Kiwi Saddle Hut, Kaweka FP, Saturday 19 July 2025
Banner Photo: At the high point 1359, where we turned back
For the first time this year, a tramp was cut short by icy conditions, when we attempted to reach Kiwi Saddle Hut. Seven members met at Park Island, collecting an eighth at Omahu Road. Campbell drove very carefully, because ice had made the Taihape road treacherous. But the snow on the ranges looked picturesque.
At the turn-off to the Lakes car park, we found a burnt-out vehicle obstructing two thirds of the road. Fortunately, Campbell managed to manoeuvre around the wreckage. After a very short toilet stop at the car park, we began our tramp up towards Kiwi Saddle Hut. It was too cold to hang around.
Heading along the Smith Russell Track to Kiwi Saddle/Cameron junction
Initially the tramp was soft underfoot but as we ascended, it became very crunchy. We split into two groups, front- and rear-guard. The front-guard broke the ice and provided a clear route.
Both groups visited the trig on the left as you ascend. It took a bit of navigating around felled pines, but the reward was a lovely view out to the ocean. Giant footsteps were noted coming down in our direction – it can only have been a yeti, but unfortunately there was no positive ID.
The tramp continued through stunning beech trees with snow on the branches providing the occasional cold shower as we walked through.
Juliet, checking out the snow depth
And then the rear-guard met the front-guard, which was heading back to the car park. Conditions at the first lookout had shown them that it was not possible to go any further without crampons, as the snow was very slippery.
After a brief stop, everyone headed back down, meeting at the Cameron turn-off for morning tea. Views out over the lakes were brilliantly clear as we descended and we visited the second trig on the left – a bonus.
We were back at the car park and eating lunch by 12.30 after a shortened but well worthwhile tramp, and home in Napier around 2pm. Kiwi Saddle Hut must wait for another day.
Trampers: Di Reid, Juliet Gillick, Shona Tupe, Campbell Living, Nozomu Takahashi, Fiona Bryant, Selina Chilton and reporter Mary Campbell
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