Middle Hill – Three Gorges, Kaweka FP, Saturday 29 August 2026 Banner Photo: “… shapes mimicking rock formations, pressured and thrusting out of the ground like a tectonic plate.” The patterns and colours on one of the trees brought down in the February storm This is a story of ups and downs, highs and lows. Well,… [Read More]

Makino Hut, Kaweka FP, Saturday 1 August 2026 Banner Photo: Windfall on the Makino Hut track On a cool but not freezing morning, nine trampers left Park Island, heading to Makino Hut. We started walking at 8.20. The track is steep for the first 20 minutes and then climbs gradually. The windy weather event in… [Read More]

Black Birch bivvy, Kaweka FP, Saturday 6 June 2026 Banner Photo: Skirting the pine tree windfall The day was yet to dawn as we gathered in the car park to set out for another winter walk in the wilds.  We were taking cars instead of the van because a number of fords had to be… [Read More]

Iron Whare, Kaweka FP,  Wednesday 27 May 2026 Banner Photo: Iron Whare, early lunch spot Nine left Park Island at 7.30, picking up two more at Puketapu on the way to Makahu Saddle car park. It always seems a long way up to such a high car park, but it does make for an easier… [Read More]

Kiwi Saddle Hut, Kaweka FP, Saturday 23 May 2026 Banner Photo: Some expanses of clay pan with rocky terrain Seven left Park Island in Alison’s and Shona’s cars right on 7am, heading for Cameron car park. It wasn’t too cold as we headed off up towards Kuripapango on a track that’s now well-used because the… [Read More]

Middle Hill Hut, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 13 May 2026 Banner Photo: The approach to the bridge across the Mangatutunui stream The planned tramp of Middle Hill – Three Gorges was shortened to just Middle Hill, the gorges track being closed due to storm damage. Two vehicles drove up Puketitiri Road, through the Rissington bridge construction site… [Read More]

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]

 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]

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]

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]

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]