Lower Kaiarahi circuit, Kaweka FP, Saturday 17 January 2026
Banner Photo: Crossing the Tutaekuri River (upstream from the usual spot)
‘Twas on an overcast morning when nine excited trampers met at Park Island and set off for the inaugural tramp of the year.
We arrived at the Lakes car park at 8.15 to a steady drizzle, so donned jackets and rain covers (some added leg waterproofing), then set off. Most managed to keep their boots dry during the Tutaekuri River crossing.
Heading back up after a- tricky descent
At 9.30, it was decision time: whether to stick with our original plan to go to Mackintosh Hut for lunch then out via Mackintosh car park, or take a left turn and do a shorter loop via the old Kaweka Hut site back to the Lakes car park for an early finish. The weather had not deteriorated and we were all still feeling fresh, so it was a unanimous decision to stick with the planned route.
At around 10, we stopped for morning tea at a convenient sheltered spot, having just crossed another small stream. Then we continued, negotiating a number of climbs and descents. Our highest point was about 900 metres. There was one particularly steep and gnarly descent to a small stream crossing but everyone got down safely with a bit of friendly encouragement and teamwork.
There were a few fallen trees to climb over, but nothing major.
Di, encourages others near the top of the climb out of the Kaiarahi stream
Throughout the day, we heard birdsong, most of it the distinctive call of the long-tailed cuckoo. There were none of the usual views, due to the low cloud and mist – but that added a certain eerie charm.
We arrived at Mackintosh Hut at 11.45 and stayed for a half-hour lunch and loo stop. A family arrived while we were there – they were just out for a day walk. We set off at 12.15 and soon met a couple heading to the hut for an overnighter and later passed another family heading to the hut for lunch. It was good to see people out enjoying the great outdoors despite the rainy forecast, although the weather was nowhere near as bad as we were expecting.
The on/off drizzle had made some clay parts of the track fairly slippery, so we were not looking forward to the steep descent to the river – but we were pleasantly surprised; it was not too tricky. Once over the bridge, we stopped to remove our wet weather gear, as the conditions had cleared nicely. Then it was time to plod up the hill to the car park; Elly set a nice, steady pace so we all managed to climb to the top without any stops for a breather.
Lunch at Mackintosh Hut
We came out at Mackintosh car park at 1.45 and tackled the 2.5km walk back to the van at the Lakes car park – it is all downhill and a good way to wind down.
We arrived back at Napier before 4pm, after a very enjoyable day. Thanks very much to Elly for organising and leading, to Di for driving and to my fellow trampers for their wonderful company and camaraderie. It was great to see Anne and Craig back in the Bay after their travels.
Trampers: Elly Govers, Selina Chilton, Darran Gillies, Donna Weston, Craig and Anne Mountfort, Di Reid, Phil Shakespeare and reporter Shona Tupe
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