Covid-19: all Club activities are cancelled or suspended - Volume 95, No 3 - Auckland Tramping Club
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Volume 95, No 3 April 2020
Covid-19: all Club activities are
cancelled or suspended
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 630 2591
president@aucktramping.org.nz
Secretary: 03 President’s Column
David Holl 027 9483115
secretary@aucktramping.org.nz 04 News and Views
Treasurer: 06 Best tramping trip café stops
Michael Champion 027 225 4451
treasurer@aucktramping.org.nz 07 Delicious dehy recipes
Trips Co-ordinator:
Andrew Murdoch 021 489 206 09 Trip Reports
trips@aucktramping.org.nz 09 Whanganui River – canoeing
Sunday Trips: 13 Lewis Pass / Doubtful Tops –
Tony Walton 027 478 5223 Interim Medium trip
tonywalking@gmail.com
Weekend Trips:
15 Banks Peninsula – Interim
Andrew Murdoch 021 489 206 Medium
trips@aucktramping.org.nz 17 Spenser Mountains – Interim
Wednesday Trips: Fit trip
Linda Webber 817 5111
21 The Spenser mutineers –
Transport & Equipment: Interim Fit trip group 2
Keith Ayton 630 7010
transport@aucktramping.org.nz 24 Mt Damper / Waitaanga Forest
Membership Admin
Liz Ware 524 7409 27 Uncle Wacko’s Gear Corner
membership@aucktramping.org.nz
Distribution: 28 Trip Information
Colin Wright 620 6713
distribution@aucktramping.org.nz
Wanderlust Editor:
Dennis Brown 620 0144
wanderlust@aucktramping.org.nz
Website:
Tony Walton 630 2591
website@aucktramping.org.nz
Social Convenor:
Chris Burnett 521 6200 The deadline for our next Wanderlust
burnett@eo.net.nz (May 2020) is Friday 17 April.
Huts Co-ordinator:
Robin Houston 817 7849 Please send contributions to
huts@aucktramping.org.nz wanderlust@aucktramping.org.nz
Ngaro Te Kotare Hut: with Wanderlust as the subject.
Robin Houston 0274 310 010
nkhut@aucktramping.org.nz The deadlines for contributions each
No calls after 9.00pm please month can be viewed on the club
website on the Wanderlusts page
under the News menu.
The deadlines for
contributions each
2 month can be viewed at:
President’s column
The Covid-19 situation has pushed all other topics of
interest into the background.
The following is what we have published to our website
and in our email newsletter recently:
“The Covid-19 virus is in the process of disrupting all of our
lives in ways that we had never dreamed was possible.
We have now cancelled all March and April ATC events,
and changed the status of May and June events to
Suspended – probably won't happen.
We will shortly be processing the refunds that we can
make for all future trips.
Please observe all public health warnings and directives
and ensure that you seek medical advice in the event that
you have symptoms of coughing, fever or shortness of breath.
Please do what you can to support people in your local community.”
No one knows how the virus will progress throughout New Zealand, but
we have to assume that the situation will continue to worsen before it is
over.
In other news, for an interesting read, DOC has published a Strategy for
Pest Free 2050, and an Action Plan for the next 5 years. From the DOC
website www.doc.govt.nz, click on the Predator Free 2050 button, then
click on the “Moving towards Predator Free 2020 to 2050” article.
No easy answers, a lot of work for everyone, but given the quality of the
pest free areas we can visit today, a most compelling activity for us all to
be heavily involved with.
And this summer’s tramping has had more than a usual number of pest
issues with mice and rats – a reminder that these little creatures are very
skilled at invading tents and packs if they sense there is food there.
All best wishes for the coming days, weeks, and month, and always feel
free to ask for assistance if needed.
Tony Walton
3
News and views
Club nights
APRIL 16
Cancelled
The Club Christmas and Interim trips presentation evening has been
cancelled due to the Covid-19 situation.
MAY 21
Suspended
The extraordinary bar-tailed godwit
Adrian Riegen, a shorebird authority was coming in May to talk
about the amazing life of the bar-tailed godwit, a global traveller and
long haul champion.
Monitor the website and May Wanderlust to confirm when this
evening will be re-scheduled – all Club nights are currently in flux
due to the Covid-19 virus.
JUNE 18
Club AGM
Provisional
Waikato Tramping Club Reunion
Waikato Tramping Club is 70 years old this year.
They will be holding Reunion celebrations on 16 - 17 May (in Hamilton)
and 23-24 May 2020 (at Waikato Hut, Mt Ruapehu).
The contacts are waikatotrampingclub@gmail.com or Selwyn and Dianne
June phone 07 843 3066.
4
Club Vacancies
This year we are looking for a new Secretary and a new Weekend Trips
Officer.
The Secretary position includes tasks such as:
• Processing new membership applications
• Managing club correspondence – most of this appears via email
these days, so often this is just a forward on to the committee
• Clearing the club’s postbox once per week
• Creation of the agenda and minutes for our 6 committee meetings a
year
• Maintenance of the club’s electronic archives, with regular
distribution of updates to committee members
• Filing required club updates with regulatory organisations
The Weekend Trips Officer position includes tasks such as
• Organising planning sessions for future trips with interested club
members
• Ensuring that each weekend trip has a main organiser
• Organising some, but not all of the weekend trips
• Compiling the description for each weekend trip
• Canvassing for leaders for weekend trips
No one person knows all the possible weekend trips, so the weekend trip
organiser can rely a lot on people who know specific areas to assist with
the organising task.
ATC Nepal Expedition 2020 – Cancelled
We regret that due to the carona virus risk we have postponed this
expedition until 2021.
Jamie at Project Himalaya is advising all Nepal autumn groups not to go.
The Nepal health system is unable to respond to an outbreak in a place
like Kathmandu.
We do remain positive that this trip will take place next year, so keep it in
mind.
More information as we have it.
Jim Morrow
5
Best tramping trip café stops
Here are some excellent cafés for discerning (hungry) trampers on the
road to and from North Island tramping trips.
All tested and given an enthusiastic thumbs up by ATC members.
TAIHAPE
Le Café Téléphonique
Brown Sugar
NAPIER
Mister D
NEW PLYMOUTH
Monica’s Eatery, next to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
WHAKAPAPA
Best bet is the Tussock Bar
TE KUITI
Bosco Café
OTOROHONGA
No cafés we can recommend, but a couple of good places for dinner:
Castle 21 (Indian) and Jasmine Thai.
PIRONGIA
Persimmon Tree Café
MATAMATA
The Redoubt Bar
Honourable mentions: Power Pizza, Fez Kebab
SH2 BETWEEN NGATEA AND MARAMARUA
Woodturners Café
WAIMAMAKU
Waimamaku Bar & Grill
New members
A very warm welcome to new member:
Mark Atkinson
Sorry about the timing with Club activities canned for
now, Mark!
6
Delicious DIY Dehy Recipes
Several people in the Club make their own dehydrated tramping
meals. So we’ve decided to share some of their best recipes.
First up is this cracker from to Rae Coppins. The rest of you,
please fire through you’re best meals to include in future
editions.
Potato/kumara bake
Prepping
1. Get as many potatoes and/or kumara that you can eat either for a side
or main meal, then add a bit more.
2. Pop a pot part full of water on to boil.
3. Peel & halve or quarter the veggies depending on how big they are,
add to pot of hot water with a pinch of salt.
4. Boil gently till cooked enough to eat. Resist eating them.
5. Slice thinly, approx. 3 mm so they don't take too long to dry, or
rehydrate.
6. Place on your dehydrators tray. Add some salt & pepper but don't
forget and think they've gone mouldy ...
7. Set timer for possibly 7 hours at maybe 60 deg. I just leave them
overnight so they may not take that long.
8. When cool, pop in ziplock bag/s. Pop in fridge.
9. Buy some potato bake mix - Maggi is around 24g.
On the trail
1. To save cooking time, when you arrive at camp, add some water to
your carb bags, leave to soak for however long you can wait – 1-3
hours.
2. Mix your PB mix with a bit of water and add a splash to the bottom of
your pot, layer your veggie slices with the rest of the mix, add any
manky left over cheese. Use just enough mix to cover the potatoes
and/or kumara. Add more water later if necessary.
3. Cook slowly over a low heat, making sure it doesn't stick to the
bottom, when nearly done take off the heat & leave aside with the lid
on to congeal.
4. Eat.
Bacon or salami (aye Wendy) can be added as well as other veges such as
mushrooms, tomatoes etc. Kumara takes less time to rehydrate & cook.
7
Day trips programme
All April day trips are cancelled.
All May and June trips are suspended – monitor
our website for updates.
Multiday trips programme
Tararua Forest Park, Easter – 9-13 April
Cancelled
North West Pureora Forest Anzac Weekend – 24-27
April
Cancelled
Top of the North Queen’s Birthday Weekend – 29
May - 1 June
Suspended
Monitor the Club website for updates.
8
Trip reports
The Whanganui river – extended Waitangi weekend,
5-9 February
by Kerrilee Mancer
The trip started on Wednesday 5th. There were 22 people in total, 16 of
whom came on the bus. The bus took a detour by the Hamilton airport,
along roads most of us had not seen before.
We stopped for dinner at a Thai restaurant, Jasmine’s, in Taumarunui. At
7pm the group arrived at Taumarunui Canoe Hire, where we stayed the
night.
The first thing of significance happened when the skylight broke on the
bus. It took some time to clean all the glass out.
We got up at 5.30 to prepare everything, pack the barrels to get to the
briefing at 6.30. By the time we got to the river at Ohinepane it was
10:00.
After tying everything onto the canoes and practicing paddling we were
ready to go. We quickly came upon our first set of rapids, which was one
of the 2 big rapids that they mentioned in the briefing.
Somehow Fay fell into the river, but her boatmate Robin didn’t. By
lunchtime Dennis and Andrew had also fallen in. They blamed each other,
but as they were obviously struggling we had to split them up with
another more suitable pair.
The river was generally very still which made it harder to paddle, and it
was always a relief when we had the rapids beneath us. Each day we
would see animals along the banks of the river - cows, horses and goats (a
lot of goats).
9
Like all the other days the weather was hot. Our group made good time
and only had a few quick stops. On the first day we made it to the
campsite at Maharanui and set up the tents. No one else came to the
campsite so there was enough room for everyone even though the
campsite was small.
The second day was much like the
first except longer. We came across
more people who had started at
Whakahoro.
That night we camped at John Coull
campsite. The campsite was
extremely popular with both the hut
and tent area full. Robin ended up
breaking the pump for the water,
leaving us wondering where we
were going to get our supplies from.
At exactly 9 o’clock we saw bats flying just above the trees.
On day 3 we got up early so that we could be ahead of the other groups.
Certain people in our group wanted to arrive at the Bridge To Nowhere
stopping point before it got too congested.
We stopped off to do the walk
before heading out again. And we
also wanted to get to the next
campsite at Ramanui as soon as
possible so that they could go up
to the bar and grab a few drinks,
after living on simple food for the
past two days.
It was the longest day and by now
everyone had very sore muscles.
10Many hours later we docked and set up camp. It was Vincent’s birthday,
and Teressa had brought a few extra items. But they were nothing like
the real flash meal that a group of lady canoeists had brought with them,
right down to meringues and berries and cream and table cloths, with
nice crockery and cutlery.
The final day was the best. After paddling for a while we came to the rock
that our leader, Bill, kept informing the group we had to go to the left of.
Everyone in our group managed to make it past the rock without any
major difficulties, although many were not to the left, but a canoe from
another group managed to smash up against the rock and were tipped
out. We provided what assistance we could, but the boat was unable to
be rescued.
Check out the rock on the right – funny place to park a canoe!
Just a little further on we came to the 50/50 rapids which were the last
and hardest of the rapids on the trip. Rudy and Elsa went overboard as
well as canoes from other groups. One canoe sunk as they were going
down the rapids.
Before long, we were at Pipiriki, where the very nice people from
Taumarunui Canoe Hire fed us fresh muffins and fruit juice, and then took
us back in the air-conditioned bus to Taumarunui.
11The paddlers were: Bill Mancer (leader), Kerrilee Mancer, Dennis Brown,
Andrew Murdoch, Vicky King, Christine Major, Peter Scott, Robin
Houston, Simon Rainger, Sarah Rainger, Selina Cai, Feiyan Zhong, Terry
Chubb, Teresa Janssen, Vincent Janssen, Rudy Melster, Elsa Melster, Paul
Baron , Patrick Matthews, Luitgard Schwendenmann, Liana Meredith,
Janet Titchener.
Photos: Christine and Fay.
12Lewis Pass / The Doubtful Tops –16-22 February
by Catherine Doyle
DAY ONE began with a flight to Christchurch, a shuttle ride to Palmer
Lodge, a swing bridge crossing of the Lewis River and the start of the Nina
track.
An easy 9km, 3.5 hour undulating walk saw us arrive at Nina Hut –
perched high above the river amongst open beech trees that provided
nice 270 degree views of our surroundings.
The afternoon cup of tea drinkers amongst us had a spluttering surprise
after squeezing the last few drops of water out of the tank, only to read
that the tank had been emptied due to a dead rat. Spotting an
enormously fat or pregnant mouse that soon succumbed to a very swift
broom attack was also an early indication of the bountiful hungry vermin
we had yet to encounter.
DAY TWO saw us sidling a stream steeply uphill for 2.5 hrs and then
following marker poles through waist high wet tussock towards Devilskin
Saddle. Another 100m climb led us to the
new two man Devilskin Bivy.
After being exposed to a wet windy climb
we all happily squeezed and huddled in for
an early cramped damp lunch.
We then reluctantly left, following the
marker poles that took us down towards
the bush line again. Ahead of us was the
long steady descent to the confluence of
the Devilskin Stream and the Doubtful
River.
An easy river crossing and then a sign indicating the old Doubtful Hut - in
the opposite direction to our final destination - was more than Margaret
could resist. We all lumbered off after her to fossick around a fairly basic
dilapidated hut.
Back on the trail again and heading towards the Doubtless Hut a little way
up from the confluence of the Doubtful River and the Doubtless River -
how confusing is all that!!!
21.63km and 9.5 hours later we were all very tired and happy to bed
down in our 6 bunk hut.
13DAY THREE The next morning and we
were all greeted by little mice calling
cards. Numerous holes in tents, packs,
pack liners, plastic bags etc etc.
No tramper was spared. Oh what a gay
time they had. In fact as each day
passed the tell-tale evidence of their
presence morphed into the boldness of
scurrying feet.
Along with the rioting mobs of
ferocious sandflies we felt Mother
Nature was getting her comeback.
This day consisted of a small side trip past Phantom Flats and up to the
Amuri Pass. This is a shared pass with horse trekkers, indicated by the
little green triangles.
We soon realized that some of our team must have thought they were of
the four-legged variety, as trail confusion led us to losing them for a small
time. Happily reunited by their neighing and braying, the walk proved to
be a very pleasant day.
DAY FOUR Due to Hazel’s reassuring favourable weather forecasting we
gratefully left all those wild beasties behind and headed up towards the
tops. Unfortunately for Michael and his injury, he was left behind to
survive the wildlife onslaught alone.
An 8.00 start had us eagerly back down the Doubtful River for half an
hour and then a sharp right up the Kendon River led us through more
beautiful beech forest for 2 hours towards the brightly orange painted
Lake Man Biv.
It had been lovingly as well as tenderly restored, but the lure of the insect
and rodent free tops convinced us to trudge on for another hour or so
and we set up camp on the tops by some beautiful tarns.
Margaret once again led us on a ‘stroll’ up a 1532m peak for stunning
views all around and a fabulous glimpse of Lake Man - the weather was
perfect.
DAY FIVE Another 8.00 start and straight up a big hill.
The day became a succession of big ups (1693) and downs (1375 saddle)
and up (Mt Murray 1611m) to end the solid day’s walking at another
amazing campsite with many tarns and campsites to choose from.
14DAY SIX That night the winds began to howl. After surviving a night of
gale force winds and stormy weather we packed up camp and hastily
headed on our merry way.
We faced intermittent visibility, but fortunately the
terrain was a wide undulating ridgeline. Tony’s only
real instructions were “heads down and no stopping
till we hit the bush line”.
With Tony at the helm and Margaret and Chris
plowing a path up and over Mt Garfield and east
towards the tree line, the rest of the crew battened
the hatches, used our poles as ballast and battled on.
The bush line provided welcome relief, lunch with a
sunny view, and the rest of the day saw us joyfully zig
and zagging a path to the Boyle River.
A change of plans meant that we opted to head for a
warm bed in Hamner (thanks Hazel once again) rather than spend a
sandfly infested night at the river's edge, even if it did also mean a rather
wet 3 hour wait for the rescheduled shuttle.
Michael unfortunately came down the valley to meet us later than we
had expected, but he managed to rejoin us later the following day in
Christchurch.
The party were Chris Burnett, Christine Major, Eng and Tong Khor,
Margaret Law, Tony Walton, Michael Schwab and Catherine Doyle
Banks Peninsula Walk – 23-25 February
by Catherine Doyle
A night at the Dorset Backpackers, situated very central to Christchurch
gave us existing trampers the opportunity to fill our tummies with good
food, resupply and gather in the new members of our team, Hazel Walton
and Martin Woodhead.
DAY ONE a 9.00am Akaroa Shuttle bus from outside the ChCh museum
dropped us off at Hilltop.
A quick photo jostle among all the other tourists of Akaroa Harbour,
where Martin had competed in a swim event the day before in chilling
weather conditions.
Then we were off into the great unknown ... well in fact an easy to follow
trail led us to our first major stop – an ATC nine person hug with a 2000
15year old totara. Totara were on and off our menu for most of the trip
along with a continuous supply of spectacular views. Having the local
Cantabrians in our party meant we were able to identify all viewpoints.
A lunch was had in Montgomery Scenic reserve, providing both
spectacular views and more photo-shoots.
We then undulated through farmland and a
graveyard of weathered bleached stumps that had
once been this mighty totara forest.
The trail was also bordered by ancient hand-cut
silver totara fence posts and rusty wire that were in
various stages of standing or disrepair. The posts
often provide the only shelter for wind-stunted and
sculpted shrubs and trees that huddled from the
prevailing gale winds. Small pockets of totara and
other natives had been now fenced and preserved.
Over Mt Fitzgerald, across Waipuna Saddle led us to
the trail to Rod Donald Hut. It was a steep 20min
walk off the trail through a very healthy gorse track.
This hut had been restored in memory of the premature death of the
Green Party MP Rod Donald who had once privately owned this hut that
is now managed by a very capable Trust.
The hut provided all the comforts we could have wished for - composting
toilets, upstairs downstairs, solar lights and tap water. AND one too many
switches that were just too hard to resist for one curious member of our
party!
DAY TWO was a windier day but no less spectacular for views and a
fabulous trail to follow. At the beginning of the day, after climbing back
up to the trail, we are able to wander through another windswept old
totara forest on private land.
Port Levy Saddle led to a windy viewpoint on Mount Herbert/Te Ahu Paki
summit that was quickly admired and then down to the Shelter for a
welcome lunch and cup of tea boil up.
A zigzag track sidled Mt Bradley and we knew we were getting close to
home when we wandered through a delightful young regenerating
horoeka/lancewood grove.
Onward toward the saddle and the beautifully restored historic stone
Packhorse Hut that slept the nine of us - rough sawn wooden floors and
authentic wooden windows. Views were 360 degrees and encompassed
Kaitorete Spit, Lyttelton Harbour, Quail Island and the Port Hills.
16A short 5 min walk onward gave us
time to stare and contemplate a
magnificent view of the Remarkable
Dykes - layered volcanic rocks that had
been thrust up out of the earth.
The starlit night sky was spectacular
for toilet seekers, along with the
mousetrap having a very active night.
DAY THREE consisted mainly of a
pleasant downhill descent through
commercial forestry and farmland,
crossing a mix of farm trails, forestry
roads and other trails.
Steve’s Shuttles arrived on time, 10.30am
with a relaxing winding drive down past
Governors Bay, over the Cashmere Hills
giving us a glimpse of the mountain bike
trails, past the road where Tony and Hazel
used to live and then on to the airport via
the backpackers and our much desired
clean-smelling reinforcement clothing.
Party: Tony and Hazel Walton, Martin
Woodhead, Chris Burnett, Christine
Major, Eng and Tong Khor, Margaret Law and Catherine Doyle.
Interim Fit Trip February, March 2020
by David Holl
ENVISAGED TRIP
Start from Lewis Pass, along St James Walkway, over Three Tarns Pass to
East Matakitaki River, over Enid Pass to the Waiau Valley, Thompson Pass,
D’Urville Pass, Pascoe Pass (by pt 1860) to Christopher River, climb Faerie
Queene, down to Ada River and out.
Crampons and ice axes were originally deemed necessary but due to the
mild climate only a couple of axes were taken.
SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY
Edwin from Hamner shuttles met us at Christchurch airport at 12.15 pm
and it was just under two and a half hours drive to our start point at Lewis
Pass.
17After a two and a half hour walk up the St James Walkway, we arrived at
Cannibal Gorge Hut at 5.15 pm. There were a few showers on the way.
The only occupant in the hut was a German from the same part of East
Germany as Uta.
Andrew had printed off a German copy of Die Partei (The Party is always
right!) an East German patriotic song from 1949 early 1950’s, so we had
genuine German voices singing the party song.
There were the usual mouse concerns with
one in the trap in the morning.
The plan for the next day was to be up at
5.30 am and away by 7am. There was talk of
doing 14-hour days in some quarters but
that soon dissipated as the trip progressed.
SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY
We were away at 7am towards Ada Pass Hut
and up over Three Tarns Pass. It had been
decided to use the trip as an exercise in map
and compass navigation with Alex leading
off. David would supply check readings with
the GPS if required.
We had lunch by the tarns at 1pm and
headed down to camp by the Matakitaki
River at 5pm.
A 10-hour day. Camped in vicinity of
E1555395, N5322407.
MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY
We were up at 5.30am and away at 7am to
travel along the Matakitaki River to Bobs
Hut.
We worked our way through quite a few
windfallen trees on the way. Michelle and
Dennis were navigating. We reached the hut
at 10.20 am and then it was along the track/route, over the three-wire
bridge to arrive at East Matakitaki Hut at 3.15 pm.
Dennis and Andrew tented and the rest stayed in the hut. Elapsed time
8.25 hours.
TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY
Away at 7am. With Dennis and Uta navigating we headed up a side
branch of the Matakitaki River (unmarked territory) for Enid Pass, arriving
at the top of the Pass at 1.30 pm.
18After lunch we went down the scree on the other side. It looked like a
long haul to go further to find suitable camping and water so we all
camped at the bottom of the Pass, apart from Michelle who went up the
hill a bit. It was 3pm when we set up camp.
Elapsed time 8 hours. Position E 1568962. N5330166.
WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY
A 7am start and Alex navigated. We
headed around the east side of pt 1720
and along the tops in a southerly
direction towards pt.1703 then down to
the Waiau River.
At this point we split up from Terry and
Michelle who headed up river to the
new Waiau Hut. The rest of us headed
down river via the Waiau Pass Track to
Christopher Hut.
Three of the party (Uta, Andrew, David)
jumped in the river for a wash before
arrival at the hut. This action was viewed
at a significant distance by one or two
ladies from a group already in the hut
and comment was made that they had
been put off their Backcountry Cuisine
evening meal. (It wouldn’t take much!)
As there were about seven in this group,
we all (except Alex) decided to camp.
This group (mainly ladies) were doing
the St James Walkway.
A couple of male trampers (well
equipped with the necessary alcoholic
supplies) arrived later in the afternoon.
Apparently there was no snoring in the
hut. Elapsed Time 10 hours.
THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY
Up until now we had experienced fine weather but the report via
Andrew’s inReach forecast rain for Friday, so we decided to stay put. The
only exercise was a short wander to Christopher Cullers Hut.
Andrew, Dennis and Uta spent much of two days evolving future trip
plans. Later in the day a group of 7 turned up (Hamilton Tramping Club
which has 30 odd members) so all bar Alex reverted to tents for the night.
19FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY
The other groups took off about 8 am so we repossessed the hut.
Terry and Michelle arrived 11 am. They had had the new Waiau Hut to
themselves. They had met up with a group using llamas for transport,
carrying the clients’ goods in panniers. On the way back down, they had
popped in for a look at Lake Guyon.
We all sat around the hut for the rest of the day with more trip planning
in vogue. Heavy rain fell during the night until 8 am the next morning.
SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY
Four of us, Andrew, Dennis, Uta and David left the hut at 10am and
headed up the creek adjacent to Christopher Cullers Hut through the
bush and scrub towards points 1650, 1529.
The going was easier than expected
and we set up camp at 3.45 pm
adjacent to several tarns between
pts 1670 and 1800. Weather fine
with perhaps a 25km wind but we
were sheltered in a hollow. Position
E 1559979 N 5316125.
The other three wandered off to
Ada Pass Hut.
SUNDAY 1 MARCH
The four of us were away at 8am. It
took 4 hours to get to pt 1681
where we had lunch and then
headed down hill (along ridge tops)
to Ada Pass Hut, arriving 3pm, to
catch up with Alex, Terry and
Michelle who had arrived the
previous day.
Andrew, Dennis and Uta camped,
the rest stayed in the hut. This was definitely sandfly country.
MONDAY 2 MARCH
We left for Lewis Pass and our shuttle pick up point at 8am, arriving with
an hour or so to spare. The shuttle was bang on time.
We were: Andrew Murdoch (leader), Dennis Brown, Uta Machold, Terry
Chubb, Alex Sancho, Michelle Martin and David Holl.
Photos: Uta, Dennis.
20Tales from the Spenser mutineers
by Michelle Martin
After five days slogging up and down Three Tarns and Enid’s Passes with
blue skies and sunshine, the weather looked a little bleak for passes three
and four.
Various options to fill in the extra 5 days of our trip were mooted. The
intrepid five of Dennis, Andrew, Uta, Dave and Alex decided to head
down valley to put themselves into a decent position to head up on the
tops when the weather cleared.
Terry had had enough of rocks, and I was keen to explore further up the
Waiau Valley on more benign terrain with easy water access. So we
changed our pass-bagging plans to hut-bagging plans instead, waving
goodbye to the other five and turned northwards onto grassy plains.
A few hours of travel took us to the
almost new Waiau Hut – a transit post
for TA walkers who strode determinedly
past, double walking poles digging in, on
a mission to clock off several more
kilometres before the days end.
We had the hut to ourselves, enjoying
sliding screen mesh windows to keep the
sandflies out and the warm wind blowing in.
The river provided a couple of nice plunge
pools within easy reach, which was a
welcome reward after five days in the
blistering and windless heat.
Flocks of Canadian geese were all over the
Waiau Valley and seem to be about the only
birds doing well despite the beech mast year. The geese were quite
chatty leading to me “hearing voices” on more than one occasion. Goose
feathers and piles of poo were everywhere – the feathers being
potentially handy for anyone with a leaking sleeping bag.
With plenty of time up our sleeves on the revised itinerary, and the
5:30am alarm of Andrew Murdoch nowhere in sight, bodies did not
emerge from sleeping bags until closer to 9am the next day.
After a sluggish start, we ambled off down valley with the aim of a visit to
Lake Guyon, previously unheard of by me. Crossing over to the true left of
the valley connected us with a bike trail and then four-wheel drive track.
21With bluebird conditions, we weren’t at all surprised to see what
appeared to be a group of stationary cyclists up ahead. However, on
approach, in the very Andean looking surroundings, we
were somewhat taken aback to see the group of cyclists
were actually a group of pannier toting llamas, taking a
break munching on the matagouri, while their attendant
hikers and guide enjoyed the views.
If the thought of not having to carry a pack at all, while
wandering around the Waiau/Hanmer area appeals, then
contact Hanmer Llamas. The panniers allegedly contained
wine. Maybe I can take a llama on my next trip.
Lake Guyon hut is nestled in a beech and poplar copse on
the side of the lake – the site of a homestead from days of
old and the largest matagouri tree on the planet.
The hut is a very cute tidy little four bunker, sited most
unpleasingly without a view of the pretty lake. Finally, a
hut with nails and hooks in abundance!
It was stifling hot inside the hut but the sandflies were
pretty ferocious outside, resulting in excursions to the lakefront where
the wind kept a decent chunk of the population away, until the wind
periodically dropped, driving me back to the hut.
Some ominous looking lenticular clouds
appeared above the mountains.
Discussions were had about what
exactly the purpose of a sandfly is, with
mumbled wishes for extinction,
although our attempts at this were not
particularly fruitful.
The evening saw the arrival of two very
affable chaps from Christchurch, on their annual trout fishing pilgrimage.
They arrived a little too late to contribute to the hut larder.
A beautiful sunrise greeted us the next morning, before a dawdle down
the valley past herds of horses and an abundance of geese, and a failed
side trip to the Ada Homestead in search of tea and scones.
The intrepid five were in residence at Christopher Hut on arrival, looking
on the verges of rabidity after two nights (and an impending third)
ensconced within.
They weren’t the only ones in residence…
22Richard the rat
got very fat
from his night time raid,
while in bed we laid.
With a very loud shout,
through the window mesh he was out,
leaving a pile of poo
and some cleaning to do
With cloud clearing the next morning, Andrew, Dennis, Uta and Dave
headed back up on the tops while Terry and I were joined by Alex for
another leisurely wander to Ada Pass Hut, located by a bubbling stream
and with views of Three Tarns Pass.
A second day at Ada Pass Hut was filled in quite nicely with art classes,
robin behaviour observation, speed-tent-erecting demonstrations, and
the washing and drying of cardboard socks.
Then there was
A mouse called George
who felt the need to gorge
and came out at night
to look for a bite….
We were joined in the evening by the Zampa tops team.
Team: Terry Chubb, Michelle Martin and later Alex Sancho.
Photos: Michelle
23Mt Damper / Waitaanga Forest – 13-15 March
by Alireza Mokhtar
As the pleasant summer days slowly fade away with colourful autumn’s,
our small group of 13 hikers led by Tony Walton (medium fit group) and
Keith Ayton (easy group), heads south to explore the remote native
forests of North Taranaki backblocks.
At 07:00 on Friday evening, the ATC coach drives us straight to the heart
of North Taranaki and stops about 11:00 pm so we can spend the first
night on its comfortable couches hoping
(and maybe dreaming) to step into a great
walk, the day after.
The bus stop is named Mount Damper Falls
car park, on the Okau Road off SH3, 59 km
north of New Plymouth with a long drop
toilet available by the carpark.
Almost everyone woke up around 06:30. A
group of 8 people started the medium fit
walk at 07:30 am.
When stepping down off the bus, the chilly
blowing breeze reminded us the autumn is
around the corner and having a light
jumper makes it comfortable for us to pack
up.
After having a quick breakfast, the long day
began: Amazing Waitaanga Forest was
waiting for us located almost at 449m
elevation above sea level. After a half hour
easy walk in farmland and then bush, the
tall and scenic waterfall of Damper become
visible with ostentation.
The base of this 74m waterfall is
inaccessible, but the falls are superbly
observed from two viewing platforms ….
pity about the lack of water at this dry time
of year!
The walk continued in Waitaanga Forest, a
diverse forest, from steep rugged gorgy
land to the south, to flat plateau country in
the north. Possums, goats and pigs are said
to be hunted in the area. We saw two huts
24(possibly for the hunters) on our way. However, the track is closed to
hunters every year from 1 August to 31 October for the lambing season.
A short distance after the waterfall, the
track markers disappeared leaving us with a
challenge to find the right track. We assume
the markers were removed due to the road
and timber facility construction. However, it
caused us a longer and a bit tougher walk
through the bush.
When we got out of the bush … 2 hours
later … and jumped over the fence, the
markers reappeared. With normal track
conditions, the 14 km walk to Te
Rerepahupahu Falls should not take longer
than 7 hr 30 min – 9 hrs according to DOC.
By 05:00 pm, we had reached the base of
the waterfalls. Te Rerepahupahu is an
exquisite 60m waterfall which is quite often
overlooked due to more popular Mt
Damper Falls. The main camping space is
quite enough for setting up 4 tents and
spending a memorable night listening to
melodiously singing water falling into a
deep basin.
Other spots were found for 4 more tents,
assisted by low water levels in the large
pool at the base of the falls.
Between 07:00 and 07:40 the next day
almost everyone had already packed up
their tent and had breakfast.
Some of us were painfully stung by heaps of
wasps that came out of a bush with a
greeting: “Good morning strangers, get out
of our territory!”
The walk back to Waitaanga River Valley started at 08:00 am with abrupt
steepness for the first hour and a stiff climb through pine trees but
continued with a rather flat and nice but long track.
The historic logging tramline track with the remnant of wood rails and old
nails on them, crosses the river with many swing bridges (cross one
person at a time), goes through several grassy clearings and turns left up
25a ridge, then descends through virgin mixed podocarp forest to the valley
floor.
At the end of this 4-hour track, the farmland appeared with a different
landscape thanks to a conversion from farmland to newly planted pine
plantation.
When seeing the club bus and our friends
waiting and waving at us, everyone ended
up with a big smile and a nice lunch while
relaxing on the grass. It was midday and
the sun was ruling the blue sky.
On the bus heading back to Auckland, we
were all tired and already slightly missing
the astonishing moments we spent in the
splendid forests of Taranaki in the middle
of March.
We were: Tony Walton, Joanne Cochrane,
Wendy Graham, Fay Zhong, Bill Mancer,
Mark Abela, Christine Major, Alireza
Mokhtar.
The bus drivers were Keith Ayton and
Marilyn Best.
26Uncle Wacko’s Gear Corner
TRAMPING GEAR ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT
A couple more tent options
Now Uncle Wacko steered you to some cracker tents a few months back.
But a few of you have apparently balked at their cost. So what do you do
if you’re a bit squeaky in the back pocket area and don't want to part with
too much dosh?
Well you sure don't dive into The Warehouse where everyone gets a
bargain. Or buy from some dodgy Chinese or Ukrainian website.
Instead you go to InTents Outdoors, an Auckland-based online retailer.
Now Uncle Wacko has met Len the owner and he's a decent bloke with a
genuine interest in good tent design and manufacture.
He uses good materials and as far as Uncle Wacko can tell after a bit of a
jiggery poke with a couple of his products on a gentle outing or two, they
look to be well made. And they're certainly very well priced.
He's got quite a range, so take a gander at these ones:
DOUBLE SKIN
Indie 1 person silnylon ultralight, 990g, $249. Dimensions: 73cm wide at
head/foot, 95cm max width, x 210cm long x 110cm max height.
Ultrapack DW 1 person, 900grams, $182. Smaller: 50 - 80cm wide, 215cm
long, 110cm max height, so only buy if you’re a bit of a weed petite.
Both these tents set up with a single trekking pole (or buy separately),
and have 3000mm hh fly and floor, so consider a groundsheet.
SINGLE SKIN
Odyssey Silnylon ultralight 1 person, 900g, an excellent pyramid-style
shelter, 3000 hh fly and 5000 hh floor, single trekking pole set up, $229.
Check out their website and give Len a
call – he’ll see you right.
And be sure to tell him you're from ATC.
Spot ya.
Uncle Wacko
An Odyssey up high at Ariel Tarns (Arthur’s Pass)
27Trip Information
TRIP GRADINGS
This is a guide only. Weather and track WHAT TO BRING ON A TRIP
conditions can make the trip harder. Day Trips
Sunday trips Day-pack with plastic liner
Easy: 4-5 hours tramping, suitable for Fleece or wool jumper
beginners. Parka, gloves Torch
Medium: 4-6 hours tramping, good fitness. Spare batteries Lunch, snacks
Long/Fit: 6-7 hours, fast pace, high level of Water, 1 litre min. First-aid kit
Sunscreen Sunhat, warm hat
fitness.
Toilet paper Hand sanitizer
Weekend trips
Change of clothing and shoes, and
Easy: 4-6 hours - usually on tracks, easy
plastic bag for dirty boots (can be left in the
pace. bus or car).
Medium: 6-8 hours - sometimes off track, Wear boots or stout shoes, shorts (not
experience needed. jeans), shirt, polyprop or wool layers
Fit: 7+ hours - experienced trampers only. (according to weather).
A waterproof parka with a hood is
essential for all trips.
CANCELLATIONS
If you are unable to go on a trip you have
Weekend trips
booked for, please notify the Booking
Your own food, sleeping and cooking gear,
Officer and leader as early as possible.
tent, topo map, compass and storm gear
For refund rules, see the Multiday Tramps, (rain jacket, over trousers, long johns, warm
Booking & Payment page on our website. hat and gloves).
Clothing, etc, should be adequate for the
likely conditions.
TRIPS RETURNING LATE
For full details see ‘Multiday Tramp Info’ on
Tell family or friends to ring the Search & our website here.
Rescue Officers for information: Contact the leader with any concerns or
Ross Thompson gear shortfalls (you may be able to share).
636 4224 or 0274 720 463
Stephen Fowler
534 8697 or 0274 338 912 HUT BOOKINGS
Weekend trips or Committee Members – Waitakere hut (Ngaro-te-Kotare)
refer inside front cover. Private and group bookings, contact:
Robin Houston
Email: ntkhut@aucktramping.org.nz
TRIP PAYMENTS
0274 310 010 (7.00pm - 9.00pm
Weekend trips: on registration - required
before your booking is confirmed.
Longer trips: a week before departure, or
as specified.You can also read
