Cascade Hut, Kaimanawa FP, 22-23 November 2025
Banner Photo: The mahi in action
Four set off at 6.30am, heading for Clements Mill Road end, with a pit stop on the way for that early morning pick-me-up of coffee during the two-hour journey. Clements Mill Road was very potholed and made the trip a little longer.
The last half hour before reaching the hut, with views of the Tauranga Taupō River
We left the road end on the Hinemaiaia Track to Cascade Hut round 8.30. It was a muggy, windless day, perfect for tramping. The track was in good condition, with some windfall that Julia, in the lead, marked for easy directions. She keeps a roll of orange flagging tape in her pack just for this purpose. The fallen trees were rather large, so getting around them was fun.
We had lunch at the 1240m mark before the descent to the Tauranga Taupō River; it’s a good drop-off and took some navigating around windfall but otherwise a very pleasant trip to the river. The track is well marked, and it took a total 5.5 hours to reach the hut.
Sorting out Campbell’s Nemo Hornet tent
Two hunters and a dog were there, armed with crossbows. Campbell and Juliet decided to pitch their respective tents a reasonable distance from each other, so peace was assured. There was some banter and a rest, then we were into the Love our Huts cleaning mission. We finished it in a couple of hours, earning a good cuppa.
The Tauranga Taupō River is spectacular and provided a good bathing spot for everyone, to the serenade of wonderful birdsong. The water was so blue and clear, although very cold.
Juliet pitches her MSR tent
After dinner and some more chat with the hunters, we settled down to a well-deserved sleep.
Next morning, we left the hut by 7.15 for the slightly challenging climb out; it was a good heart and lung workout. The weather was pleasant for the return journey and we made it to the car park in five hours (no lunch break this time).
After a snack and freshen-up at the car park, we were off to the Rangitaiki pub for fries, coffees and wedges. We reached Napier in rain and cold – so very different from where we had come.
The cleaning crew
What a great weekend – there’s nothing like supporting FMC with Love our Huts and the work to provide tidy shelter in our favourite places.
Trampers: Julia Mackie, Juliet Gillick, Campbell Living and reporter Fiona Bryant
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