Mackintosh Hut, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 2 April 2025
Banner Photo: Enjoying the bush
Eight trampers in two cars left Napier just after 7am for the Kaweka Forest Park. The weather was overcast and humid. It was decided the tops would be too challenging, with limited visibility and some sections unmarked, so we took the lower route and left The Rogue – Mackintosh Spur for another day.
We began our tramp from the upper car park, with Ted moving a vehicle back to the Lakes car park so he could enjoy his tramp to the lakes and the river.
Are we on track ….
Our group of seven headed down through lush summer growth, across the bridge and up the other side. The steps made the climb much easier (thank you, Roeland Pootjes), said those who had done it before. A few spots of rain came to nothing so we trudged onwards and upwards, rewarded with ever-changing views. Amanita Muscaria, the red mushroom with white dots, were spotted as we got further up.
The orange colour through the trees signalled Mackintosh Hut and a welcome stop for morning tea. A series of climbs, steep descents, slippery clay and flats kept us alert and nimble. There were only a couple of slip-ups along the way.
In places, the track is wide and clear
Elly and Sue went ahead and we joined them for lunch beside the water. Continuing on, we were headed for the old Kaweka Hut (lost in a fire) but came to a fork in the track where the old track had been cleared ((thank you DoC Napier). So we went left on this path and made our way down to the river; only a small volume of water so the crossing was quick.
The walk up to the car park was slippery in places but, once at the top, the track levelled and we entered a world of majestic trees and lush undergrowth – nature’s soothing embrace.
We were all back at the car park by 2.30pm. Thanks to Juliet and Donna for transport and Ted for moving the car. A great day had by all.
Trampers: Juliet Gillick, Elly Govers, Mary Campbell, Ted Angove, Barbara Edmead, Selina Chilton, Sue Gribble and reporter Donna Weston
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