An historic hut has had some TLC

Makahu Saddle to Kaweka Flats Bivvy, Iron Whare, Kaweka FP, Saturday 26 November 2022
Banner Photo: Iron Whare sits in a clearing

We decided to do this tramp rather than the original planned route around Middle Hill, as the forecast was for strong winds and showers in the afternoon.

We left Napier on a cool but fine morning, and set off from the car park at Makahu Saddle at 9.10, serenaded by tuis.  The weather was fine with a cool breeze.  We were soon into the bush, where the breeze disappeared and we were down to shorts and T-shirts.

Gordon decided to go slower and turn back before the big stream.  Doug and I carried on at a faster pace to Kaweka Flats bivvy, where we stopped for a snack and a chat with a couple of hunters who were new to the area.  The stream crossings were all low enough to get across easily.

We then carried on to Iron Whare for an early lunch at 11.30.  Weather was still fine and warm with no breeze.  Someone had been there recently and cut up a dead beach tree with a chainsaw, so there was plenty of seating.

Iron Whare was built sometime in the 1800s for use as a drovers’ hut when the Kawekas were being farmed.  The hut was getting into a bad state of repair but has recently been restored.  Roof support beams have even been replaced within the last year.

On the return trip, we met a Swiss lady who was also out for a day hike and a couple more hunters.  As we were doing the last part of the track, the breeze started picking up and a few clouds moved in.

We arrived back at the car park at 2.10pm and met up with Gordon who had arrived only a short time before as well. In all, it was a pleasant hike in good weather.

On the way back home, we went through a couple of showers so we definitely got the best of the weather this time.

Trampers: Doug Matheson, Gordon Tap and reporter Julian Phillips