Trampers turn trappers for a day

Makahu Saddle – Middle Hill, Kaweka FP, Saturday 17 August 2024
Banner Photo: The river crossing which proved a challenge for some

Seven eager trampers headed off towards the Kawekas, picking up Julia on the way. The plan for the day was to walk from Makahu Saddle to the Makahu road and help with a trap-line too.

The road to the saddle was in fairly good condition and after we parked up and put on boots we headed off in windy conditions at about 8.30. Julia checked the first 30-odd traps while the rest of us made quick time to the small Kaweka Flats bivvy, arriving just after 10 in time for a snack.

Not far from there was the turn-off to Iron Whare Hut before a big drop-off. At this point, Julia turned around to go back and relocate the van (just under an hour from Makahu Saddle carpark to Middle Hill carpark).

Now the rest of us had to check – and if need be, reset – traps, throw away mouldy bait and replace with delicious, dehydrated rabbit (Erayze). We also needed to record all triggered traps and kills.

For some of us, this was new but Di and Elly are the experts; so they cleared the dead animals and reset the traps with help from Craig. Campbell and Julian mainly threw away mouldy bait and replaced it.

There were a few steep descents and climbs during the day, plus some very slippery rocks to negotiate across streams and rivers and a tree to straddle to cross a creek with the aim of trying to keep feet dry.

It was pleasant to see a kaka hover above us at the turn-off to Whetū and we made Middle Hill for a half-hour lunch at 1pm.

As we set off on our final descent, clouds from the west looked very threatening. But our luck held out and just before 3pm we arrived at the van and had beaten the forecast rain.

A good day out – and a lot of traps ready to kill more predators.

Thanks to Julia for moving the van.

Trampers: Fiona Bryant, Di Reid, Elly Govers, Julia Mackie, Julian Phillips, Craig Mountfort, Anne Mountfort and reporter Campbell Living