Te Puia Lodge, Kaweka FP, Saturday 30 August 2025
Banner Photo: The Arch hidden off the Te Puia track
The historic Makino bivvy, on the Makino track
Our group of nine set off for a day walk along the Te Puia track. It was a beautiful day and it certainly felt like Spring was just around the corner. Campbell, Michelle, Shona and Fiona wanted to walk the Makino track to the junction and then drop down to Te Puia Lodge, so we dropped them off at the Makino car park.
David, Geoff, Donna, Kate and I went on to the Gums car park, Geoff remarking how much he was enjoying the drive and just being out there. So true. David opted for a shorter walk, taking it easy and enjoying the bush. Good call, David. Geoff wasn’t sure how he’d go but he ended up being the star of the day, showing us where the Arch was, and on the way back he found the ‘Terraces hut’, the position now in my phone for the next trip.
I checked the traps as we went, but there was only one catch. The bait was fresh, so obviously not long cleared and re-baited. Such a beautiful day, a bit blowy as we rounded the cliffs overlooking the river but just lovely weather. Geoff showed us the amazing Arch on the way in. It made my day, though it involved a bit of a scramble and slip-sliding. We arrived at the lodge at 11.50am and the others doing the Makino route joined us soon after. There were a couple and another two guys there too, all soaking up the sun.
Campbell, Fiona and Shona at the Arch
We left about 12.30pm and bumped into Sue and Jenny, who were almost at the lodge. They were going on to do the overnighter at Makino Hut. Jenny confirmed with me later that she could get a signal on her cellphone at the helipad by Makino Hut. We’re both on 2 degrees, so that’s good.
I took Campbell, Michelle and Fiona up to the Arch on the return trip. They were as excited as I was, and several photos were taken. Michelle did some smart stuff using pano. I must try that out later. Geoff had gone ahead, saying he would try to find the old Terraces hut.
We arrived back at the van between 2.30 and 2.45pm and found David smiling away about his day, but no Geoff. We got changed, had munchies and not long after, Geoff arrived back with the biggest smile, saying he’d found that hut! We left soon after 3pm and were back at Park Island by 4.40. A perfect day, no dramas and everyone happy.
Trampers: Campbell Living, Donna Weston, Shona Tupe, Kate Fuller, Michele Ericksen, David Hills, Fiona Bryant, Geoff Donkin and reporter Di Reid
Leave a Reply