Upper Otaki River (Tararua Challenge) 27 December to 1 January
The rocks were a little bit slippery
Glenda wished she had longer legs!
There was a bit more water in the river than when we did the trip four years before.
Solly
David and June
South Ohau hut - a happy bunch at this stage
DW
Leaving South Ohau Hut straight on to the steep climb of 500m up the Yeates track
Lunch spot at first reaching the upper Otaki River.
About to head down the Otaki River
Glenda was starting to get tummy trouble and had one or two falls in the river
Mid Otaki Hut - Glenda resting while Mark and David sort gear
Is DW feeding the fire with one of our special newsletters?
Fire gazing
A dewy morning at Mid Otaki
Even Molly is laughing!
Another hut bagged!
Heading off again down the Otaki River
June wished she had longer legs.
We had a few deep crossings
Lunch time and a chance to dry some gear
Tree fungi
Camping near the Otaki - Waitewaewae river forks. With wet weather forecast, Gordon and Mark decided to walk out next day for Otaki Forks.
Billy cleaning time
We chose to stay at Waitewaewae Hut for 2 nights to allow Glenda to rest (tummy bug).
The hut was cosy and warm
Solly (and dog Molly) left the next day for Otaki Forks. Solly's cold had got worse.
Waitewaewae Hut ticked off. David and Yingjun also did a day trip up the Waitewaewae river to Island Forks Hut to tick that off.
Island Forks Hut ticked off
The big slip on the Waitewaewae track on the way out to Otaki Forks
