It’s faster by fence line

Hinerua Hut, Saturday September 8, 2012
Map: BL36

The scheduled trip up Rosvall’s track to Tarn Bivvy had to be called off, because the winds were strong and we doubted that we would be able to make it unless on hands and knees. Instead, we decided to go to Hinerua Hut, from the Mill Road car park. This was a change from the usual route from the Super Bin.

We crossed the Tukituki river, some of us up to our waists, and then found we had to cross back again and re-cross further upstream. We got to the DoC signage for Hinerua Hut but, as the sign says, the track is overgrown, and only good navigation got us up into the clear ridge. (The markers are soon spotted going up the ridge.)

On reaching the bushline, we saw the track had been cleared, and in some places is a highway. A great job, whoever did the work.

We were able to glimpse the tops and the Rosvall’s track ridge, and were pleased that we made the right decision. A small amount of snow still lay on the tops. Hinerua Hut was tidy and clean, so we had a good lunch stop, with time to review the hut log book. Shaun Barnett and two mates had been there two weeks earlier, on what looked like a round trip, coming from Tarn Bivvy.

On our return, we decided to find an easier route back – and it was. At the last big orange triangle marker, instead of heading for the bushline on the ridge, we just cut straight down the hill to the river. You end up following a fence line, and then when you are just above the river, hop over the fence and make your way through the scrub to the river. Easy, and only one river crossing required.

Back at the van, we all agreed that this was the way to go up in future. A good day, with two new club members, who had no difficulties.

Trampers: Les O’Shea, Isobel Holdaway, Denise Payne, Colin McNatty, Paul Exeter, Ted Angove, Sue Marshall, Simon Hill, Paul Fletcher, Elly Govers, Viv Bramley and Julia Mackie