The river crossings were welcomed this time

Waikamaka Hut, Ruahine FP, Saturday 20 November 2021
Banner Photo: Cooling off in the Waipawa River

Why Waikamaka Hut? Because it has been some time since we last tramped to this hut, which is owned by the Heretaunga club, and it’s Spring – which is an ideal time to get your feet wet.

Eight trampers, including a member who hadn’t been in this area before, arrived at the end of the Sunrise car park road in warm temperatures. We decided to break the group in two, as some wanted to reach the hut; so they pushed on ahead. The other half walked with Gordon, who only wanted to go to Waipawa Forks hut then find the track which led to the Sunrise Hut track.

This tramp is mainly a river route and it’s not managed. We alternated between riverbed and side-tracks that sporadically appeared. These tracks are not defined so we were pushing our way through rough sprawling bush, onga onga and spindly trees with sharp sticky-out bits. I know, because my bloody scratched arms are proof!

However, we did appreciate the longer stretch of forest that was indicated with ribbon (thanks to Julia who marked it several years ago). The water was relatively low, but it consisted of many cascades, and it was rather swift in places. Hence, the suggestion that Gordon take the track on his solo return. When the shingle bed goes from wide to narrow, incredible huge bluffs covered in rich green trees and ferns hung over the river. The water was relatively warm.

The leading group stopped for morning tea at Waipawa Forks Hut where Barry met an old mate who had just come down from Top Maropea Hut. They had departed before the second group arrived and they too had morning tea then left Gordon to do his thing.

Once we reached the headwaters and veered left, we noticed the gradual climb. We all stopped frequently and drank lots because it was hot. The large orange marker which indicated the beginning of the Waipawa Saddle came into view. At this point, we shared several ‘scree’ stories. But everyone stayed away from the scree this time.

We made our way up the saddle where it is steep, narrow, and often exposed but we knew once we were out of it, we would be at the top at 1326m. The first group were sitting there after having decided not to go to the hut. A photo at the top, then lunch perched on the saddle out of the wind, while admiring where we had been and spectacular views down the river valley.

Barry and John left earlier to take the circuit over the Sunrise track. The rest meandered down at a good pace, enjoying the downhill and remembering certain river crossings and side-tracks. We probably made 60-70 crossings in the day. Not far away from the Waipawa Hut, we found an ideal spot for a dip. The water falling from the cascade was so strong it turned pockets inside out and dragged shorts lower than we would want them to be! But it was so refreshing.

Once we passed the hut turn-off, to our surprise, we met Barry and John. They had missed the turn-off. Instead, Juliet and Barry decided to take that route. The rest of the party plodded for about another hour downstream and by this time, we agreed that we were ‘over’ the huge boulders. After an eight-hour-plus day, we arrived back at the vehicles where Gordon was waiting. Great company, tired bodies but a very satisfying tramp. Perhaps next time we will make it all the way to Waikamaka Hut.

Trampers: Dorothy Sole, Juliet Gillick, Marie Deroles, Bruce Hodgson, Gordon Tapp, John Dobbs, Barry Doak and reporter Sue Martin