Black Birch bivvy, Kaweka FP, Saturday 6 June 2026
Banner Photo: Skirting the pine tree windfall
The day was yet to dawn as we gathered in the car park to set out for another winter walk in the wilds. We were taking cars instead of the van because a number of fords had to be crossed on the way. As it turned out, these fords – although small – were quite steep on the entry and exit, but we had ensured that all the cars had good clearance prior to the trip. There were no problems in any of the crossings; just a few towbar scrapes to show we had been there.
The Black Birch track is accessed by turning off partway along Whittle Road on the way to Makahu Saddle, crossing a couple of fords and then parking on the roadside at the track signpost.
A break at Black Birch bivvy
Our group of 12 started up the hill at 8.30am. As usual in the Kawekas, there was no gentle lead-in, just straight up! This time it was not too drastic; only a short 300 metres to reach the top. The track is largely unbenched, so was slippery in places with winter conditions and leaf fall. There was also one patch of overhanging bush lawyer that caught most people out, getting snagged on packs as we tried to pass beneath. Best remember that for the return journey, we thought…
There was some waiting at the top to allow everybody to regroup before continuing and a bit of foot stamping ensued in an attempt to stay warm as the leaders waited. The rearguard arrived and, after a brief break for them, we were all off again.
The top section of the track…a watery highway
It was pretty flat from here on as we were on the ridge top. All was going well until we came to a section of treefall, featuring the ever-annoying wilding pines. Several of the front runners fragmented to find the easiest way past. It was somewhat hit-and-miss, as the treefall continued sporadically for about 100 metres, requiring a lot of weaving in and out and clambering over. Various shouts including “Hello!” and “Where are you?” and “Which way?” kept us roughly together to reach the other side.
Once clear of the treefall, it was easy going to the Black Birch bivvy, arriving at 10am for morning tea. This is a quaint little bivvy with a deck and an ad hoc outside fire pit that will keep you comfy if needed.
The skies threatened rain and enough drops fell for raincoats to be donned. We hunkered on the deck for a cup of coffee and perhaps a muffin, depending on what you’d brought.
We spotted a dead possum hanging from a tree near an illegal gin trap, before leaving the biv. The track continued flat but became increasingly boggy as we progressed. There were large pools of standing water across the track, enough to ensure wet boots.
We dropped down through a small gully and then up the other side to Little’s Clearing. This spot can be accessed by road as well, so the track we were walking could be done in either direction or one way if you organised transport.
The small gully, requiring careful negotiation
Little’s Clearing was a nice sheltered spot to have lunch; there is also a toilet and a short loop track featuring nameplates for tree species, though these were hard to see as they were covered in lichen.
After our lunch stop, we retraced our steps towards the cars. All went well, with another round of wet boots, navigating treefall and a short stop at the bivvy turn-off to regroup, and some time spent pulling wilding pine saplings. (As effective as a drop in the ocean, but it makes you feel righteous.)
We descended the ridge, some at break-neck speed and others at a more leisurely pace, avoided the bush lawyer and were back at the cars by 2.30. Keith offered tea and coffee, Ali shared mandarins and then it was back to town, after a great day out.
Trampers: Mary Campbell, Alison Greer, Di Reid, Selina Chilton, Keith Gore, Fiona Bryant, Shona Tupe, Ali Hollington, Craig Mountfort, Elly Govers, Kate Fuller and reporter Anne Mountfort
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