Solstice weekend, Longview Hut, 21-22 June 2025
Banner Photo: Longview Hut, with new roof and cladding courtesy of the BCT
Five wonderful wahine chose to overnight at Longview Hut, to celebrate the solstice. The day started cold, but over-clothes were slowly taken off as we walked towards the hut, which sits at 1200 metres. However, the cold breeze felt on some of the ridges reminded us that it’s one of the shortest days of the year. A light dusting of snow could be seen on the higher tops of the Ruahines.
We spoke to a couple of groups on the way down, our group asking how many people were in the hut last night, and how many were staying. We were aware that it was Matariki long weekend and there could be more people around than usual, wanting beds at the hut.
The dark sky with rain threatening
Our group arrived at Longview shortly after 1200 hours. Sue and I were kindly given the last of the two bottom mattresses. Most of us chose a hot soup or coffee to have with our lunch. A further group of six trampers walked in, and it was quickly worked out that they could top and tail for the remaining mattresses. They were from Wellington, and were very polite and enthusiastic.
The majority of our trampers chose to go for a jaunt towards Rocky Knob and possibly beyond. Big bands of rain could be seen from the hut window, moving across the plains below. I decided not to go out, as I was warm in my hut clothing. Then I changed into themed clothing that was based on the letter W. I was the ‘white whimsical witch with the wand’.
Dressed up in our ‘W’ finery
When our group came back, more hot drinks and then shared nibbles were enjoyed by everyone – what a feast – all dressed up in their W-themed clothing. Our group jumped into their bedding area after a quick tidy-up, to give the other folk time and space to use the facilities.
Three hunters returned from their scout around high on the hills, and they got the fire really pumping out the heat. Another two adults and a 10-year-old child arrived but, after discussion, they opted to walk down to the cars and use their tent in the car park.
The walk out was without drama, just having to be careful of some of the steeper, slippery muddy areas. The weather was very clear, but very crisp on the fingers and I wore my woolly hat all the way down.
A relaxed coffee and food was enjoyed at the Tikokino pub on the way back.
Trampers: Sue Martin, Shona Tupe, Fiona Bryant, Amelia Moorhead and reporter Jenny Burns
Sounds as if you had a grand time. Great write up Jenny. See you all in about 10dsys