioned in a low saddle in a clearing. Just prior to the hut Spaniard Spur Track drops down the western side of the range, eventually reaching the Kowhai River Route at the valley floor (2 km). The hut is a good place to stop and assess whether conditions are safe enough to continue to the summit.
