5 superb trip reports inside - Volume 97, No 3 - Auckland Tramping Club
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Volume 97, No 3 April 2022
5 superb trip reports inside …
Auckland Tramping Club Inc, PO Box 2358, Shortland St, Auckland 1140
Website: www.aucktramping.org.nz email: secretary@aucktramping.org.nz
CLUB CONTACTS
President:
In this issue
Tony Walton 027 478 5223
president@aucktramping.org.nz
Secretary:
03 President’s Column
Jim Morrow 021 264 6085
secretary@aucktramping.org.nz 04 News and Views
Treasurer:
Michael Champion 027 225 4451 06 Your ATC Diary
treasurer@aucktramping.org.nz
Sunday Trips: 07 Day Trips Programme
Tony Walton 027 478 5223
tonywalking@gmail.com 15 Multiday Tramp Programme
Weekend Trips: 15 Eastern Ruahines – April (Easter)
Andrew Murdoch 021 489 206 17 West of Waitomo – May
trips@aucktramping.org.nz
Wednesday Trips:
18 Top of the North – June (Queen’s
Linda Webber 817 5111 Birthday)
Transport & Equipment:
Keith Ayton 630 7010 20 Trip Reports
transport@aucktramping.org.nz 20 The Remarkables Christmas Trip
Membership Admin 24 Anniversary Weekend Medium
Liz Ware 524 7409 Fit Trip
membership@aucktramping.org.nz
27 Tararua Ranges – Fit Party
Distribution:
Colin Wright 620 6713 30 Interim Fit Trip
distribution@aucktramping.org.nz 36 Interim Revival 2022
Wanderlust Editor:
Dennis Brown 021 1955590 40 Trip Information
wanderlust@aucktramping.org.nz
Website:
Tony Walton 630 2591 The next Wanderlust will be our
website@aucktramping.org.nz
May 2022 edition, deadline for
Social Convenor:
Chris Burnett 021 1430676 contributions Tuesday 19 April.
burnett102@icloud.com Please send contributions to
Ngaro Te Kotare Hut: wanderlust@aucktramping.org.nz
Robin Houston 0274 310 010 with Wanderlust as the subject.
(8am – 5pm)
8177849 The deadlines for contributions
(7pm – 9pm) each month can be viewed on the
ntkhut@aucktramping.org.nz
Club website on the Wanderlusts
No calls after 9.00pm please
page under the News menu.
The deadlines for
Cover photo: Resting at the glacial lakecontributions
under Mt Heim – seeeach report page 30.
month can be viewed
Auckland Tramping Club Inc, PO Boxat:2358, Shortland St, Auckland 1140
www.aucktramping.org
Website: www.aucktramping.org.nz email: secretary@aucktramping.org.nz
President’s column
What a busy time of year – trampers coming and going
in all directions!
The pandemic is winding its course through our club
events – more often than not now, pre-booked weekend
trips have a couple of people having to pull out at the
last minute because of being Covid positive or a close
contact.
We really appreciate everyone taking the time before
such events to ask themselves whether they are 100%
well, and checking for themselves if not. The availability
of RAT tests is a real bonus – not 100% dependable of
course, but such a quick way to check out any niggling
doubts.
We are unfortunately still not running club nights, but continue to assess the
situation.
I am pleased to accept the club’s nomination yet again to represent northern
outdoors people on the FMC Executive – there are so many challenges ahead
for recreation in our region and nationally, with the FMC being a stalwart
independent organisation representing recreation interests for our public
conservation land.
A group of us recently spent a week doing track maintenance work for the
Backcountry Trust in the Waitotara Forest, working from Tahupo Hut to
Puteore Hut and then on westwards to reach the “big clearing”.
It was a real change to have a helicopter shuttle in and out.
Seven days track clearing in a row is hard, but immensely rewarding work.
I am working on the BCT to take on the track from Puteore Hut north to
Humphries Clearing – that would be a real coup to reclaim the track from the
wilderness and reinstate it onto topo maps. Potentially a good project for next
year, so watch this space!
Tony Walton
3
News and views
ATC Covid-19 Requirements
• Participants on all club trips and events must be fully vaccinated and show
their vaccination certificate before joining the trip / event.
• When travelling on the bus, wear a mask.
• When travelling on an ATC cars trip, wear a mask while in the car.
We will continue to monitor the situation and public health measures and
respond accordingly as things evolve.
Club nights
Club nights continue to be suspended due to Covid. Keep an eye on our
website events calendar for updates.
New deck for NTK
Ngaro Te Kotare, our Waitakere hut, will soon be sporting a new deck.
It’ll be wider, grander, and flasher than the old one, making it perfect for
soaking up the sun or enjoying those late afternoon nibbles and drinks after a
hard day’s … um … relaxing(?).
Work is well underway, led by Club stalwarts Brian Delbridge and Jim Morrow,
for whom NTK is a second home. We can’t wait to see the finished product.
New members
The Club extends a big welcome to new members:
Margie Dobbie Paulina Koopen
Zoe Pollard
We hope to see you out and about with us soon!
4
Blast from the past
Here are two photos of Club trips to Castle Rock in the Coromandel – the first,
dug out of our archives by Jim Morrow, is from 1928, the second from 1986
taken by Keith Ayton.
It appears in 1986 nobody was as fearless as young Tom Wood was in 1928!
And you might like this item from Wanderlust April 1981:
5
ATC History Site
Over recent months the Archives sub-committee has been
beavering away collating and digitising the Club’s historical
records and materials.
These include our early newsletters, Wanderlusts and Annual
Reports, and a large number of photos, dating from the 1920s
through to the present day.
They’ll all be available soon on a sparkling new ATC history
website – a unique, fascinating and enlightening archive that’ll
be of huge general and historical interest not only to Club
members but the general public as well. Exciting stuff!
Your ATC diary
April
April 2-3 Day walk weekend – Te Waihou / Te Tapui /
Mangamuka Hut
April 8-10 Kaimai track maintenance
April 10 Sunday Tramp – Atiu Creek Regional Park
April 13 Wednesday tramp – Orakei, Parnell, Newmarket Loop
April 14-18 Extended Easter weekend trip – Ruahines
April 24 Sunday Tramp – Hapuakohe (Southern Half)
April 27 Wednesday tramp – Huia
May
May 1 Sunday Tramp – Mt Karangahake Loop
May 6-8 Kaimai track maintenance
May 8 Sunday Tramp – Hunuas
May 11 Wednesday tramp – Manukau Coast
May 13-15 Weekend trip – Tawarau Forest
May 13-22 Extended trip – Milford Track and Lake Adelaide
May 18 Possible Club night – to be confirmed
May 22 Sunday Tramp – Mt William & Te Araroa SH2 to Mercer
May 29 Sunday Tramp – Mangere Volcanoes
6
Day trips programme
To join a standard day trip
• Phone the leader if this is your first trip with the Club.
• Register your interest for a Wednesday tramp.
• Then just meet at the departure point.
Pay in cash on the day.
Participants must be fully vaccinated and show
their vaccination certificate. Masks required on bus.
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April – Te Waihou / Te Tapui
/ Mangamuka Hut
You must book online and pay in advance for this trip – see below
This weekend we will enjoy 3 walks:
Saturday: Te Waihou / Blue Springs Walkway near Putaruru – a little gem that
we never get to because of distance and a short walk time.
Saturday: Te Tapui Loop track between Cambridge and Matamata – a longer
and shorter option to get to a lookout.
Sunday: Kaimai – Mangamuka Hut.
We will stay at our regular Opal Hot
Springs Holiday Park near Matamata,
with a dinner option in town on
Saturday evening.
Destination: Te Waihou walkway,
Whites Rd near
Putaruru
Departure: 7:30 am Club garage,
31 Sandringham Rd,
Kingsland Te Tapui track
No second pickup.
Walk starts approx. 10.15 am.
Saturday Evening: The bus drives to the Opal Springs Holiday Park for people
to check in and change before going in to Matamata for dinner – or self-cater
at the Holiday Park. The hot pools are available to guests until 9pm.
7
Sunday: From Te Tuhi Road end the track heads up initially through open farm
land, with great views along the edge of the Kaimai Range and across the
Hauraki Plains. Ascent then continues through bush to reach the Mangamuka
Hut junction – turn right there and
1.25 hours later you will arrive at
Mangamuka Hut, one of the original
deer cullers’ huts maintained by
NZDA Bay of Plenty.
There will be time for a leisurely
lunch break in and around the hut,
before returning to the bus the same
way.
A faster group could do a longer Mangamuka Hut
return trip via Te Whare Okioki – if
interested, discuss with Tony.
Destination: DOC track sign at the end of Te Tuhi Road
Departure: 7:45 am Opal Springs Holiday Park
Leader: Tony Walton 027 478 5223 tonywalking@gmail.com
Transport: Club Bus
Driver: Keith Ayton
Bus Cost: Members $54, non-members $67
Accommodation: Make your own accommodation arrangements at Opal
Springs Holiday Park OR advise us when booking that you will want to sleep
on the bus. Various cabins and campsites available. Telephone 0800 800 198
Website http://www.opalhotsprings.co.nz/
If you have a cabin booked and have a spare bed to share with someone else,
please contact Tony.
If you would like to take advantage of a spare bed in a cabin already booked,
please contact Tony.
NOTE:
You need to bring food for Sunday breakfast, 2 lunches and if self-catering,
Saturday dinner. Also bring swimming togs, sleeping bag and the usual things
for a day walk and overnight toiletries.
Bookings now open on our website.
8
Sunday 10 April – Atiu Creek Regional Park
This is the third largest regional park on the shores of the Kaipara Harbour,
opened in 2008, and offers great views of Oruawharo river inlet together with
some reasonable walks through farmland and the occasional bit of bush.
Medium A variety of trails provide a great day out,
including Ti Tree Point and Kauri Point. Approx. 5-6
hours, with shorter options.
Leader: Martin Woodhead 021 397 734
Transport: Club bus
Driver: Allen Small
Destination: Atiu Creek car park, off Run Rd,
Wharehine
Departure: 8.00 am Club garage, 31 Sandringham
Rd, Kingsland
8.15 am Des Swann Drive (from Atiu bush track
Motorway, Esmonde Rd, left to Fred
Thomas, right to Des Swann)
On request to the driver or leader only
Cost: $20 members; non-members $25. Pay in cash on the day.
Wednesday 13 April – Orakei, Parnell, Newmarket
Loop
From Orakei Train Station, Orakei Basin loop, boardwalk around coast to
Thomas Bloodworth Park, coast to Awatea Reserve, Judges Bay, Rose
Gardens, Parnell Reserves and Parks, Domain bush track to Parnell Rd,
Newmarket Park, roads, reserves and parks back to Orakei. Low tide 10.31am.
Leader: Linda Webber 021 440711 linda.webber@xtra.co.nz
Transport: Private/Public
Meet: 9.45 am Orakei Station platform
Can train to Orakei Station or use private cars – parking
available in nearby side streets but may need to walk 5-10
minutes to the station.
Register: If you plan to join us, please email or TXT the leader, including
with your phone number, so that you can be contacted in the
event that our plans change.
9
Easter Sunday 17 April – No Day Walk This Weekend
This weekend the Club has a trip to the Ruahine Forest Park – see page 15.
If you want to lead a cars based trip this Sunday or a shorter weekend trip,
please contact Tony 027 478 5223.
Sunday 24 April – Hapuakohe (Southern Half)
Medium Beginning at the end of Mangapiko Valley Rd, the track follows a
farm track beside the Mangapiko Valley stream, crossing a small stream twice
before reaching the Mangapiko Valley Scenic Reserve. Just before reaching
the bush, there is a good outlook over the hilly farmland surrounding the
valley and a good bush walk to follow. The bush canopy is predominantly
tawa, kohekohe, pigeonwood/porokaiwhiri and pukatea.
After 15 minutes the track emerges at a fenceline alongside farmland with
great views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Follow up along this fenceline for 5
minutes and the marked track re-enters the bush. To reach Pukeitionga
transmitter station it is a steep 10 minute climb along a fenceline on privately
owned land. Extensive views are seen from the station (488m).
The track continues along the ridgeline to reach Maungakawa (535m), then
drops down through bush to Ohinewai Rd. Turn left and walk Ohinewai Rd
which changes its name to Matahuru Rd to reach the bus. Duration 5 hours.
Fit After reaching Ohinewai Rd, a faster party could walk into the very
picturesque waterfall area on the Hapuakohe North track and back again
(possibly an extra 4km), then follow the road to the bus.
Leader: Simon Rainger 021 683 000
Transport: Club bus
Driver: Simon Rainger and Athol Berry
Destination: East end Mangapiko Valley Rd, 20km east of Ohinewai on SH1.
Finish at Matahuru Road (on the western side of the range) at
the point where trucks are not permitted to travel further up
the road.
Departure: 8.00 am Club garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
8.15 am Marewa Rd, Greenlane, behind Countdown
Approx. start time of walk 9.30am
Cost: $20 members, $30 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.
10Wednesday 27 April – Huia
From the car park we will walk to the base of the dam and return. This does
include a short tunnel and you may prefer a torch to go through.
Unfortunately the track up to the Dam itself is closed because of dieback. We
will then drive the short distance to the Karamatura car park and do
Karamatura loop recently upgraded after the slips of last August. If time we
will go to the waterfall.
Leader: Linda Webber 021 440711 linda.webber@xtra.co.nz
Transport: Private cars
Meet: 9.45 am Huia Dam Rd parking area (just before gated access
road)
Register: If you plan to join us, please email or TXT the leader, including
with your phone number, so that you can be contacted in the
event that our plans change.
Sunday 1 May – Mt Karangahake Loop
Medium Start at the entrance to the Forest Park, then follow the direct route
up Mt Karangahake 544m with its great views. Continue on the Around the
Mountain track and return to the carpark via Dickey Flat and the Waitawheta
Pipeline Walk, including the spectacular old mining tunnels of the Windows
Walk. Time 6 hours.
Leader: Louise Inglis
027 568 4734
Medium / Easy Option 1
Climb more gradually to the
summit of Mt Karangahake
via less direct route. Return
down the direct route to near
the carpark, then take a loop Part of the Windows Walk
through the Windows Walk
and back to the bus. Time 5 hours.
Medium / Easy Option 2
Rather than climbing to the summit, follow the County Road and Dubbo 96
track to Dickey Flat. Return via the Waitawheta Pipeline Walk, including the
spectacular old mining tunnels of the Windows Walk. Time 5 hours.
Leader: Tony Walton 027 478 5223
Transport: Club Bus
Driver: Suresh Nanu
11Destination: Karangahake Gorge carpark
Departure: 8.00 am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
8.15 am Marewa Rd, Greenlane, behind Countdown
Cost: $25 members $30 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.
Note: Bring a torch to explore the tunnels in the Windows Walk.
Sunday 8 May – Hunua: Massey, Cossey, Wairoa River
Track
Medium After checking out the Hunua Falls (even better if it has been
raining!) take the Cosseys Gorge track to the junction with the Massey Track.
Turn onto that track and ascend steadily to the junction at the top of the hill
with the Wairoa Cosseys Track. Turn left and follow that track until it crosses
Cosseys Dam at the head of the reservoir.
A short way down the road, past
the toilets, take the Cosseys Gorge
Track and follow that down the
valley to a junction. At that point
turn right and climb up to the road
where you turn left and proceed
down the road for a short distance
before picking up the Wairoa River
Track on your right.
Steps take you down into a pine Hunua Falls
plantation alongside the Wairoa
River, before climbing uphill to skirt around a gorge section before dropping
back to follow the river through some pretty stretches of bush to reach
McNicol Road. Walk along the road until you reach the bus. Duration 5-6
hours.
Leader: Eng Khor 021 810 550
Transport: Club bus
Driver: TBA
Destination: Hunua Falls carpark
Departure: 8:00 am Club garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
8:15 am Marewa Rd, Greenlane, behind Countdown
Cost: $15 members, $20 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.
12Wednesday 11 May – Manukau Coast: Taylors Bay to
Lynfield Cove and return
We will use a mix of coast, coastal walkways, reserves and roads taking in
spectacular views along the way. Coast can be muddy and boots
recommended – low tide 12.30pm.
Leader: Linda Webber 021 440711 linda.webber@xtra.co.nz
Transport: Private cars
Meet: 9.30 am Bluff Tce car park Taylors Bay (Hillsborough Rd, Goodall
St, right Frederick St and then left into Bluff Tce)
Register: If you plan to join us, please email or TXT the leader, including
with your phone number, so that you can be contacted in the
event that our plans change.
Sunday 15 May – No Day Walk This Weekend
This weekend the Club has a trip to the Tawarau Forest and King Country –
see page 17. If you want to lead a cars based trip this Sunday or a shorter
weekend trip, please contact Tony 027 478 5223.
Sunday 22 May – Mt William and Te Araroa from SH2 to
Mercer
This is a two part walk, the first part over Mt William itself in open farmland
but descending into attractive bush. The second part includes part of the Te
Araroa walkway which follows the Mangatawhiri river.
Medium Ascend via the Mt William Walkway through farmland in the Bombay
Hills to Mt William (373m), providing great views in all directions. A steady
descent through bush on the other side
will take us to the bus waiting for us at
McMillan Rd. Duration 2-3 hours.
A short shuttle trip along SH2 will take
us to a drop-off point past the
Mangatawhiri River bridge, to which we
then return, now on the Te Araroa route
that has just left the Hunuas and is on its
way to the Waikato River.
Mt William trig
13This track opens up a little-seen corner of New Zealand that you'll overlook
from the stop bank, Dutch Polder-style agriculture. It follows the
Mangatawhiri River from the SH2 bridge south-west to the exit at McIntyre
Road. From there a short road walk takes us to a further section of the trail
that ends at the Mercer service centre and the waiting bus … after any local
refreshments that people require. Duration 2-3 hours.
Leader: TBA
Easy Choose whether to do just the Mt William section or the Mangatawhiri
River Track, staying with the driver for the section that you want to bypass.
Leader: TBA
Transport: Club Bus
Driver: TBA
Destination: Puketutu Rd, Bombay Hills
Departure: 8.30 am Club garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
8.45 am Marewa Rd, Greenlane, behind Countdown
Cost: $15 members, $20 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.
Sunday 29 May – Mangere Volcanoes
Second in the series of four Auckland volcanoes walks, providing a great
insight into Auckland’s volcanic history.
Easy Medium From Gloucester Park (Te Hopua a Rangi volcano) we will cross
Mangere Bridge for our single climb of the day up Mangere Mountain. We will
descend to Mangere Lagoon before walking out to Puketutu Island.
Returning to the coast and the Watercare Walkway we pass the tuff ring of
Waitomokia volcano as we make our way down to the Otuataua Stonefields
to view Pukeiti, Otuataua and Maungataketake volcanoes and meet the bus.
Time 5-6 hours.
Leader: Christine Major 021 109 5750
Transport: Club Bus
Driver: TBA
Destination: Gloucester Park, 62-70 Onehunga Mall
Departure: 8.30 am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
Cost: $15 members $20 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.
Note: The start point is close to Onehunga railway station. If travelling
by train, use a service that is scheduled to arrive by 8.30. On
request to the driver, you can be returned to Onehunga at the
end of the walk.
14Multiday trips programme
Eastern Ruahines – Extended To join a weekend tramp
Easter 14-18 April 1. Discuss trip with leader and obtain
A chance to enjoy the superb tops, valleys approval to register.
and huts of the Eastern Ruahine. Options 2. Register online via the trip
of luxuriating at wonderful Sunrise Hut, description page. Any problems,
doing some serious hut bagging, whipping contact the Bookings Officer:
Dennis Brown
around the tops above Waterfall Hut, or
6200144, 021 1955590
checking out two less visited huts and bookings@aucktramping.org.nz
locations. Something for everyone!
3. Pay trip fee into Club account: 02-
The bus will leave at 10 am Thursday for 0100-0024675-00. Quote your
the parking area for Sunrise Hut on North name, trip number and “weekend”.
Block Road (approx. 8 hrs). Option of either You’re only confirmed on the trip
sleeping on the bus, or walk in to Triplex when you’re completed all 3 steps!
Hut 12 bunks (10 mins). Be sure you comply with our
Easy Three nights at Sunrise Hut (booked) Covid regulations.
with a mix of river, bush, tops and an
historic hut
Friday from Sunrise Track parking or Triplex Hut take Swamp Track to
Waipawa River, head upriver to Waipawa Forks Hut, then take track up to
Sunrise Track and on up to Sunrise Hut. 6hrs.
Saturday and Sunday Day trips to historic Top Maropea Hut and north to pt
1499 (4 hrs); and to Te Atuaoparapara and pt 1625 (5hrs return) or beyond to
Waipawa Saddle (7hrs return).
Monday descend Sunrise Track to road end with optional side trip to Triplex
Hut. 2.5 hrs.
Leader: John Parsons 020 411 514 14 awaawa@xtra.co.nz
Medium Waipawa/Waikamaka delight
Friday take road or Swamp Track to Waipawa River, head up past Waipawa
Forks Hut to Waipawa Saddle and over the other side on marked route to
Waikamaka Hut (8 bunks). Note: some steepish parts and minor scrambling
required. 6-7 hrs.
Saturday day trip from Waikamaka Hut. Options to visit waterfall 1.5 km
downstream then up side stream on true right; climb to Rangi Saddle and
return; visit Waterfall Hut (6hrs return); or climb Rangioteatua (5hrs return).
15Sunday return to Waipawa Saddle, traverse tops over Te Atuaoparapara and
descend to historic Top Maropea Hut (4 bunks). 6 hrs.
Monday return to main range, descend past Sunrise Hut to road end. 3hrs.
Leader: Chris Burnett 021 143 0676 burnett102@icloud.com
Medium Fit Hut bagging on steroids – 8 huts in 4 days!
Friday take road or Swamp Track to Waipawa River, track to Smiths Stream
Hut, river and rough track to Hinerua Hut (4 bunks). 7 hrs.
Saturday Ascend spur over pt 1489 to Broken Ridge, head north, take scree
slope just south of Paemutu down to Tussock Creek then Kawhatau River to
Waterfall Hut (6 bunks). Good camping at hut or Rangi Creek. 7 hrs.
Sunday head downstream, up Rangi
Creek to Rangi Saddle and down to
Waikamaka Hut. Ascend to Waipawa
Saddle, head north over Te
Atuaoparapara, drop packs and duck
down to bag Top Maropea Hut, return
to range and descend to Sunrise Hut
(booked). 8 hrs.
Monday early start, descend Sunrise
Track, take right turn to Waipawa Forks
Trampers on Te Atuaoparapara
Hut, head down river, take Swamp Track
to Triplex Hut and road end. 4.5 hrs.
Leader: Tony Walton 027 478 5223 tonywalking@gmail.com
Fit Waterfall Hut and tops circuit
Friday Swamp Track or road to Waipawa River, upriver to Waipawa Saddle,
descend to Waikamaka Hut. Head over Rangi Saddle to Waterfall Hut. 9 hours.
Saturday Day trip – head downstream, up Iron Peg Creek and Trig Creek to
Mangaweka, the highest point in the Ruahines. Follow tops to Iron Peg and on
to ridge leading to Ohuinga. We then have several options for returning to
Waterfall Hut – known routes include via Pinnacle Creek, a slip just before pt
1584, a scree slope just south of Paemutu on Broken Ridge down to Tussock
Creek, off the N end of Broken Ridge from Paemutu. Or try something else.
Routeguides website times: 2 hrs to Mangaweka; times from Iron Peg: to
Pinnacle Creek 1.5 hrs, to Ohuinga 3 hrs, to Paemutu 4.25 hrs.
Sunday return to Rangi Saddle, climb to Rangioteatua, follow tops north to
Sunrise Hut (booked). 8 hrs.
Monday descend Sunrise Track to road end.
Leader: Dennis Brown 021 195 5590 dennis.brown@xtra.co.nz
16Transport: Club Bus
Drivers: Chris Burnett and Lee McKay
Transport Cost: $117 members, $146 non-members
Accommodation Costs (Sunrise Hut): Easy $50, Medium-Fit $15, Fit $15
Add accommodation cost (if applicable) to transport cost when paying.
Hut tickets/annual hut pass as required for all other huts.
Destination: North Block Road carpark
Departure: Thursday 10 am, Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Road
Notes: Tents to be carried except for Easy party
Maps: NZTopo50 BK36 Taora Junction & BL36 Norsewood
West of Waitomo: Tawarau Forest / King Country – 13-
15 May
Spectacular limestone landscape in the heart of the Waitomo district. 2 day
walks – Medium.
Friday head to Waitomo and accommodation – Hamilton Tomo Group Hut,
Waitomo. Bunk rooms, kitchen, etc – sleeping bag, pillows required.
Saturday drive to Appletree Road end. Tawarau Falls Loop Track to Tawarau
Falls, Bullring Route to Gorge Track and Mangaohae Stream to Were Road.
Side trip to Double Falls a possibility, swimming opportunity somewhere along
the way a probability.
Easier group can return to the bus with the driver from
Tawarau Falls and drive round to pick up the rest of the
group at Were Road end.
Accommodation: Waitanguru Community Hall – fully
equipped kitchen, sleep in bus or floor of the hall
(sleeping pad required).
Sunday farmland round Waitanguru, wetlands, a bit of
bush, a few fossils, a cave or two (head torch required).
Note: Sunday itinerary may be subject to change.
Leader: Martin Woodhead 021 397 734
Transport: Club Bus
Driver: Simon Rainger
Transport Cost: $65 members, $81 non-members
Accommodation Cost: $30 Top Double Falls
Add accommodation cost to transport cost when paying
Departure: Friday 7.00 pm, Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Road
NO DINNER BREAK EN ROUTE
17Milford Track and Lake Adelaide – 13-22 May
Medium Fit Some spaces are now available on this trip. See our website for
details and contact Chris Burnett burnett@eo.net.nz.
Top of the North – 3-6 June (Queen’s Birthday
Weekend)
Enjoy beach walking, superb clifftop views and beachside camping with
swimming opportunities in the Far North for the long weekend.
Easy Saturday After dropping off the other parties, drive to Cape Reinga to
explore this interesting area at the accessible top end of the country. Then
walk (day pack only) from there through to Tapotupotu Bay (3 hours) where
you will stay for 2 nights (camping or on the bus).
Sunday Walk the Twilight / Te
Werahi Loop Track to Te Werahi
Beach, continue past Herangi
Hill, and then take a detour out
to lunch at the lighthouse on
top of the cliffs at Cape Maria
van Diemen. Return to the main
track, continuing to the top end
of Twilight beach, then head
inland on the track back to the
bus. Return to Tapotupotu
campsite.
Monday Follow the Te Paki Descending to Te Werahi Beach, Cape Maria van
Coastal Track eastwards towards Diemen in distance, ATC 2016 trip
Pandora for more cliff-top views,
then return to the bus.
Leader: TBA
Medium Saturday Drop-off on SH1 at the Pandora Track. Follow that through
to the side tracks to Kauri Bush and the Te Paki summit, with great views
along the way. Continue on down to the Pandora campsite for an afternoon
to explore the coastal cliffs and beaches, rock pools, waterfall and eastwards
towards the Waitahora Lagoon. 5 hours, plus exploring from Pandora.
Sunday Take the Te Paki Coastal Track through to the Tapotupotu campsite
with spectacular clifftop views. 4-5 hours.
18Monday Load your overnight gear on the bus, then continue on the Coastal
Track to Cape Reinga, Te Werahi Beach, to Herangi Hill for views out to Cape
Maria van Diemen, then take one branch of the Twilight / Te Werahi Loop
Track up to SH1 to wait for the bus.
Leader: TBA
Medium Fit Saturday Drop-off 4kms along the Te Hapua Rd to start from the
eastern end of the Kohuroanaki Loop Track. Follow that over Kohuroanaki to
the Kohuroanaki Skyline Track, and continue on that, joining up with the Te
Paki Coastal Track through to Tapotupotu campsite – possibly 8-9 hours BUT
carrying a day pack only, as the bus will be there with your gear when you
arrive!
Sunday Take the Te Paki Coastal Track through to Cape Reinga, then onto the
start of the Te Araroa Trail along Te Werahi Beach, over Herangi Hill to the
Twilight Beach campsite (free) 6.5 hours. An optional detour (recommended)
out to the lighthouse at Cape Maria van Diemen – add 1.5 hours.
Monday Continue on the Coastal Track / Te Araroa walkway down to Ninety
Mile Beach, along the beach to Te Paki Stream, then up the stream to the
carpark to wait for the bus 4.5 hours.
Leader: TBA
Transport: Club Bus
Drivers: Suresh Nanu, Keith Ayton
Transport Cost: $103 members, $129 non-members
Accommodation Cost: Tapotupotu Campsite $15 per person per night. Other
campsites free. Add your campsite fees to the Transport Cost
when booking. (Easy party $30, other parties $15)
Destination: Friday night, Raetea North Side campsite
Departure: Friday 7.00 pm, Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Road, Kingsland
NO DINNER BREAK EN ROUTE
Maps: Topo50 AT24 Cape Reinga
Winter Trip, Paparoa Track and Mt Arthur Tableland –
10-22 June
Some spaces may be available on this trip. See our website for details and
contact Christine Major christinemajor25@gmail.com.
19Trip reports
The Remarkables Christmas Trip 2022
by Robin Houston
JANUARY 5
After a night in Queenstown following my Mt Earnslaw trip, I was away with a
fresh team to the nearby Remarkables Conservation Area. Our start was
delayed to 1pm due to the shuttle company bumping us back for a higher
paying client, which meant reversing the direction of our loop giving us a short
first day.
The shuttle dropped us off at the Remarkables Ski fields main building at
1585m, resulting in the easiest 1300m climb I’ve done in a long time.
We experienced a little confusion at the start as there were tracks and ski-
field service roads going in all directions. While I was trying to work out the
easiest way to the ridgeline, Fay was storming ahead based on the GPX file I
had supplied straight up a rocky spur, which was not the easiest route to take
but right on track.
From the ridge 1935m, the country opened right up before us with rolling
tussock hills to the east and jagged mountain peaks to the west. Skirting some
remnants of winter snow, we dropped down to a small tarn at 1700m and
then on to two larger tarns at 1650m & 1600m.
We then sidled for a while at 1600m before beginning the descent to our
planned campsite at Glen Roy Raceman’s Hut at 1050m. Part way down we
realised this would mean an 800m climb back up the next morning, and that it
would be smarter to camp at one of the higher streams or tarns. Changing
direction, we climbed to a very nice campsite with fresh water at 1540m and,
as it was almost 6pm dinner time, I declared it a day.
20The rock of The Remarkables is a hard, quartz-veined schist giving very good
grip for foot and hand as opposed to the loose flaky Weetbix-like schist of Mt
Earnslaw which gave you no confidence of your footing at all.
JANUARY 6
6:30 am, thick cloud with very limited visibility, “take another ½ hour in bed” I
said and went back to sleep. An hour later, Fay was packed and ready to go. I
should have said take an hour as the cloud had not lifted.
On the way in I had seen
our way out, but now it
would be down to compass
and GPS, mainly GPS as is
my habit. Climbing initially
to get above some bluffs,
then a short sidle at 1800m
above a tarn hidden in
cloud just below us,
followed by a short 100m
climb to the ridgeline and 4WD track to get back on our planned route.
The 4WD track was hardly noticeable on the rocky ridgeline but we managed
to follow it for half an hour before dropping off to descend to Doolans Creek
Left Branch, 700m below. The cloud was now clearing to reveal the dramatic
beauty of the landscape which offered so much variation in such a small area.
It was easy going down to the creek, arriving at a nice grassy patch just in time
for lunch in brilliant sunshine. After lunch, we climbed 700m back up a steep
spur towards Te Karearea Peak, followed by a steep 200m drop to a tarn and
proposed campsite.
Going down the rocky scree slope to the tarn, Alex called out for a patch as
she had cut her finger on the rocks. I had done the same so didn’t think too
much of it. It was not until we reached the bottom when we compared my
scratch to her very bloody bandage that I thought this might be serious!
The tarn was too rocky, so we continued downstream where we found some
flat patches of ground out of the wind. Alex wanted to keep going but I think
she was only avoiding having to deal with her injury (or was it my offer of help
with needle and thread). While coming down the slope, a rock had fallen onto
her finger and crushed it, and so we cleaned and bandaged it up as best we
could.
JANUARY 7
Another beautiful day. I checked on Alex, she gave me a smile and appeared
keen to continue.
21By 7:50 am we were under way sidling down 200m to the Nevis Burn. We
then followed the Burn upstream to the 1500 contour where we crossed to
the true right and started our climb up to the pass.
About this time, Alex advised me of her intention to leave us once we reached
the Wye Creek South Branch which heads down the valley to State Highway 6
where she would catch a lift to Queenstown Hospital.
Once over the 1880m pass, we dropped 550m to just above Wye Creek where
we said goodbye to Alex. Her exit route looked easy and she was confident
she would make it out by nightfall. I sent her an inReach message and told her
to reply within two days or I would initiate a search.
Fay and I headed upstream to Lake Hope, reaching the lake at 4:40 pm. We
decided to press on to the next tarns. I could see the proposed climb out from
this basin was too steep but another pass to the east looked achievable with
only a minor change to our planned route, so we made camp and looked
forward to tomorrow.
JANUARY 8
Starting at 7:25 am, we began our climb over boulders and up a scree slope,
working our way around ice, to reach the pass at 2020m.
From the pass, we could have easily descended to the Wye Creek Route 900m
below and followed this route all the way to Lake Alta. However in doing so,
we would have missed some of the best scenery of the trip.
Sidling around the west side of point 2172 on large boulders, we became
bluffed and had to backtrack to a climb above them before continuing along
the ridgeline to just before point 2127 where we crossed to a pass. From the
pass we could see four large tarns in the valley below, so finding a rock ledge
to sit on we stopped for morning tea and enjoyed the view.
22Alex made contact with us around this time via text to confirm she had
reached hospital the previous night and had suffered a fractured finger.
After a steep descent to the first tarn at 1900m, we continued down to the
second tarn. From the topo map I was expecting an easy valley walk, instead
we had a valley full of large boulders as if the mountain had imploded and left
a pile of rubble behind.
We finally reached the
second tarn at 1720m at
12:00 pm where we
stopped for lunch.
Proceeding up past the
remaining two tarns, we
commenced a steep sidle
over large boulders to
reach the pass at 2000m
and another valley full of
large tarns and views of
Double Cone. This valley
was all tussock-covered
and was easily crossed,
leaving one last scree climb up to the pass at 1950m to cross before
descending to camp at Lake Alta.
Lake Alta, being only 30 minutes from the Remarkables ski-fields, is a very
popular day walk for tourists and climbers wanting to summit Double Cone.
We managed to find a campsite slightly away from the tourists next to the
stream from the lake for our final night.
JANUARY 9
A leisurely morning rise for a short walk down to the ski-field’s carpark and
our shuttle pickup at 9 am.
Surprisingly, we met a chamois on
the way down which must have
been sick or blind as it would have
bumped into us if it had not smelled
us and ducked for cover – we had
only been tramping for five days!
We were: Robin Houston (leader),
Fay Zhong, and Alex Sancho, who
recovered after a day’s rest to
complete another multiday trip.
23Anniversary Weekend Medium-Fit Trip
by Andrew Murdoch
DAY 1, THURSDAY 27 JAN
Drove down, Shields Flat carpark to Parawai lodge at Otaki Forks, 1hr.
Camped in the bush and had a happy reunion with our fellows in the other
club trip parties at Parawai.
DAY 2, FRIDAY 28 JAN
8.00 am departure from Otaki
Forks along the Waiotauru Track to
bridge, 3.5 hrs (slips en route). Half
an hour up track to the old logging
route up the Eastern Waiotauru
(Snowy) River where we were
pleasantly surprised by a flowering
grove of hydrangeas and a helpful
soul with a long history in the area who gave us a couple
of pointers for our way ahead.
Down to the Snowy for lunch, where Chris was kind
enough to model his fetching new DCF rain kilt for us, then
followed overgrown discreetly-taped old logging tracks to
campsite (2hrs). Snowy campsite a delightful spot on a
summer's afternoon. Chris introduced the party to the
thrill-a-minute sport of 'my stick can travel down the river
further/faster than yours.'
DAY 3, SAT 29 JAN
7.00 am departure, found a lightly taped route up to .666
ridge, where travel was very pleasant. Arrived at Elder Hut
by 11.30
and had a
relaxed lunch there.
After a good initial trail to the
old hut site it was a pretty
scrubby start down the 700m
of Elder's sw ridge to upper
Western Hutt forks. Travel
down the ridge was generally
good going but slowish due
to frequent navving, 3.5hrs
from Elder to Western Hutt
Heading up the Snowy River
24River where we camped just up-stream from the forks.
This was, if anything, an even
more delightful campsite than
the night before's. Swims were
had, goats were heard, an
elderly eel attacked Uta twice
when she tried to bathe in its
back yard, sticks were raced.
DAY 4, SUN 30 JAN
7.00 am departed up a spur at
the forks to .1015 spur, then
up to Quoin by 11.00 (good
Elder Hut
going all the way). 1hr relaxed
lunch on Quoin.
Slowish but ok going
thereafter (had been
somehow expecting more of a
ground trail between Quoin
and Alpha), very hot. 3hrs
from Quoin to Alpha.
Found a 'small tarn' on Alpha,
Uta said 'let's camp!', all
agreed. Good to have had
water treatment tablets in the
group as one person's small
tarn is another's deer wallow. Battling up to Quoin
Gorgeous early evening with
great views of the Dress Circle and further afield. Wind got up, cloud came in,
windy night in the tents. No sticks found for racing in our tarn/deer wallow.
DAY 5, MON 31 JAN
After a 7.30 departure, got to
Mt Hector in about 3 hrs,
having met 3 Waikato TC folk
going the other way near
Aston finishing their SK,
though not quite within the
regulation 48hrs sadly (look up
Schormann-Kaitoke if
interested).
Lay around on Hector in the
sun for half an hour admiring Those socks won’t dry! Camp on Alpha, 1361m
25Neill - Winchcombe and further afield, wandered over Field Pk and down to
Kime, boiled the billy and had a relaxed lunch there. Then 2.5 hrs down to
Field Hut by 3.30. 8 hrs for the day, maybe 6 of which was tramping.
The Dress Circle laid out before us
Relaxed at Field, no one else there. A guy trotted past, grateful for one of
Dennis's muesli bars, had run the entire Southern Main Range loop in 12 hrs
(and he thought he was
slow – record is
something like 8hrs!).
Pulled the top off one of
the water tanks, sticks
were becalmed, racing
called off.
DAY 6, TUES 1 FEB
Wandered down to Otaki
Forks for a swim in the
river under the swing
Waikato TC trampers on the skyline bridge, then back down
the road to the cars.
Amazed by, and grateful
for, 6 days of blue skies
and no wind to speak of
in the Tararuas.
We were: Andrew
Murdoch (leader), Dennis
Brown, Chris Burnett, Uta
Machold.
The crew at Field Hut
26Tararua Ranges – Fit Party January 2022
by Tony Walton
This was planned as an extended Anniversary Weekend trip, scheduled with
great optimism for 5 fine days on the Tararua main range / southern crossing.
There was of course no precedent for that expectation based on ATC trips in
that area over the last few years, but …. this time we really did strike it lucky –
fine sunny weather for all but a few hours one morning!
Our first day was a driving
and positioning day – from
Otaki Forks through to
Parawai “Lodge” (… a hut
yes, a lodge ... well, no). All
three ATC groups assembled
there early evening, so time
for a catch-up before plans
were set for the early
morning departures.
Day two saw our party
heading off to
Waitewaewae Hut for lunch,
with a newish track
deviation now taking people
away from the upper The wet feet shortcut to Waitewaewae Hut
reaches of Saddle Creek
(large slip by all accounts).
Soon after commenced the long ascent up to Shoulder and Junction Knobs,
slowed down because my legs decided to complain most of the way, so lots of
annoying stops on the way.
Great views once out of the forest, and more as we continued along to reach
Anderson Memorial Hut late afternoon.
From here our plan was to continue south down the main range to
Maungahuka Hut, and time and energy permitting, on towards Kime Hut.
First we plunged into the gentle ups and downs of a glorious goblin forest,
before climbing out of it again onto Kahiwiroa.
From there it was a day of ups and downs with great views, but saddles along
the way dropping down further than we would have preferred.
In the event I was again the slow one of the group, so we were all pleased to
reach Maungahuka Hut on a fine afternoon, with glorious sunsets to look
forward to.
27For Robin and me this was the second time in 12 months we had the pleasure
of the up and down track from Aokaparangi to Maungahuka – at least this
time we had great views all the way, and could enjoy the Maungahuka Hut
surrounds in relatively balmy conditions.
Robin and I erected tents,
but as the wind picked up
through the afternoon, the
tents were packed away,
and we all spent the night in
the hut, joined by Bill and
Michelle, and a few other
trampers through the
course of the afternoon.
The next morning dawned
… claggy and windy, but
forecast to clear by late
morning, which it duly did.
Time for a few games of a
new card game introduced
to us by Elize – Monopoly Maungahuka Hut and tarn
Deal – a mix of luck and
strategy is required to score a winning result.
We were very keen for the clear conditions that settled in late morning, as it
was time to appreciate the Tararua 20 metre ladder – as we had been
warned, the relatively easy part of some rope / chain assisted rocky
scrambling sections to cross over the
Tararua peaks of Tuiti and Tunui.
From there we continued our southward
journey, ticking off more Tararua named
peaks – McIntosh, Yeates, Vosseler, Boyd-
Wilson Knob – on our way to Kime Hut by
late afternoon.
More super sunset and interesting cloud
formations that evening, with most in the
group out enjoying the changing vistas
through until dark.
Our final day on the tops first saw us taking
an eastward trip to the top of Mt Hector –
interesting views looking right down into
Wellington city.
28We then returned to Kime Hut for our overnight packs, then followed the
Southern Crossing route through to the historic Field Hut for lunch, and then
dropped down to Otaki Forks with baking sunshine every time we popped out
from under the shelter of the trees.
The grassy flats beside the river near the empty carpark (the road is closed
because of a slip) provided an ideal campsite and a chance for all to cool down
in the Otaki River, before heading off back to the car the next morning for the
long drive home.
The party was Elize van Eck, Robin Houston, leader Tony Walton and Aaron
Pryce.
29Interim Fit Trip – February
by Dennis Brown
This trip was a 9 day traverse from Davis Flat near Haast Pass to Lake Ohau, a
largely untracked route crossing 4 significant ranges – the Young, Huxley,
Barrier and Ohau – and two major rivers, the Hunter and Ahuriri.
DAY 1 Gathering at Queenstown Airport, we took a shuttle to Davis Flat,
arriving around midday. The Makarora Valley Track initially climbs high to
avoid the gorge, then sidles down to the river. From there it’s river bed and
bank, boulder fields, bouldery scrub and flats before breaking out into the
final extensive flat leading to
Makarora Hut. Lugging 9-day
packs, this took us 6¼ hrs.
With the hut occupied we
camped nearby.
DAY 2 A kilometre or so
upriver we took a spur leading
directly to Scrubby Flat Creek
Saddle. Very steep initially but
open and with the odd game
trail to follow, the spur soon
saw us through the bush,
battling a gnarly scrub belt and Makarora Hut
breaking out into the tussock.
Not far short of the top Terry had an epiphany. Apparently there were more
rewarding things to be doing than hauling his carcass up and over a series of
gnarly mountain ranges for a
week. More accurately, he felt
he was struggling and was
concerned at the harder
climbs and days to come.
So he retreated back to the
hut, and over subsequent days
headed off to enjoy the
delights of Wanaka and
Arrowtown.
The upper Makarora valley is
spectacular with Mts
Armstrong and the higher
Brewster flaunting their snow- Approaching Scrubby Saddle
30covered slopes before plunging precipitously several hundred meters down to
the valley floor.
After our fill of the views, we dropped off the saddle down steep tussock
slopes to the upper Scrubby valley for lunch.
Slow travel followed down to
the bushline where Moirs
Guide (the bible for these
parts) talked of a permolat-
marked route sidling above a
gorge to meet the DOC track.
A battle saw us find the
permolats only to lose them
shortly after and end up
pushing through difficult steep Descending Scrubby Flat Creek
bush, across a slip and down a
rocky chute before picking up the marked track.
The DOC track turned out to be one of those tortuously sidling, in and out of
gullies, sometimes washed out, seemingly never-ending ordeals. Finally we hit
the Hunter valley and camped on a grassy spot beside Scrubby Flat Creek. 9½
hrs.
DAY 3 was always expected to be our hardest day – a 1400m+ climb up an
untracked ridge with a difficult scrub belt to negotiate lower down. It didn’t
let us down.
First off, an hour’s easy amble down valley and a straightforward, although
linked-up, crossing of the Hunter. Then the ‘fun’ began. The first 200+ meters
of the climb was awful, and awfully energy sapping. We took turns in the
‘dozer role – crashing, bashing
and hauling ourselves over,
through and under unforgiving
scrub up a very steep slope,
sidling under minor bluffs to
gain better terrain. Then a
weaving, trial and error route
up through more scrub and
low vegetation.
A few hours up, we diverted
across to the stream to
replenish our water supplies –
only to find it dry, with the
stream travelling underground
in the rocky terrain. Climbing to Little Canyon Col, the Hunter far below
31In true military fashion Robin was volunteered to head downstream to re-fill
Uta’s and my water bottles.
The higher we climbed the more spectacular the views – of the Hunter
snaking way below, the Young Range laid out before us and the many snow-
capped peaks encircling the upper valley. Tussock slopes gradually gave way
to rock and scree and we marvelled at the views on a beautiful, almost
windless day.
We’d read of a tarn just south of Little Canyon Col, our range crossing point.
As the climb wore on and hours ticked by and with the weather so benign,
camping there started to
become an increasingly
attractive option.
Nearing the ridgeline we
popped out above a large dry
crater – oh no, I guess that
must have been the tarn!
Won’t be camping here then.
Circumnavigating the crater we
came to our assumed crossing
point – which looked frankly The Young Range spread out before us
frightening! So we wandered
right looking for a better route – and there below us tucked away amongst the
scree and boulders hid a most delicious tarn. Yay!
After a search for spots and some concerted earthworks we settled in to a
wonderful high (1800m) camp on the crest of the Huxley Range. It had taken
us 9 hours to get here.
That night in modest winds the stitching holding one of the corner guy ropes
gave way on my new Aeon Li
tent. That would require repair
the next day.
DAY 4 Our task today was to
descend Little Canyon Creek to
the Ahuriri. Looking down from
the col we couldn’t see an
obvious (safe) way down to
the inviting scree slopes below.
However after couple of false
starts Robin found a
straightforward sidle through
the bluffs to gain the slopes we
Descending to Little Canyon Creek
wanted.
32A few hours later we had descended the scree slopes and upper valley and
wound our way through open bush above the Little Canyon gorge to pop out
near the Canyon Creek confluence. After three hard days we decided on a
short day so set up camp – a 4.5 hour day.
I spent the afternoon repairing my tent under Pete’s watchful tutelage from
resources pooled from the group. Lesson: carrying decent repair kit is not a
silly idea!
DAY 5 We awoke to misty drizzle, but with a fine forecast weren’t put off and
3 of us headed up Canyon Creek for a day trip.
Canyon Creek is an awesome
and justifiably popular part of
the world. A well-worn DOC
track leads up valley and then
around high bluffs disgorging a
thunderous waterfall to gain
the upper valley.
The weather soon cleared and
we were treated to another
beautiful day.
From the upper valley we took The Young Range spread out before us
a route described in Moirs to a
Above Watson Creek
spectacular unnamed turquoise
lake nestling under Mt Heim – a perfect lunch spot (see cover photo).
We then returned the way we’d come and transhipped to Shamrock Hut
where Pete awaited us. 8hr day walk, plus 1.5 hrs to Shamrock Hut.
DAY 6 A 6.15 am start (yes, that’s right!) to beat the high winds forecast for
the afternoon saw us heading off across the flats under headlamps, soon
entering an eerie, misty world. Pete had sussed a nice route and soon the
Ahuriri loomed in front of us.
Easily across that, we started
up a grassy ramp on the true
left of Watson Creek just as
daylight began to filter
through.
A few hours later we were at
the forks, with surreal light as
the sun sought to burst
through the mist clinging to
the valleys.
Surreal light near the Watson Creek forks
33Sidling the upper gorge, a tricky scree slope gave Uta pause and she climbed
higher to find a more comfortable route.
Slowly our proposed route
over into the Maitland came
into view. Yikes! Nowhere
looked good. In fact
everywhere looked horrible. A
lengthy climb up shifting scree
looked inevitable.
We decided to abandon both
the routes we’d read of and
make use of a tussock rib that
extended high up towards the
ridgeline before sidling up and
across scree to gain the ridge
and traverse down to our
range crossing point. The tussock rib leading to the Barrier Range ridgeline
Fortunately the forecast 75kph
winds were busy elsewhere
and we experienced barely a
zephyr on another blue sky
day.
We lingered on the climb and
pass, revelling in the majestic
views and snow-capped
ranges stretching in all
directions.
Finally we dropped from the
ridge onto a grassy bench for
lunch. Descending to the Maitland
The descent to the Maitland was
straightforward, albeit encountering
messy windfall and new growth in the
final section to Maitland Hut. 10 hrs.
DAY 7 A rest day. Naturally, Robin
hared off to explore a ridgeline and
high point. Some of the rest of us (me!)
barely moved a muscle all day.
DAY 8 A second hut day as light rain
continued through to mid afternoon.
Rest day at Maitland Hut
34With the forecast today proving accurate we were hopeful for a fine day to
cross the Ohau Range tomorrow.
DAY 9 Quickly through the bush on the DOC track, we headed up the wide,
tussock-filled Maitland valley. Left at the first forks then up the spur at the
second to the ridgeline just south of Pinnacle .1817.
A small detour to view Lake
Dumb-bell revealed a
surprisingly picturesque scene
(I was expecting barren rock).
Another beautiful day and
from the ridge we were
surprised to look down on
cloud covering Lake Ohau.
Robin talked us into climbing
higher and dropping off the
ridge near .1922. Down scree
to the picturesque lakes at
.1479 then on to the Te Araroa
Trail for the descent down Dodging spaniards in the Maitland valley
Freehold Creek and final
excruciating 6km bash along the Alps to Ocean cycleway to Lake Ohau Lodge.
A 10 hr day, some tired bodies, but not too tired to enjoy a bevy of thirst-
quenching ales and superb steak.
DAY 10 Our morning shuttle dropped Pete at the Intercity bus stop in Twizel
and the rest of us at Queenstown airport where we reunited with Terry for
the flight back to Auckland.
An awesome trip blessed with great weather. Huge thanks to Pete and Robin
for their consistently excellent route finding and patience whilst the two
slowcoaches caught
them up, and to Andrew
M for his dedication in
sending us through
invaluable daily weather
forecasts.
We were Dennis Brown
(leader), Robin Houston,
Uta Machold, Pete
Waworis, Terry Chubb.
On the Ohau Range with cloud enveloping the lake
35Interim Revival 2022 in the Kaimanawa Forest Park
by Tony Walton
With the threat of Covid and potential away from home isolation
requirements forcing cancellation of the Medium Interim and Safari trips to
the South Island this year, a
planned “Interim Revival” saw
seven of us head off to Poronui
station for a week long romp in
the eastern Kaimanawa Forest
Park in the second half of
February.
The straightforward walk across
the Poronui landscape saw us
admiring a large flock of
pheasants before the track
deposited us at the side of a
strongly flowing Kaipo River.
Soon after we arrived safely at Campsite in the Kaipo
the other side wet up to our
waists for the most part, and then not
too far there to our first night’s
destination – Oamaru Hut, with its
great outlook across the river of that
name that combines with the Kaipo to
become the Mohaka River.
Some hunters willingly migrated to one
of the bunkrooms, so most of us could
use the other, with a few people also
camped on the river flats below the
hut.
We were soon joined by a DOC hut &
track inspector and his mate – what a
thorough going over the hut had that
evening!
Our next target was to walk up the Kaipo
River and find somewhere before Kaipo
Saddle to camp. The first section was easy
going as far as that junction for the direct
route to Clements Mill Road, but after
that the pace slowed as the track became
Brendan’s hammock rougher, and the number of river
36crossings linking the marked track fragments appeared to be at least 10 times
more than indicated on the map.
Not too many campsites for 7 in evidence, so we stopped early at an idyllic
spot with space for us all to spread out. Which was the right decision, as the
next day we found only one
(less optimal) camping space
before the rough stuff
leading up to the saddle.
So time to set up tents,
spread gear, and marvel at
the construction of
Brendan’s hammock in the
trees – not the simple affair
of picture books, but a real
habitation above ground
level.
And … the Chris twins put in
a determined effort to get a
fire going on the river bank.
The next day took us alongside the gorgeous, ever diminishing Kaipo stream
as we climbed up and over the saddle, then down to Cascade hut. A time for
washing people and clothes,
some swimming in the
stream, and enjoying the
peaceful surrounds and a
hut with no other people
there (the only one on this
trip).
Enticing signs towards
Waipakihi Hut (permit
required) and Kiko Road
(permit required), so
something to return to for
exploring those routes in
the future.
The next day was a full on
effort as expected, requiring a short retrace of our steps up the Cascade
Valley, then a steady climb to the open tops at Maungaorangi, 660m above
the start point of the day. Great views in all directions, with time over lunch
picking off the many distant features visible from this point.
37The ridge continued onwards with regular ups and downs, too soon back in
the splendid bush, so all were pleased to get to the bottom of the steep
descent to the track junction at the upper Oamaru Stream – with a perfect
campsite just waiting for us
to spend the night there.
The next day it was decided
that Brendan and Cecilia
would drop off at Boyd Hut,
while the rest of the group
would continue on to
Tussock Hut. The Tussock
crew had been well warned
of the evils of the Dennis
scrub “shortcut”, so instead
duly took a shortcut of their
own along the airstrip and
down a goat track to reach
the Ngaruroro Rover
upstream from the real track.
A lovely day for some downstream wading before joining the track again and
keeping to it (carefully) up and over the hill to Tussock Hut.
The next day Tony and Chris B did a reccy up to Otorehinaiti Saddle and some
extra scrub bashing along the not so open tops between points 1384 and
1330, while the remainder of the group practised counting to a high number
of river crossings on a stroll to and from Harkness Hut.
On arrival there they found the hut jammed full of gear from just 3 hunters, so
general relief that home for the night was Tussock Hut instead.
All were now keen to take
the Otorehinaiti Saddle
route, which has an ATC
history of challenging parties
trying for the shortcut
through to Oamaru Hut.
However, this trip had learnt
from previous trips and had
the benefit of more
information online from the
“Mad Pom”, so it was into
the forest part way up the
valley on leaving the old
track to Mangatainoka Hut,
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