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Volume 96, No 4 May 2021
In this edition:
- ATC photo competition
- full day and weekend trips programmes
- 5 great trip reports
- the lowdown on snack bars from Uncle Wacko
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
Jim Morrow 021 264 6085
secretary@aucktramping.org.nz 04 News and Views
Treasurer:
Michael Champion 027 225 4451 08 Your ATC Diary
treasurer@aucktramping.org.nz
Sunday Trips: 09 Day Trips Programme
Tony Walton 027 478 5223
tonywalking@gmail.com 17 Multiday Tramp Programme
Weekend Trips: 17 Mt Pirongia – May
Andrew Murdoch 021 489 206 18 Cape Brett – June
trips@aucktramping.org.nz
Wednesday Trips:
19 Winter Trip – June
Linda Webber 817 5111
Transport & Equipment:
20 Trip Reports
Keith Ayton 630 7010 20 Interim Medium Fit
transport@aucktramping.org.nz 24 Safari 2021
Membership Admin 30 Kaimais Easy Medium
Liz Ware 524 7409 33 Kaimais Fit
membership@aucktramping.org.nz
35 Tararuas Easter Medium
Distribution:
Colin Wright 620 6713
distribution@aucktramping.org.nz 39 Uncle Wacko’s Gear Corner
Wanderlust Editor:
Dennis Brown 021 1955590 40 Trip Information
wanderlust@aucktramping.org.nz
Website:
Tony Walton 630 2591 The deadline for June 2021
website@aucktramping.org.nz
Social Convenor:
Wanderlust is Friday 21 May.
Chris Burnett 021 1430676 Please send contributions to
burnett102@icloud.com wanderlust@aucktramping.org.nz
Ngaro Te Kotare Hut: with Wanderlust as the subject.
Robin Houston 0274 310 010
(8am – 5pm) The deadlines for contributions each
8177849 month can be viewed on the Club
(7pm – 9pm)
nkhut@aucktramping.org.nz website on the Wanderlusts page
No calls after 9.00pm please
under the News menu.
The deadlines for
Cover photo: Lunch at a musterers’ hutcontributions
in the Bealey – see pageeach 24.
month can be viewed
at:
Auckland Tramping Club Inc, PO Box 2358, Shortland St, Auckland 1140
Website: www.aucktramping.org.nz www.aucktramping.org
email: secretary@aucktramping.org.nz
.nz → News →
President’s column
Our April 21st club night provided a great opportunity to
review an amazing summer and autumn of extended
summer trips in the South Island … while not forgetting that
we have also been very active in the North Island with
similarly superb trips to the Kawekas, Motuihe Island, the
Kaimai Ranges and the Tararua Ranges, and our ongoing Day
Walks programme.
We are indeed fortunate to have such a proficient team of
trip organisers, trip leaders and bus drivers, well supported
by hard working administrative people and processes.
However we cannot rest on our laurels as anything can
change (not just the weather), so we must continue to strive
for improvement, and to broaden the number of people
available to assist with club activities.
Day and Multi-day leader training and induction is now underway, with an
additional Map Reading and Basic Navigation course in May, and Basic
Snow Skills for trampers at the end of July. Additional dates or course
topics can be scheduled, so do ask if the current dates and content on
offer don’t suit you.
The club also offers external course subsidies especially for trip leaders,
so if you need upskilling in a particular area, please discuss this with a
committee member.
This is not just something for someone else …. this is all about you!
We are now calling for nominations for the ATC Committee for the 2021-
22 year. Unfortunately Christine Major will be leaving the committee in
June, so we really do need committee representation of all our wonderful
lady trampers!
It is exciting that this year Uta Machold and Chris Burnett are running an
ATC Photo Competition, as a pre-requisite to entering our winners into
the FMC Photo Competition.
See the notice about this on page 7, start selecting your best photos from
our recent trips, and there is still time to find the perfect photo
opportunity before the closing date.
Tony Walton
3
News and views
Club nights
Venue: Remuera Bowling Club, 6 Market Rd, Remuera
Parking: Down driveway between 3 and 5A Dromorne Rd
Time: 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start
APRIL
Thanks to everyone who shared their stunning photos of the various Club
summer trips to the top of the South Island. A great night!
WEDNESDAY MAY 19
Flights of the Godwits – finally we get to hear the eagerly awaited, Covid-
delayed talk by world godwit authority Adrian Riegen. Adrian is an
enthusiastic speaker and his talk is guaranteed to enthral.
Don’t miss this night!
WEDNESDAY JUNE 16
AGM — Hear how the Club fared this year,
and maybe even grab yourself a job!
Plus …
Pictures and Stories from Iran — Alireza
Mokhtar, our member from Shiraz, Iran will
tell us all about tramping in his native
country and Central Asia.
5,000+ metre peaks anyone? Don’t miss
this!
Shiraz Canyon
NTK working bee
Don’t forget our working bee at Ngaro Te Kotare on Saturday 1st May
from 9am to 3pm. Or, stay the night (no charge), and head home Sunday.
Skilled and unskilled workers all welcome – there’s plenty to do and tasks
to suit everyone.
If you’re going, please let Robin Houston know: 0274 310 010
ntkhut@aucktramping.org.nz
4
Training opportunities – for YOU
BASIC MAP READING AND NAVIGATION SKILLS
Wednesday May 12, evening
A repeat of last year’s highly popular course covering the basics required
to feel confident using NZ Topo maps and other information to plan a
backcountry trip, and then monitor and adapt your trip as it progresses.
Register your interest in attending with Tony tonywalking@gmail.com
SNOWCRAFT COURSE 2021
Course date: Friday 30 July - Sunday 2 August 2021
Transport: Club bus
Venue: Alpine Sports Club Hut, Mt Ruapehu
Instructor: Jim Morrow
Cost: to be advised
This course is open to club members only. It is not available to non-
members. A booking form and gear list will be available in June.
The aim of the course is to build your confidence to travel on snow and
ice, learning skills that allow you to venture into alpine tramping, eg,
crossing a snow covered pass. This opens up a whole new area of
tramping to you.
We will not be going into rope work, that is for another time. The course
will take place in whatever weather is thrown at us, no cancellations.
Syllabus
• Basic Alpine skills, use of ice axe and crampons.
• Walking with ice axe and self-arresting a fall.
• Traversing uphill and downhill, edging, pigeonholing,
plunge steps.
• Step cutting with ice axe, ascending, traversing, and
descending.
• Correct fitting of crampons to boots.
• Traverse, climb and descend, 10 point and front point
techniques using both ice axe and crampons.
• Avalanche awareness, emergency shelter.
Theory night
A theory night will take place on a date yet to be confirmed. The theory
night will cover participant familiarisation, gear and equipment.
Contact: Jim Morrow snowcraft@aucktramping.org.nz
5
2021 Annual General Meeting
Yes, it’s coming round to AGM time again.
When: June 16, 7 pm
Location: Remuera Bowling Club, 6 Market Road, Remuera
We encourage all members to attend our AGM.
ATC Committee Nominations 2021
Now is the time to take your hands out of your pockets and join in the fun
of running your club, as we rapidly adjust to new opportunities and
challenges.
The ATC Committee holds 6 face to face meetings per year, and conducts
a lot of its business via email, ensuring the meetings can be that much
shorter. We aim to discuss new issues and gain a consensus quickly, so
that we can then make timely decisions.
All current committee members, other than Christine Major have
indicated that they are available for re-election.
To nominate someone for a committee position, please fill in the
following form or provide the same information and send it to the ATC
Secretary at PO Box 2358, Shortland St, Auckland 1140 or via email
(preferable) to secretary@aucktramping.org.nz.
Nominations must be received by Friday 21st May. All the following
information is required.
Nominations are required for the ATC Committee, for any of President, Secretary,
Treasurer, Huts Officer, Transport Officer, Trips Co-ordinator, Social Convenor, and
up to 3 General Committee positions:
I hereby nominate .............................................................................
for the position of .............................................................................
Nominated by (signature) .............................................................................
Consent of Nominee (signature) ........................................................................
6
ATC Archives Project
Tony Walton, Jim Morrow, Chris Pooley, Martin Woodhead, Ian Roberts
and Dennis Brown are now leading the charge to ensure our club history
is comprehensively recorded, available for club use now and into the
future, including for our 100th anniversary in 2025.
Currently we are working on our options for
converting early Wanderlusts, photos, slides
and other valuable material into a digital
format.
Very soon we will be requesting to borrow
photo and slide collections from our
members so that we can assemble as
comprehensive an archive of club events and
people as possible.
Please look out your collections and then
contact us to take the next steps.
ATC Photo Competition
Here’s your chance!
For the first time in many years we’re running an ATC photo competition.
There are 7 different categories and you can enter two photos in each.
Entries close on 30 June, when voting will start. The winning pics will be
revealed at our August Club night and prize giving ceremony, and then
entered in the annual FMC photo competition.
Don’t worry if you think your snaps aren’t good enough – you’ll be adding
to the Club’s photo stocks, so the more the merrier. If you like the shot,
other people are bound to as well!
Besides, judging will be by our very own members, not professional
photographers.
More info, the competition rules, and how to submit your entries is
detailed in the ATC Photo Competition page under Latest News on our
website.
Happy snapping!
7
Your ATC diary
May
May 1 Working Bee NTK Hut
May 2 Sunday tramp – Waiotahi/Karaka tracks, Thames
May 7-9 Kaimai track maintenance
May 9 Sunday tramp – Coast to Coast (3 Mountains)
May 12 Wednesday tramp – Whatipu
May 12 Training evening – Map Reading and Navigation
May 14-16 Weekend trip – Mt Pirongia
May 19 Club night – Flights of the Godwits
May 23 Sunday tramp – Te Rau Puriri
May 26 Wednesday tramp – Takapuna to Long Bay
May 30 Sunday tramp – Daly’s Clearing Hut
June
June 4-7 Weekend trip – Cape Brett
June 9 Wednesday tramp – Oakley Creek
June 13 Sunday tramp – Tanekaha Tracks, Brynderwyns
June 16 Club night – AGM and Pictures and Stories from Iran
June 20 Sunday tramp – Kaimai Ridge Traverse
June 27 Sunday tramp – North Shore Traverse
New members
The Club extends a very warm welcome to new members:
Sarah Katz Philippa Brothers
Justine Munro Roger Garrett
Steven Hefkey Maria May
We look forward to seeing you all on upcoming tramps!
8
Day trips programme
To join a standard
Sunday 2 May – Waiotahi/Karaka day trip
• Phone the leader if this is
tracks, Thames your first trip with the Club.
Medium Waiotahi track climbing up to just • Register your interest for a
under 600m, returning by Karaka track. Good Wednesday tramp.
views. The Karaka track in particular is full of • Then just meet at the
variety with some open sections giving splendid departure point.
views over the Coromandel mountains. Total
climb 678m, distance 12.8km, approx. time 6 Pay in cash on the day.
hrs.
Leader: Tony Walton 630 2591 / 027 478 5223
Short Stay with the driver and walk in some of the way from both ends.
Transport: Club bus
Driver: Suresh Nanu
Destination: Waiotahi Rd
Departure: 8.00 am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
8.15 am Marewa Rd, Greenlane (behind Countdown)
Walk starts at track start on Waiotahi Rd approx. 9.45am
Cost: $20 members, $25 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.
Sunday 9 May – Coast to Coast (3 Mountains)
ONEHUNGA TRAIN STATION TO BRITOMART TRANSPORT CENTRE
We will do our own version to include One Tree Hill, Mt St John and Mt
Eden. Other points of interest along the way include:
• Onehunga Blockhouse located in Jellicoe Park, one of 10 small forts
built in 1860 to protect Onehunga residents from perceived attacks
by Māori
• Cornwall Park, an oasis in the heart of Auckland city and home to One
Tree Hill / Maungakiekie and a working farm
• Mount Eden / Maungawhau volcanic cone, Auckland’s highest
natural point
• Auckland Domain, home to the Winter Gardens and Auckland War
Memorial Museum
9
• Albert Park, the site of an old Māori village (papakainga) called
Rangipuke, which once contained a defensive pā and farmland – now
boasting walking paths and gardens
You will need to sort out your own transport – a train leaves Britomart
8.48am and arrives Onehunga 9.10am. There is car parking in Onehunga
side streets near the station.
Trains return from Britomart to Onehunga, leaving at 18 and 48 minutes
past the hour throughout the day.
Leader: Terry Chubb 940 7453, Mob 021 870 158
Transport: Private
Meet: 9.15 am Onehunga Train Station
Wednesday 12 May – Whatipu
Yippee - finally this is open and we can do this very scenic trip. Starting at
Whatipu Beach carpark we take Omanawanui and Puriri Ridge tracks and
up to Mt Donald McLean summit, return same way and then out to the
big cave and back.
Leader: Linda Webber 021 440711 linda.webber@xtra.co.nz
Transport: Carpooling
Destination: Whatipu Beach carpark
Meet: 9.15 am in the Waitakere Gymnasium carpark, by Olympic
Park, Portage Road, New Lynn
We will then car pool from here to Whatipu
Note: There will be no meeting point at Sandringham Rd
Cost: $10 to drivers
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 16 May – No Day Walk This Weekend
This weekend the Club has a trip to Mt Pirongia – see page 17.
However, if you want to organise a local Auckland walk using car
transport, we can assist and advertise this for you. Contact Tony at
tonywalking@gmail.com 027 478 5223.
10Sunday 23 May – Te Rau Puriri
This gem of a Regional Park is located on the edge of the Kaipara Harbour,
a short distance below South Head.
Views out across the Kaipara Harbour are spectacular and the Kaipara
coastline is rugged. Some parts of the Park are a working farm with some
exciting prospects for continued development for an exhilirating day
walking destination.
Medium We start by taking in views of Lake Rototoa to our west, then
walk with Kaipara Harbours views down to near the sea edge, before
continuing north via open farmland to the northern area of the Park
where there was once a prawn farm.
Lunch here on the edge of the harbour, before following the coast back
south and then we take the marked path back up to the bus past some
old puriri trees.
An option may be to continue from the Park north along the coast to
Mānunutahi Bay and wait for a bus pickup near the road end.
Approx time 6 hrs.
Leader: Tony Walton 630 2591 / 027 478 5223
Short An option to stay at the Prawn Farm end of the walk and get a bus
pick-up from there.
Transport: Club bus
Driver: Marilyn Best
Low Tide: 13.30
Destination: Te Rau Puriri upper carpark on South Head Rd
Departure: 8.00 am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
West Auckland pickup – contact Tony to discuss options
Cost: $15 members $20 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.
Wednesday 26 May – Takapuna to Long Bay
We will walk the coast from the south end of Takapuna Beach to Long Bay
Regional Park. There are a few areas where we leave the coast for an
easier option. Low Tide: 1pm.
Leader: Linda Webber 021 440711 linda.webber@xtra.co.nz
Transport: Club bus
Driver: Allan Small
Destination: End of Hauraki Rd Takapuna
11Departure: 9.00 am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
(only 1 pick up today)
Cost: $10 members, $15 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.
Note: A shorter option will be to stay with the driver and explore
Long Bay Regional Park.
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 30 May – Daly’s Clearing Hut
Medium Daly’s Clearing Hut in the Northern Kaimai is a fun spot where
many first time trampers have their first overnight backcountry hut
experience. This DOC hut is maintained by the Manukau Tramping Club
under the Kaimai Ridgeway volunteer project.
Once past the road end farm, the track follows the route of the old
Waitawheta Tramway, before taking a side track up the hill towards the
hut. Time for a break here to explore the hut
and surrounds, then continue on to the junction
with Mangakino Pack Track.
Turn right here and enjoy the extensive groves
of nīkau nestled under tall tawa, kohekohe and
pukatea forest eventually descending to the
Waitawheta River. Recent changes in the actual
track to help protect the kauri may give
variations from your map but continue on following the marked route to
the point where the track crosses the Waitawheta River.
Under normal flows the river is easy to cross, but do watch out for
slippery rocks, and assist one another if needed. Once across the river
continue alongside it to Dickeys Flat and the waiting bus.
Approx 5 hours – but don’t rush. This is a very pleasant forest and the
picturesque rivers bubble along, so take time for breaks and enjoy it all.
Leader: Teresa Janssen 021 264 4434
Transport: Club bus
Driver: Suresh Nanu
Destination: Franklin Rd carpark
Departure: 8.00 am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
8.15 am Marewa Rd, Greenlane, behind Countdown
Cost: $20 members $30 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.
12Sunday 6 June – No Day Walk This Weekend
This weekend the Club has a trip to Cape Brett – see page 18
However, if you want to organise a local Auckland walk using car
transport, we can assist and advertise this for you. Contact Tony at
tonywalking@gmail.com 027 478 5223.
Wednesday 9 June – Oakley Creek
Oakley Creek is well worth a look. We can now walk beside the creek
from Mt Roskill to Waterview. It includes new bridges, plantings and
landscaping and a diversion up Mt Albert summit.
At Waterview the historic area shows relics and tells some stories of a
busy life on the creek in bygone days. Around 5 hours.
Leader: Linda Webber 021 440711 linda.webber@xtra.co.nz
Transport: Private
Meet: 9.30 am War Memorial Park – off May Rd, Mt Roskill
(entrance opposite Memorial Ave)
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 13 June – Tanekaha Tracks, Brynderwyns
Medium Approached from the southern side of the
Brynderwyn Hills, a series of tracks take you through
the forest, up to and along the ridgeline for views.
On the way down pass the remains of a kauri dam,
enjoy some waterfalls, and take the longer route
along the Botanical Track back to the carpark.
Approx. time 5 hrs.
Leader: Tony Walton 630 2591 / 027 478
5223
Short From the Waterfall track you can continue
directly down to the carpark.
13Transport: Club bus
Driver: Marilyn Best
Destination: Tanekaha carpark on King Rd, near Mangawhai Heads
Departure: 8.00 am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
North Shore pickup (on request to driver or leader before
Saturday 12th June 5pm) 8.15 am Des Swan Drive opposite
AON building
Cost: $20 members $25 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.
Sunday 20 June – Kaimai Ridge Traverse
Medium Fit This tramp takes in the most spectacular section of the
Kaimai ridgeline – between Tuahu Saddle and Motutapere Hut. It features
imposing rock pinnacles, numerous vantage points and sweeping views in
all directions – along the range, across the Waikato and out to the eastern
coastline.
This is steep country and good fitness is required. Expect a little
scrambling, some minor exposure in places and a (very sturdy) 8m ladder
to descend. You’ll need to be comfortable in this terrain.
We take the Tuahu West track, first through pines and
then bush, up to the saddle at the ridgeline and the
North South Track junction. Here we turn south and
traverse around and under Calgary, Twin Peaks and
Kakarahi/Abseil Peak. Then it’s the big ladder, some
more steep up and downs and a welcome break at tidy
Motutapere Hut.
We now take a lesser-travelled, steepish track down
through superb bush to the Killarney Lakes and out via
forestry roads back to the bus. Time: 6 hours.
An easier option climbing to the saddle, exploring a little
north or south for views, and returning the same way will
be available.
Leader: Dennis Brown 021 1955590
Transport: Club Bus
Driver: TBA
Destination: Wairakau Rd
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.
14Sunday 27 June – North Shore Traverse
NORTHCOTE TO KAURI POINT
We will connect various parks and places of interest. Starting from the
Takapuna Cricket club rooms at Smiths Bush we walk through AUT, over
and around Tuff Crater down to Onepoto Basin.
We cross Lake Road to Cecil Eady Bush, then beside Northcote College to
cross Onewa Road, down Seaview Ave and into Le Roys Bush. Our exit is
below the Northcote Shops, down Rawene Road into Chelsea Heritage
Park for lunch with great views back to the city.
Then a loop through Chelsea park, Chatswood Reserve, Kauri Point
Centennial Park, including Kendall Bay along the cliff past Chelsea sugar
refinery and up Rawene Road to the Bus. Very little road walking. 5 hrs.
Leader: Simon Rainger 021 683 000
Transport: Club bus
Driver: TBA
Destination: Carpark at the entrance to Takapuna Cricket club on
Northcote Road, 300m SW from the SH1 off ramp
Departure: 8.30 am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
No second pickup
Cost: $10 members, $15 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.
Sunday 4 July – Broken Hills
Easy/Medium From the carpark take the Water Race track, Third Branch
track, Collins Drive Loop, possible side trip along Paton Stream Dam track
to Point 463 return (weather permitting). Then take in the view from
point 322 and continue on back to the carpark. Time 4-5 hours. Approx.
19kms.
An alternative to the side trip to point 463 is to visit the Golden Hills and
Broken Hills Batteries.
Leader: Martin Woodhead 021 397 734
Destination: Puketui Valley Road Carpark, off Kopu Hikuai Rd
Transport: Club Bus
Driver: TBA
Departure: 8.00 am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland
8.15 am Marewa Rd, Greenlane (behind Countdown)
Approx. start time for walk 10.15 am
Cost: Members $20, non-members $30. Pay in cash on the day.
Notes: Bring a torch – Collins Drive is 500m long
Early start today
15Saturday 24 - Sunday 25 July – Waikato Walks
Medium This is our next Day Walk Weekend, where we leave on
Saturday morning, walk with a day pack on Saturday and Sunday and stay
in a comfortable Holiday Park on Saturday evening.
Saturday Walk the Karamu Walkway (3 hours) and then climb to the top
of Kakepuku – that peak near Pirongia / Te Awamutu that you so often
drive past hoping to visit one day! (2 to 3 hours return)
Accommodation overnight in Otorohanga at the Kiwi Holiday Park with
the option to eat in or visit a local restaurant.
On Sunday we will travel to Sanctuary Maungatautari
to tramp to the peaks of Pukeatua and Maungatautari
(6 hours return, shorter options) or visit the Southern
Enclosure – showcase for amazing flora and fauna
restoration within a large pest proof fenced area.
(various options - your own cost:
https://www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz )
Leader: Tony Walton 027 478 5223
tonywalking@gmail.com
Transport: Club bus
Driver: TBA
Destination: Saturday: Karamu Walkway on Old
Mountain Road
Sunday: Maungatautari Visitor centre,
Tari Road
Departure: Saturday: 7.30 am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd
Sunday: 7.30 am Holiday Park
Accommodation: Otorohanga Kiwi Holiday Park. Book your own
accommodation https://kiwiholidaypark.co.nz/
OR advise if you want to sleep on the bus (add $22)
Saturday Dinner: Eat in, or visit a local restaurant
Cost: $43 members, $54 non-members
Note: This trip must be booked online and paid in advance.
If you book a cabin you are happy to share, or are
interested in sharing another person’s cabin, contact Tony
who will circulate that information to other trip members
16Multiday trips programme
Weekend tramps To join a weekend tramp
1. Discuss trip with leader – numbers are
Mount Pirongia – 14-16 limited.
May 2. Register online via the trip description page.
Any problems, contact the Bookings Officer:
Dennis Brown 6200144, 021 1955590
Trip full with a waiting list bookings@aucktramping.org.nz
3. Pay trip fee into Club account: 02-0100-
Climb this local scenic treasure by 0024675-00.
the route of your choice and keep Quote your name, trip number and
your hill fitness up to scratch at the “weekend”.
same time! You’re only confirmed on the trip when you’re
completed all 3 steps!
We’ve booked out the modern and
comfortable Pahautea Hut so a bed
is guaranteed for Saturday night. Anyone preferring to camp can do so at
one of the excellent formed campsites.
Easy Medium Saturday from Kaniwhaniwha Carpark to Pahautea Hut via
Tahuanui Track (5-6 hrs).
Sunday from Pahautea Hut to Corcoran Road via Tirohanga Track (4-5
hrs).
Leader: Vicky King 0210736056 vickingv@gmail.com
Medium Saturday from Corcoran Road to Pahautea Hut via Link Track,
Mangakara Nature Walk and Mahaukura Track (6-7.5hrs).
Sunday from Pahautea Hut to Corcoran Road via Tirohanga Track (4-5
hrs).
Leader: Rae Coppins 021303837 raewync@hotmail.com
Fit Saturday from Kaniwhaniwha Carpark to Pahautea Hut via Bell Track
(7–9 hrs).
Sunday from Pahautea Hut to Corcoran Road via Tirohanga Track (4 hrs).
Leader: Andrew Murdoch 021489206 livingscapes@hotmail.com
Transport: Club Bus
Driver: TBA
17Transport and Accommodation
Cost: $45 members,
$54 non-members
Destination: Kaniwhaniwha
Carpark, Limeworks
Loop Road
Departure: Friday 7.00 pm,
Club Garage, 31
Sandringham Road
NO DINNER BREAK EN ROUTE Pahautea Hut
Notes: Trip is limited to 21 (7
per party) due to bus and hut constraints.
Maps: NZTopo50 BE32 Kawhia & BE33 Pirongia
Do yourself a favour and bring gaiters!
Cape Brett – 4-7 June (Queens Birthday Weekend)
Trip full with a waiting list
Medium with shorter options on Saturday and Sunday.
This ever popular tramp is one of Northland’s highlights. A superb array of
rugged coastal scenery and hut location at the end of Cape Brett not to be
missed. Cape Brett Hut is the renovated old lighthouse keeper’s cottage,
with the renovated lighthouse on the hill above.
On Friday evening we drive to the
Kaingahoa Marae campground at Rawhiti
where we will stay for 2 nights, camping,
sleeping in the bus, or using the Marae
building (mattresses provided).
On Saturday we will have a day trip to
explore Urupukapuka Island nearby – this
island has a great network or walking
tracks and a large number of picturesque
bays, with some good swimming. Bad
weather option is to walk into the old whaling station at Whangamumu.
Another water taxi trip on Sunday into Deep Water Cove on the
peninsula, from where we will walk onwards to Cape Brett Hut. Bad
weather option is to walk in from Rawhiti. An optional side trip is to climb
to the summit of Rakaumangamanga for great sea views in all directions.
18On Sunday we will walk out the full Cape Brett Track to Rawhiti. A faster
group will be able to go via Te Toroa Bay and Whangamumu to wait on
the road until the bus arrives.
Leader: Wendy Graham 021841971 wends.graham4@gmail.com
Transport: Club Bus
Total Cost: Members $210, non-members $221
Destination: Kaingahoa Marae Campground, 243 Rawhiti Rd, Rawhiti
Departure: Friday 7.00 pm, Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Road
NO DINNER BREAK EN ROUTE
Map: NZTopo50 AV30 Cape Brett
Winter trip – June 2021
Old Ghost Road, Paparoa Track, Kirwans Hut
Trip full
June 18-22, Fri-Tue: Fly to Nelson, travel to Lyell for 4 nights on Old
Ghost Road. Stay in Westport.
June 23-26, Wed-Sat: 3 nights on Paparoa Great Walk. Stay in Reefton.
June 27-28, Sun-Mon: Kirwans Hut. Return to Nelson.
29 June, Tue: Fly home.
Contact: Christine Major 021 1095 750
Email: christinemajor25@gmail.com
Coming up
Keep these weekend’s free:
July 9-11 Weekend trip, Whangarei Heads area. Details shortly.
July 30 - 2 August Snowcraft course, Mt Ruapehu. See page 5.
August 13-15 Weekend trip, Tangihua Forest, Northland (to be
confirmed) - a change from previous plans.
19Trip reports
Interim Medium Fit Trip, Arthur Range – February
by David Holl
20 February
Rory of Trek Express picked us up from Nelson Airport at 9.30 am and
drove us to Wangapeka River Road, dropping us off just before the ford at
11.15 am.
It was then approximately a 45-minute walk along the road to where we
crossed the river onto Chummies Track. Those that were smart took their
boots off for the crossing. Those not so smart ended up with wet boots
and possibly blisters.
We had lunch at the riverside and then around midday headed up
Chummies Track to John Reid Hut. The weather was fine and hot and it
seemed a lot more difficult going up than it had when some of us went
down three years previously.
The group spread out a bit,
taking between four and six
hours to arrive at the hut.
Half the group camped
under the trees, the rest
stayed in the hut. Travel time
from road: 4-6 hours.
21 February
We were up at 5.30 and away 7am, heading northerly towards and over
Mt Gomorrah.
Shortly after Gomorrah, after a toilet stop,
one of the girls, upon pulling up her
knickers, felt an unusual sensation. Upon
inspection she found a friendly cricket or
grasshopper had made itself at home.
That problem was promptly sorted.
We then sidled around Mt Sodom (which
was slow but not dangerous) and headed
towards Skeet Saddle. At 3pm we found
tent sites among the trees on the eastern
20slopes of the saddle and then headed downhill to find water. There was a
trickle of water 15 minutes downhill which we cupped into our bottles.
Weather sunny and hot. Campsite coordinates: 15655, 54224. Travel time
8 hours.
22 February
We were away at 7 am, travelling
over Hough saddle in the direction
of Baton Saddle. At 2 pm after 7
hours travel the party decided to
split into two groups. The more
ambitious group (Peter, Robin,
Michael and Andrew) headed
towards Baton Saddle while the
conservative group headed down
Cowan Spur, camping beside a
couple of tarns, east of pt. 1497.
Coordinates 15668, 54285.
The ambitious ones, arriving at
Baton Saddle, found no water at
the tarn below the saddle and
headed downhill for an hour to
find water and set up camp at 8.45
pm. Theirs was close to a 14 hour
day, the last hour described as
“travelling through an armada of
spaniards.”
It was washday by the tarns for the
slower group.
23 February
The slower group were away at
8.30 am, walked up to Cowan Spur
Track, followed it down to meet up
with Loveridge Spur route down to
Baton Valley Road. It was a clear day with cloud rising from the valley up
towards us.
Walking along the lower end of the track we met up with Andrew around
2.30 p.m. He was on his way out to meet up with the Shuttle as he had
urgent business at home. The other members of his party - Peter, Michael
and Robin were camped further back up the trail off the 4-wheel drive
track.
21We, the slower group, set up camp alongside the river on the Ellis Track
around 3.30 pm. This was sandfly country. The faster group were
somewhere behind us.
Travel time 7 hours. Location coordinates: 15749, 54292.
24 February
We were away at 8 am with an overcast sky; the first signs of bad
weather to come. Continuing up Ellis Hut Track at a leisurely pace we had
Peter, Michael and Robin catch up with us around the middle of the
morning.
We arrived at Ellis Hut at 2.30
pm. An initial look for water
was unsuccessful but a further
hunt saw us come upon a
localized source, a short creek
which was disappearing down a
tomo.
Michael was elected as leader
to replace Andrew who previously left the group. Peter and David
camped, the other five were in the 6-berth hut.
We had heavy rain during the night. Travel time 6.5 hours.
25 February
Heavy rain during the day. Pete and
David slept in the hut due to heavy
condensation in tents. Gathering
firewood, reading and playing 500 were
the entertainment for the day.
26 February
We were away at 8.15 am as the weather was looking better, heading in
the direction of Salisbury Lodge.
At the intersection to Mt Arthur, Robin, Uta and Mike diverted to climb
Mt Arthur (15 minutes each way), while the rest of us continued on to
Salisbury Lodge. We had a brief rest there and were greeted by a DOC
warden checking our hut passes.
We spotted a high-flying kea on the way. We then headed off to Balloon
Hut, arriving at 4.15 pm.
Balloon Hut was a well-appointed hut. The other three who had gone up
Mt Arthur turned up at 5pm.
Shortly after we had settled in a party of 4 men claiming to be from the
PTC (Pink Tramping Club) arrived. This group consisted of three physicians
22and a radiologist, all workmates from Wellington out for their annual
short tramping bash. They had the works for dinner: red wine, fresh
veges, hand whipped cream for dessert, etc.
While we attempted to play 500 they entertained in the background with
singing, poetry, and an invitation to join in a séance (politely declined:
some of us claimed religious reasons, they claimed to be Methodists. Pink
Methodists !?)
Travel time: 8 hours.
27 February
This was an easy day. We left at 8 am
for an easy day hike along the Peel
Range to Mt Peel, and then a circle
around Lake Peel. All bar Peter, who
kept going, had lunch by the lakeside
and then back to the hut around
1.15pm.
28 February
Away at 7.15am heading towards our
pickup point at the road end past Flora Hut.
We called into Dry Rock Camp and had
smoko at Growler camp. Then saw 3 whio
standing on the rocks. Throughout this
section we saw lots of evidence of pest
control (Friends of Flora.)
We then moved onto Lower Gridiron Shelter
(there were several exotic shelters in the
region) and reached Flora Hut at 11.50 am for lunch and finally Flora
carpark at 12.50.
There, with cell phone reception, we heard
the news that Auckland was heading into
Level 3 lockdown.
Arriving at the airport with a couple of
hours to spare (we dropped Peter, Dennis
and Kathy off on the way) there was time
for a shower and coffee and counter food.
No bacon and eggs, thanks to Level 2
restrictions in the kitchen.
We were: Andrew Murdoch (primary leader) Michael O’Connor
(secondary leader), Kathy Engelbrecht, Uta Machold, Dennis Brown,
Robin Houston, Peter Waworis, David Holl.
23Safari 2021 – February - March
by Owen Sharpe
Safari this year was a two week clockwise loop from Christchurch pausing
in Arthur’s Pass, Punakaiki Farewell Spit, Reefton, Lewis Pass, Hanmer
Springs back to Christchurch.
Chris Burnett and Athol Berry had brought Big Blue down to Christchurch,
while the 20 of us on the Safari flew in. We escaped a lockdown in
Auckland in doing this tramp!!!
Ian’s pack (the one with all of the organisational details of our prospective
fortnight inside) was picked up by someone else at Christchurch airport.
Fortunately, Ian also had their pack which provided contact details and
amends were somehow made somewhere in the Alps on the first day.
Teresa pens it thus:
THIS IS A YARN ABOUT AN AARN
(Apologies to The Night Before Christmas)
Twas days before Safari Was Ian’s pack at the airport?
And all through the week Did “Mike” have his pack?
20 trampers were fretting Had it travelled cross country?
A COVID outbreak to tweak! They both needed them back .
But bags all got packed, Finally a call
To the airport with care They’d passed us en route
Snug in protector packs He found Ian’s bag
Soon, we’d be there. When he checked in the boot.
With trampers all nestled, In Kumara by now,
Assigned to a bed They’d U turn to us
Our leader went to repack Easier for them
An overnight tramp ahead. Than in the club bus.
But B***** he said, Good humour prevailed
B***** B***** it t’is Neither to blame
This Aarn had a name on it A lesson was learned
And it wasn’t his !!! About two bags the same.
A phone call ensued
Number luckily provided
No answer - of course
So imagination was incited.
24Jim and Antal went up Avalanche Peak on the first day at Arthurs Pass and
on to Lyell Peak while the rest of us went up to Temple Basin ski field.
Jim remembers their ascent like this:
ONLY TWO FOR THE TOPS
Avalanche Peak, 1833m was on the schedule for day 1 at Arthurs Pass. It
was revealed that only Antal and I put our hands up for this one.
Morning was a bit chilly, but we set
off in tee shirts and shorts, knowing
that Avalanche Peak Track is a stiff
climb and we would soon be
overheating.
Up through the bush clinging to
trees then above the bushline up the
rocky ridge, over many “tops” until
the summit was reached around
11.00am. Great views all around and
dominated by the peak of Mt
Rolleston 2275m, highest in Arthurs
National Park.
Well, 11.00am was too early to eat lunch and head back, so “how about
we go along the ridge to Lyell Peak, 1828m?” Looked easy enough. Lyell
Peak was 2 hours return to Avalanche Peak with time for lunch on the
way.
Back down by Scotts Track; after 8 hours and 2 peaks a beer was most
welcome.
Also from Arthurs Pass we went up Bealey Spur to an atmospheric
musterers hut.
Part of the way I was in the forest
about 20 metres behind Sharon.
She was always stopping for birds
including a karearea which I
hadn’t heard; made me ponder
about how insensitive I really was
to flora and fauna. Oh well….
But we got some great pics on
that walk including one of Bealey
River with the headwaters of the
Waimakariri to the left and
another of lunch in the hut.
25Shirley said this about Arthurs Pass and our tramp up Temple Basin:
I liked the Arthur’s Pass destination the best; possibly because it was my
first impression of the mountains and beautiful bush which stayed with
me.
On arrival we dined at the Bealey pub which has certainly seen a
makeover since I last visited in the 90’s.
There is a large moa replica in the front garden and the publican has
reportedly used this moa theme to attract more custom.
From the Bealey Pub we picked up a couple of
hitchhikers; young guys who had come from
Christchurch in drag as part of a stag do.
Away to a cool start in the morning with the sun
only on the tops. Most of the group tramped up
to Temple Basin ski area with leader Ian. Jim
and Antal took the Mt Avalanche track (5-6hr
return) and six of us women chose Scott’s track
which is an easier route up the mountain.-Not
that we were attempting to summit (1833m)
because it would have taken too long. Sharon
had her binoculars and was keen on bird
watching so that suited me.
The track zig zags through forest to start with
but was often strenuous with steep stepping
stones and later on some shingly passes.
Resting a quarter of the way up the
tomtits fluttered around us and
later on we heard the sweet singing
of a bellbird close by. The lack of
kea in the mountains was
disappointing but we did see one or
two fly overhead. Sharon later
heard a falcon which pleased her
very much.
Nevertheless Anna later got this
superb Kea snap in the village.
Shirley continues:
We got superb views above the bush line- to Arthurs Pass and Kelly Range.
After a couple of hours we reached the alpine flower fields. Mt Cook lily
had finished flowering but we saw white gentians, edelweiss, celmisias,
astelias and a variety of small daisies.
26Finding a warm sheltered spot for lunch we enjoyed the sun and views of
Mt Rolleston.
That was as far as three of us wanted to
go. Hazel, Barbara and Teresa were keen
to carry on the poled and cairned route
and managed to reach a high point to
see the peak.
Sharon, Jean and I made good time
descending and were almost to the
bottom when we met an Asian man with
his boom box blaring. He was rather in
awe of us because of our age and stated
“But that was difficult up there!” and
asked us if we needed any help!
We got out at 3pm having started at
8.30 from the alpine motel. A very
generous $3 ice cream was welcome
from the store.
The village had just about everything we
needed in the way of stores, restaurants,
book exchange etc but I liked the trains.
We saw the Tranz Alpine pull in from
Christchurch the first day and there were
coal trains day and night. On a free
afternoon when three of us were
exploring we happened to watch a coal train
uncoupling. It needed six engines! to get through
the Otira pass and only one to carry on to
Christchurch.
Thence to Reefton. About half of us made a three
day two night excursion up an old gold miners’
route to Big River hut through the densest moss I’ve
seen.
Ian remembers the Big River trip thus:
When Anna and I reconnoitred the Safari the Golden
Lead battery featured prominently on some of the
brochures we read about the Reefton gold fields.
27These pictures gave me the desire to see
the battery and I planned the overnight
trip to Big River so I and others could
visit this example of Victorian era
engineering.
The battery is a full day return tramp
from Big River Hut. However just 20
minutes from the hut is a near complete
winding engine and associated poppet
head.
The engine serviced the Big River mine
until the early years of WW2. The engine and battery
make Big River a place well worth visiting.
I found the cyanide contamination of these old mines
(seemingly forever) depressing but it was a great
walk in there and the moss (thanks Teresa) is
memorable.
From Reefton we went over the Lewis Pass stopping
to scamper towards the top for lunch. Teresa (thanks
again) got us going up through the beech.
On then to Hamner Springs to rest, obviously, I
thought. (I was grateful, Anna, Ian for this
indulgence.) But Bruce and Antal were not finished
with the beauty of elevation.
Bruce says:
Instead of soaking in the hot pools on the last day, Antal
and I climbed Mt Isobel.
In sunny weather, after passing the high waterfall and
many wasps, we arrived on the tops with about one km
to go along a ridge to reach
the summit and trig.
To our surprise we were
confronted by a gale force SW
wind that was doing its best to
blow us off the pathway.
Antal asked if I wanted to turn
back, as others were doing, but
I was determined to complete
the climb.
28Eventually we did but the going was
so slow as just staying upright and
on track required concentration.
An interesting experience and all
part of tramping.
Barbara, Di, Graeme and I enjoyed
the hydroslides like a bunch of kids
while Ally kept a weather eye on us
from the safety of the pools.
Hazel reflected on the whole Safari:
I really enjoyed the safari for its great diversity of
stunning walks. I was especially taken with the fungus
that parasitise cicadas from which grow a powdery mass
on a stalk.
Diana and Sharon were very good at pointing interesting
things out; unexpected things. The picture is of a NZ
carnivorous plant, possibly drosera spatulate. I hadn’t
seen this NZ native before.
Most of it went over my head (birds) but I enjoyed the
naturalist asides too.
Anna relates the last 2021 chapter:
HEADING HOME...
Big Blue discharged half the Safari party at Christchurch airport by midday
Sunday leaving the other half to begin the long drive home.
Kaikoura coast provided surf, seals, and sun
en route to Picton and our home for the
night at the Tombstone Backpackers (on hill
above the ferry terminal; thoroughly
recommend).
Our good fortune with the weather held
with a smooth ferry crossing followed by an
uneventful drive to Ruapehu where the sight
of the maunga with a dusting of fresh snow
was the fitting end to the Safari and
provided a great contrast to the Alps and beech forests of the previous
two weeks.
We overnighted with Jim in Arlberg lodge - spacious, comfortable, great
location - highly recommend!
29We safely arrived at the club garage on Tuesday.
The Safari (and many other club trips) could not successfully run without
Big Blue and its drivers - this time Keith and Jim.
Therefore, a huge THANK YOU to both - your skills, good humour, and
patience in all conditions were MUCH appreciated.
Hope to see you all in 2022!
We all appreciated the sterling work of our wonderful drivers but we
can’t finish without saying a very big thank you to our leaders
extraordinaire Ian & Anna.
Without their superb organisation this wonderful Safari would not have
happened!
Southern Kaimais Easy/Medium – 12-14 March
by Martin Woodhead
7.00am – an early start from
Sapphire Springs as the medium and
fit groups had longer days and
wanted to keep together for the
morning’s tricky off track section.
Easy/medium had a leisurely
breakfast (or second breakfast for
some) at the “Blade” before setting
off just after 9.00am, armed with
detailed notes and photos of the
route ahead.
After initial confusion at the first 3
track signs, we were soon down to
the point where we branched off the
tramway onto the “off track”
section.
First test was to spot a dead tree in a Checking we had the right dead tree and the
clearing and find a green ribbon 10m right green ribbon
to the north of said tree. Found a
clearing. Found a dead tree. Used Eliene’s new sighting compass to
determine north – no sign of a green ribbon.
After 30 minutes the novelty to find the green ribbon wore off and we
pushed on.
3020 minutes later – another clearing (this one with grass of prairie
standard), another dead tree but 10m north of the tree, no green ribbon.
However 10m south of the dead tree there was one.
So we dove into the bush, followed
the red paint markers to Salvation
Hut, returning to the clearing for
morning tea.
Thereafter, the route was a game of
find the pink, red or orange marker
as we carried up the Ngamuwahine
Stream. Despite 16 people having
gone through earlier, the route was
not always obvious.
Got to the lower falls in time for Salvation Hut
lunch. Would have been a bit
crowded for the aforementioned 16,
but our party of 8 were well spread
out on the banks in the sunshine
with most partaking of a swim or 2 or
3 in the refreshing pool below the
falls.
Up to Pudding Basin falls after lunch
– not deep enough for a swim was a
challenge taken up by the leader.
A bit of time was lost soon after
when Kay got her foot stuck in a hole
between tree roots. Took a while to The lower falls
free her but no emergency
amputations were required.
A short climb up through the bush,
across an old slip – first views
afforded across the valley – and we
were soon on the Ngamarama track,
a rolling track through regenerating
bush. Most of this area was cleared
to log rimu, with bulldozers used to
clear the way to the trees selected
for felling.
Just before the intersection with the
North South track, Martin and Pudding Basin Falls
Luitgard disturbed a wasps’ nest, so
31the immediate followers Margot, Eliene and James suffered the
consequences. All the other ATC parties passing through had had similar
experiences.
Reached Te Whare Okioki just after 5.00pm – a long day in elapsed time
for an easy/medium trip. But it had not been an exhausting day – well
filled with “dead tree” spotting, swimming and attending to wasp stings.
Sunday, a reasonable start at 8.15am.
Eliene switched to Tony’s group to do
the side trip to Hurunui Hut. The rest
of us plodded south towards Leyland
O’Brien Tramway.
The bush on this section of the track
had been relatively untouched for
logging and there were some fine
specimens to be admired – a
reminder of what the area would
have looked like years ago.
A waterfall on the head waters of Ngamuwahine Stream was tempting for
a swim but the sun was not yet high enough – next time.
Once on the tramline, we passed though some impressive cuttings and
spotted the occasional relics from the logging days – surprisingly not that
long ago.
We hit the Ngamuwahine again – now
a river and time to spot a swimming
hole. We had to wait till our last
glimpse of the Ngamuwahine – just
where we had started to go up it the
day before. There was a small cataract
with a pool below deep enough for a
swim and plenty of rocks to lounge
around on afterwards in the sunshine.
Less than half an hour back to the bus
and we were fortunate enough to bump into some locals. They gave us an
interesting insight into the history of the area and suggested we take the
Pa Kereru loop on the boardwalk across the wetlands back the car park. A
good choice with plenty of ripened blackberries eaten on the way.
We were Eliene, James, Kay, Keith, Luitgard, Margot, Vicky and Martin
(leader).
32Ngamuwahine Valley Fit Trip – 12-14 March
by Corine Pontbriand
A trip to the Kaimais is always an exciting prospect, and this one was
especially thrilling with the plan to go off-track and to lesser-known areas.
We departed the club garage Friday evening and set up camp at Sapphire
Springs. The following morning, we were denied the occasion to inspect
the eponymous springs due to a pre-cockcrow departure. While the
roosters still snoozed, we drove to the start of the Leyland O’Brian track.
We weren’t on the orange triangle trail for long before our leader pointed
to an ancient crumbling ribbon, barely discernible among the foliage. This
apparently signalled the unofficial track to Salvation Hut. Like
unquestioning lemmings, we entrusted our fate to him and followed on.
The hut is about 4km from the start, and we made easy work of locating it
just after 9am. This is surprising given that the directions were “turn
when you get to a dead tree in a clearing.”
Although aesthetically rustic from the outside, inside was insalubriously
derelict, and would provide salvation only in the direst of circumstances.
We took a few snaps and plodded off along the Ngamuwahine Stream to
our next ocular delight.
The next section was a lot more
overgrown - a serio-comic struggle
through, under, over, and in between
dense bush and truculent trees with
barely a whiff of a guiding ribbon.
Fortunately, we combined forces with
two other ATC groups and through a
rousing game of “I found a ribbon!”
commonly known as Marco Polo, we found the track and each other.
We arrived at the idyllic Mystery Falls at 11.15, triumphantly bedraggled,
and keen for a cooling dip. The water felt as frosty as a polar bear’s nose,
so no budding Olympic swimmers
made themselves known that day.
Once suitably refreshed, we headed
up to Pudding Basin Falls, a mouth-
wateringly beautiful feast for the eyes.
Perhaps the talk of pudding made us
hungry, or maybe it was lunchtime,
but food was the next item on our
agenda.
33We found a sun-drenched bank from whose lofty heights we could
admire the rosy cheeks of the other groups as they approached and then
motored past.
It wasn’t long before we joined back up with the Ngamarama track and
into charted territory. Thus far we had walked only a leisurely 6km.
Although we picked up the pace on the well-maintained track, we
struggled to shake off Jo’s incredibly keen group.
We then hit a stretch well-guarded by wasps. Dennis was our hapless
sacrifice to appease the wasp gods for our safe passing and he got stung
eight times, while the rest of us remained unharmed.
The junction with the North South track marked the 10km milestone, and
we dutifully marched on a further 5km before pausing a while to admire
the sumptuous site where the lucky Medium trip would be camping the
night and fleetingly toyed with the idea of joining them.
However, Andrew employed his
despotic powers to herd us forth
before we could get too comfy. We
dutifully marched on and shortly took
a brief side trip to the North Wairere
Falls. We did not regret the minor
detour once we saw the majestic
blue-tinged falls contrasting
beautifully with the warm sun-
orange rocks below.
We continued another 6 or so km along the North South track until we
found the perfect camping spot, our tents dotted along the Aongatete
River in their own leafy berths.
I hoovered my dinner like a Dementor
sucks Harry Potter’s soul, while Lynda
meticulously prepared a Michelin star-
worthy dinner of noodles and fresh veges.
Among many other highbrow topics of
conversation, Dennis’s apocryphal coffee-
making habits came to light. Those with a
strong disposition can ask him about the cumulative coffee bags method.
Or better yet, ask Andrew, and you will get a different - probably less
truthful - but funnier version.
The following morning saw us scrambling around in the dark for an early
7.30 start. Being obedient followers, we acquiesced to this inhumanely
early start time without a single grumble. Mark had his backpack on
34before I had even finished my first cuppa, and Andrew buckled his last
buckle as the clock struck 7.30. Not a minute wasted.
Continuing north along the track, we passed an enormous felled tree, its
old, gnarled stump uprooted and still, like the relic of a toppled war tank.
I wondered what cataclysmic event had occurred to uproot this leviathan
of the forest. Another highlight was seeing manifold mushrooms ranging
from blue, orange, and yellow.
After about 7km we came to the turn-off for “Ted’s Track,” which is subtly
marked by 3 white strips on a tree and thereafter relatively well-marked
by ribbons. This track is a wonderful alternative to
the muddy expanse that is Thompson’s Track.
Mark was coerced into taking the lead for most of
this track, ostensibly because of his razor-sharp
eyesight but really because on this densely
cobwebbed path, the leader’s face would collect so
many wispy spiderwebs his head would inevitably
turn into a giant ball of cobweb candy floss.
We proudly reached the pick-up point at 2pm,
having walked a total of 12km that day, and again
matching our expected track times. We had ample
time to relax and savour our walk and the delightful
birdsong. Just as we started to doubt the bus’s
ability to squeeze into the narrow muddy road,
Keith expertly wielded Big Blue to our meeting spot.
We were Andrew Murdoch (leader), Corine
Pontbriand, Lynda Langridge, Mark Abela and Dennis Brown.
An Easter Adventure – medium style
In search of .801, goblins and onward to set foot on a famous ridge
by Chris Burnett
DAY 1
Most trips do not include a whole day in the bus but this trip was worth it,
to get to the iconic range that we have read so much about and rarely get
to set foot in – the mighty Tararuas.
Past the unseen tops of the Central Plateau and the mighty windmills
above Palmy, Big Blue turned right at Masterton after 630 kms on the
road to arrive at Holdsworth Camp. It’s one of the best DOC camps in NZ,
35according to Wilderness. At least we had a nice shelter to have dinner in
but we were by far the coldest we had been for many months.
The fit group got away that evening with the remaining folk camping or
sleeping in the bus.
The medium group of 7 were heading
for Totara Flats Hut, about 4 hours
away. Far too short a time to spend on
our feet according to our leader who
had cooked up numerous side trips to
various points of interest and minor
acts of exploration along the way.
We headed up toward Powell Hut, stopping to check the little known but
secretly famous point 801. Our leader was very pleased to find it in no
time and we all rallied with enthusiasm and support.
There was an old sign marking a track junction and an overgrown
permolat. This was clear evidence for us of mountain mules passing back
in the mists of time as we danced around the ancient sign. Deer in the
near distance roared through the bush. No yellow and green paint here!
We moved onward up to the Mountain Shelter, a
resting stop on the track to Powell Hut. We did some
further exploration of the old Mountain House site
now demolished and cleaned up, again uncovered by
our intrepid leader.
With the benched and gravelled tracks behind us, we
made a long descent toward Totara Flats Hut over
the steep route, well laced with tree roots.
An early arrival at Totara Flats ensured we obtained
beds before the repeating appearance of trampers
searching for a bunk for the night. This brought the
total to perhaps fifty souls by nightfall with double
bunking, top and tailing, trampers on the floor and
out under the veranda.
In spite of the intrusion, it was good to see families with children and
mates out together for the weekend. No one stayed up too late making
noise and with any mosquitos having plenty of choice, we slept well.
DAY 2: EARLY START
With a very full hut it was prudent to be up and away early. We were first
to cross the swinging swing bridge which was quite a journey when calm
but a better ride with a stronger wind.
36Just along the track we found the cairn that marks the start of the route
up to Flaxy Knob and High Ridge. This is an old track marked with tin lids
not frequently travelled, but fairly easy
to follow. Steep in places which is the
way to make quicker the 1100 metres
climb we needed for the day.
We made our way up from the old
growth temperate podocarp type
forest, up into the shorter subalpine
bush. This is the fabled goblin zone
where everything was covered with
thick green moss. It was quite beautiful.
We had a 7.30 am start but were not
out of the bush onto the tops until 2.30pm or so. We followed High Ridge
up to point 1330 marked by a wind-blasted sign post above Powell Hut.
Powell Hut is a new swish bookable 5
star DOC hut, serviced (but not room
serviced) with bunks for 32 people.
There were no random walk-ins this
night, altogether a more civilised
experience than Totara Flats. With no
overflow allowed, plenty of room,
panoramic views and solar powered
lights in the ceiling, this was very nice
for a change.
DAY THREE: POWELL - ATIWHAKATU - JUMBO
One thing we noticed was that many of these modern trampers are
having “Up and Go” for breakfast, RTD drinks and litres of milk. We never
get that on an ATC trip.
We had a lovely time with as much gas as we could burn and amazing
views of a fabulous sunrise, all behind double glazing and thick insulated
walls as the wind howled and shrieked outside.
The bloody wind, it bloody blew, the hut, it bloody shook and a few
bloody soft Aucklanders decided not to follow the path over the
Holdsworth-Jumbo Ridge on this day.
We were not getting special treatment just because we were
Aucklanders. This was normal. This was the Tararua. Entries in the hut
book noted significant wind in almost every entry.
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