Rock-hopping the Tukituki to Daphne Hut

Mill Rd, Tukituki River to Daphne Hut and return. Wednesday, 17 January 2018. Ruahine FP, Map: BL36

What a beautiful trip this is, and what a beautiful day to tramp the Tukituki River. We started from Taradale and drove to the start of the track, off Mill Road. It’s a pretty good gravel road for the last 8km.

The main party made their way down to the river via the very overgrown track. A few of us went across a slip face and the rest went around the top of it. There was some confusion finding the right path to the river. I think there are several options, but all tracks lead that way – and there’s lots of lupin to contend with.

The river was beautiful and we made our way up it to Daphne Hut. We met a tramping family coming down-river who had spent the night at Daphne Hut. They said they’d had a full house.

We also had to walk past a stinky deer carcase that was leeching ooze into the river. I don’t think I sipped any water from the river immediately below that point. I hope not.

Once at Daphne, we ate our lunch outside under the shade of a tree. On the way back, many of us took the opportunity to have a swim in an inviting pool. It wasn’t even chilly, just refreshing.

The overall hike just follows the riverbed, so lots and lots of rock-hopping and river crossings.

The terrain tested some members’ fitness levels, and there were a number of grazes and blackberry scratches so by the end, some of us were a little bloody.

John, Victor and Peter did their own tramp down to the river. I’m sure they had great swims down there too, but they didn’t share that information.

Trampers: Marie, Peter, Vic, Bruce, John B, John M, Murray, Geoff G, Tony, Sue M, Rosemary and reporter Hillary