Oamaru Hut, Kaimanawa FP, Sat-Sun 23-24 November 2024
Banner Photo: Oamaru Hut, overlooking the confluence of the Kaipo, Mohaka and Oamaru rivers
Alison was the T/O and she was pleased when Bruce volunteered to drive his vehicle and drop four of us off at the Te Iringa track start on Clements Mill Road. The drive from Napier took two hours, as there are a few roadworks at present.
A break at the old Te Iringa Hut site
There’s a gentle climb to the old hut site where we had a quick break, and then a gentle sidle before dropping down to the Tiki Tiki Stream. Numerous large trees abound and there is a good campsite. Crossing a side stream via some fallen logs, we were soon at the Kaipo River swing bridge. What a surprise: a replacement bridge (built in 2022) with a bike rail to make it easy get on and off the bridge. Another good campsite here.
The Te Iringa Hut before it burnt down
Continuing south, on the true right of the Kaipo River, we could see the work that the BCT has done to keep this track clear. At times we walked through sawn trees which were at least a metre in diameter. A hunters’ campsite, with huge tarp, and tents protected beneath is about one hour from Oamaru Hut. A perfect spot for fly camping and hunting away from the hut. Finally, after 7hrs, we arrived at Oamaru Hut. It had been a pleasant walk, and we were glad to have been in the bush as the sunshine was hot.
The new bridge over the Kaipo River can accommodate bikes
We were greeted on arrival by Bruce who had walked in from the Poronui Access Route, and others with whom we would be sharing the hut that night; a family of five and assorted hunters. The hut was full. Alison and I elected to sleep on the floor in the kitchen area, using mattresses from the bunk room. Phil had the last bunk in one of the two bunk rooms.
A Red Admiral butterfly seen during the tramp
Juliet and Bruce decided to camp on the river flat below. Juliet enjoyed her camp, and Bruce had a night visitor (a rat) which gained entry through his ground ventilation. He was extremely nervous about falling asleep again after that.
On Sunday morning, we headed out to the Poronui gates. The walk is marked the whole way, with the first 30 minutes up and over to the Forest Park boundary, and then the next three hours is over the farm. Blake House, one of the range of three types of accommodation on offer, is visible in the distance from the access route. With its four chimneys, it looks north over the Taharua River.
Finally arriving back at Bruce’s vehicle, we could say: “We did that road again”.
Trampers: Phil Shakespeare, Alison Greer, Bruce Hodgson, Juliet Gillick and reporter Julia Mackie
Leave a Reply