Middle Hill, Camp Spur, North Whetū biv, Makino Ridge, Kaweka Forest Park, Saturday 7 December 2024
Banner Photo: North Whetū biv
We made an early start: at 5.30, four trampers headed out of town for Middle Hill car park. By 7am, with boots on, Fiona, Ali, James and Campbell set off towards Middle Hill Hut. We had a quick snack and drink at the hut about 9 then moved onwards and up Camp Spur.
After a 90-minute ascent, we reached the bushline. Clear skies greeted us to take in the stunning Hawke’s Bay vista at Whetū but there were no views of the picturesque mountains to the west.
The track junction to North Whetū biv, off the Makino Hut track
We caught up with Fiona, resting at the top of Camp Spur at 11 and proceeded to the North Whetū bivvy turn-off (only five minutes away). Three decided to pop over to the biv (relocated from Studholme Saddle) in a blustery cool wind. Fiona decided against that and carried on towards Makino Hut.
Just after 12, we went back up the North Whetū bivvy track and joined the track heading to Makino Hut. Four friendly trampers coming from Makino kept waving at us. They turned out to be our own Sue and Jenny and two others who were on a two-night tramp.
The biv has received the LOH treatment from a volunteer
It was nice to get out of the blazing sun and back into the very dry bush amongst the giant beech trees.
Around 3pm, James and Ali took a small detour for afternoon tea at Makino while I continued on. We all made the Makino car park around 4.30 and hitched a ride down to Middle Hill car park.
It was a great day out – and a very long one! Thanks to Fiona for driving us both ways.
Trampers: Fiona Bryant, James Bell, Ali Hollington and reporter Campbell Living
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