An ab-fab weekend on the Kaweka Range

Kaweka FP, Saturday/Sunday 22/23 August 2015
Map: BJ37

The weather was perfect on the Saturday, so I set out for a solo Kaweka tops tramp. My original destination was Ballard Hut, but getting up to the tops was dodgy with patches of ice. I did not have crampons or ice axe, so took it very carefully using my walking pole.

Whilst carefully walking past North Kaweka, I decided that this might be a mission too dangerous. I turned back and decided to head for Macintosh Hut. This turned out to be the right choice, as Sunday’s weather was not so flash.

What an exhilirating day. The views towards Ruapehu and the Kaimanawa ranges were clear and wonderful. So too were the views north, south and east looking over Hawke’s Bay.

I bumped into John Montgomerie and his tramping companion Andy at the top of Macintosh Spur. They were heading to Studholme Hut and the Kaweka tops on Sunday. Sorry lads, but I got the best day.

Macintosh Hut was full (8 bunks) with other hunters, trappers etc. I was glad to get out of there at 7:30am on Sunday. The walk back to the car was via the Donald Stream and Matauria Ridge.

A brew-up before leaving, to wind down, and congratulate myself on a trip based on sound decision-making and wonderful weather. Crampons and an ice axe are now on the shopping list.

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Reporter/tramper: Julia Mackie