Traplines, Kaweka FP, Saturday 28 Mar 2026 Banner Photo: Elly checking a DoC 200 Double-set trap with Amber as catch scribe Setting out in the dark at the end of summer is always a bit difficult – but ten trampers in two vehicles left Park Island at 7am to explore a new area for most… [Read More]
Wintry blast puts Kaweka J beyond reach – and it’s only just past Summer
Kaweka J, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 4 March 2026 Banner Photo: At Dominie bivouac, rugged up to keep warm Our rental vehicle was an almost brand new, 10-seater van with a heated driver’s seat, and we had a number of new members on board. So I was on high alert about the returning state of vehicle… [Read More]
Mist and drizzle everywhere, but widespread smiles on our maiden 2026 tramp
Lower Kaiarahi circuit, Kaweka FP, Saturday 17 January 2026 Banner Photo: Crossing the Tutaekuri River (upstream from the usual spot) ‘Twas on an overcast morning when nine excited trampers met at Park Island and set off for the inaugural tramp of the year. We arrived at the Lakes car park at 8.15 to a steady… [Read More]
A challenging through day walk
Makahu Saddle to Middle Hill Hut, Kaweka FP, Saturday 6 December, 2025. Banner Photo: The whio spotted in one of the Makahu River tributaries (Kaweka Flats track) Nine piled into the van at Park Island and hit the road slightly early. Juliet and Kate left us at the Makahu car park to drive to the… [Read More]
A new destination for many – Komata Hut
Komata Hut, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 27 November 2025 Banner Photo: Group selfie of those who made it down to Komata Hut After a few anxious days wondering if rain would be an issue for this tramp, it was decided to go ahead. By Monday, It looked as though the rain would fall earlier in the… [Read More]
Down and up and repeat on the Mackintosh loop
Mackintosh Hut loop, Wednesday 15 October 2025 Banner Photo: There are a few stream crossings on the loop tramp After a day of solid rain across the North Island, the weather had cleared and we embarked on our trip from Mackintosh car park via Mackintosh Hut and the lower track to the Lakes car park…. [Read More]
High winds force a break with tradition
Kaweka J anniversary tramp, Saturday 11 October 2025 Banner Photo: The track criss-crosses the Makahu stream for a short while The planned tramp to Kaweka J was abandoned on arrival at Makahu car park. A couple had just descended from Dominie bivvy and told us the winds were very strong and forecast to get stronger…. [Read More]
Sunshine on our walk to Kiwi Saddle Hut
Kiwi Saddle Hut, Kaweka FP, Saturday 27 September 2025 Banner Photo: Looking north-west from the highpoint 1359 at the ridgeline of the Smith Russell track Three intrepid trampers left Napier to brave what might have been a cool tramp to Kiwi Saddle Hut. On arrival at the Lakes car park, it was 11 degrees –… [Read More]
Iron Whare tramp features a trapline tutorial
Iron Whare, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 3 September 2025 Banner Photo: Heading down Count Spur We left Park Island earlier than usual, at 7am, picking up Julia en route to Whittle Road, Kaweka Road and a new experience of walking a trapline. This was a through tramp down Count Spur (named after a kiwi that was… [Read More]
Makino Hut provides some welcome warmth
Makino Hut via the Mohaka, 30-31 August 2025 Banner Photo: We’ve arrived at Makino Hut Back Ridge Hut was the original plan but, due to snow and ice still sitting on the tops of the Kawekas, the destination was changed to Makino hut via the Te Puia track. I have been to Makino Hut many… [Read More]
Te Puia doesn’t come much better than this
Te Puia Lodge, Kaweka FP, Saturday 30 August 2025 Banner Photo: The Arch hidden off the Te Puia track Our group of nine set off for a day walk along the Te Puia track. It was a beautiful day and it certainly felt like Spring was just around the corner. Campbell, Michelle, Shona and Fiona… [Read More]
It can all go wrong in a split second and, on this day, it did
The Hogget, Wednesday 20 August 2025 Banner Photo: Trying to attract the rescue helicopter crew’s attention The Hogget isn’t a particularly challenging trip, and the initial 11 expected a fairly easy tramp. It turned out to be anything but. Before we left Napier, a family issue arose for one tramper so we returned to Park… [Read More]
