Mackintosh Hut loop, Wednesday 15 October 2025
Banner Photo: There are a few stream crossings on the loop tramp
After a day of solid rain across the North Island, the weather had cleared and we embarked on our trip from Mackintosh car park via Mackintosh Hut and the lower track to the Lakes car park. We were a tiny bit nervous: would the steep climb up to the Mackintosh Plateau from the river be too slippery? And, near the end of our day, would we be able to cross the Tutaekuri River safely?
But still we went. Eight decided to do the whole loop, and the three others were going to do a shorter walk and drive the van to the Lakes car park.
We left the van at 8.50am, arriving at Mackintosh Hut 1 hour and 45 minutes later. The climb up was no problem, other than still being very steep for the first part. However, the steps that have been made into the steep part make it relatively easy to get up without too much sliding.
Morning tea at Mackintosh Hut
After morning tea at the hut, we carried on. A few had never been on this track so we decided to stay together, to help ensure that no one took the wrong turn-off anywhere. Other than the never-ending undulations, the track has a few stumbling blocks, such as the steep and not very clear descent into the Kaiarahi Creek; at least four (I lost count) trees that have fallen over the track and need to be negotiated by going over, under or around; and a very steep and tricky climb out of a small stream. At the latter, I slipped and slid down a few metres, landing in the stream. Just a few scratches, but a reminder to everyone to keep vigilant on these tracks at all times.
Some pine windfall required negotiating
The old track back to the car park was closed for a long time and is now open again, saving us a 20-minute detour past the old Kaweka Hut site. It is a welcome upgrade. The Tutaekuri crossing was a piece of cake, and we arrived back at the car park around 2.15pm. Congratulations to Michelle for completing her first river crossings!
The van and the others were already waiting for us when we arrived. From the Mackintosh car park, the others had walked down to the bridge to have a peek at the new track up to Mackintosh. After climbing back to the van, they had driven to the Lakes car park and visited the lakes, which is always a peaceful and pretty place to go to.
A few statistics of the loop: Total distance 12.7 km; ascent 717 m (it felt like a lot more); descent 759 m; total walking time: 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Trampers: Juliet Gillick, Pam Millard, Tony Pluymers, Donna Weston, Selina Chilton, Alison Greer, Ted Angove, Kate Fuller, Michelle Finlayson, Geoff Donkin, and reporter Elly Govers
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