Kaweka J, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 4 March 2026
Banner Photo: At Dominie bivouac, rugged up to keep warm
Our rental vehicle was an almost brand new, 10-seater van with a heated driver’s seat, and we had a number of new members on board. So I was on high alert about the returning state of vehicle and passengers.
At our Napier meeting point, it was 11 deg C, overcast and with no wind. On the journey, we met Dave Harrington and Elly Govers, who were preparing to do traplines. The road was good to Makahu saddle car park, and we arrived at about 8.50am. The thermometer was now showing 7C and – ominously – the wind was rising.
We set off soon after 9am; the track was in good shape and everyone was keen to get going.
But within half an hour, the wind became stronger, and it was getting colder. That wind just kept getting more intense. We stopped a couple of times well before Dominie biv and discussed our options, because the weather was becoming marginal. We chose to make it to the bivvy for a break and morning tea.
The Ngahere Loop track map
At the biv, and while we were having morning tea, the cloud base lowered and the unanimous vote was to retreat.
The Ngahere Loop track is an easy bush walk
There was no difficulty with the descent and we decided to do the Ngahere Loop track before lunch. The track had been cleared recently, and it was a pleasant walk through the bush.
We were back at the car park by about 1pm and enjoyed a leisurely lunch. But it grew even colder so we swiftly packed up and headed home in the flash new van, which came home in spotless condition – and the newbies proved to be very competent trampers.
Trampers: Ian Pirie, Grace Brandon, Pam Millard, Lynne Jones, Michelle Finlayson, Georgia Van De Loo, Donna Weston, Selina Chilton and reporter Di Reid
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