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.
The view back to Kaweka J (on the right, out of shot) from the track towards Mad Dog Hill
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.
More pix on our Facebook page, click here
Reporter/tramper: Julia Mackie
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