Breast Hill

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 -44.58256396, 169.32003823

Yes
1521 m	1569 m
1514 m	352 m

			Total
	6.74 km	6.64 km	13.38 km
	2h 33min 29s	1h 30min	4h 3min 29s
	2.63 km/h	4.43 km/h	3.3 km/h

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This hike goes up Breast Hill (1578 m) which is a mountain in the vicinity of Lake Hawea. It follows the Breast Hill Track from the Department of Conservation (DOC). Breast Hill Track forms part of the Te Araroa, the long distance track that spans the length of New Zealand.
The official track from DOC starts off the gravel road on the East side of Hawea Lake. There is not enough space to park cars there, although you will find a sign post advicing of a car park about 350 meters further on the road.
The car park is not big but enough for 4 or 5 cars.

From the car park we can see the first climb and how steep it is until reaching a saddle.
Once ready you start walking going back on the gravel road along the lake until reaching the start of the track. We make a left and start the ascend. It's steep from the very begining and it gets steeper and steeper as we climb, to the point where the track starts zig-zaging before reaching the saddle. From the saddle you already have great views of the lake, and also direct views of your car which makes you realize how much you have gone up already.

At the saddle you make a left turn and when you look at the ridge going up you realize how little you have done so far.
This next rocky and steep section goes for a bit less than 4 Kilometres until you reach a junction. This is the hardest part of the track. On the junction if you continue straight you get to the Pakituhi Hut but we are making a left turn here to continue ascending on the Te Araroa track.

From this point onwards is also steep but a lot less and not so rocky but more grass. The views from this part of the ridge are astonishing, with Lake Hawea on the West side and the mountains on the East side.
After about 2.4 kilometres you finally get to the top. At the summit you will find a trig point. The views are fantastic all around. I'm not totally sure but I think the highest mountain you see far on the West side is Mount Aspiring (3033 m), one of the highest and most iconic mountains in New Zealand.

To go back to the car we follow the same path we took to come up.

This track could be divided into 3 parts:

1. The first climb to the saddle which goes for about 300 meters.
This part is steep but easy.

2. The rocky ridge from the saddle to the junction (about 4 Kms)
Steep, rocky and a bit exposed. Take care here with the loose gravel.

3. From the junction to the summit (2.4 Kms)
Not too steep, grasy and rewarding views.

In summary, this is a great walk with great views. I would just be careful on the second part if it's raining or wet. I would definitely won't do it if there is ice on the track.