Tramping And Tubing In The Pelorus Valley, Marlborough

Wellington Anniversary 19-22 January 2024

Leader: Peter Davis

Six of us met up at the Hacket Picnic Area, outside of Richmond, for a four-day adventure in the Pelorus Valley.

The intention was to have a mix of tramping and tubing the Pelorus River to bring us out at Maungatapu Road (near Pelorus Bridge) before a shuttle back to Nelson and home.

The rain had cleared as we started our ascent up the Hacket Creek track toward Browning Hut. The sandflies were out and made us feel welcome! The weather was hot and humid which made tramping hot, sweaty and energy sapping, especially with heavy packs laden down with inner tubes and wetsuits. The Hacket Track is part of the Te Araroa Trail and we saw plenty of TAers with their lightweight packs and sneakers.

Along the way we passed a plum tree so had our fill of those. About a kilometre short of Hacket Hut, the track forked. Rob, Matt and Yingjun carried on to bag Hacket Hut (which was full of teenage girls), while Pete, Graeme and Paula carried on towards Browning Hut with a quick swim in the river. We reached Browning Hut about 6pm and chose to camp for the night with Yingjun sleeping in the woodshed – the hut had three occupants and was very stuffy.

Day two started with a little rain which soon cleared. The intention was to walk to Roebuck Hut and then tube to Middy Creek Hut. But best laid plans eh… The track to Roebuck Hut was horrendous to say the least, very hard going over major slips, tree falls and contouring the side of the range with steep bluffs. Together with the humidity, it meant things were slow-going.

We reached the hut around 1pm and Graeme wasn’t in good shape. The decision was made to activate the PLB and await the rescue helicopter. This arrived in about 40 minutes, landing 30 metres from the hut. Graeme was checked out and then departed with the crew to Nelson Hospital (6 minutes flying time away). As they had an extra crewman, they unfortunately couldn’t take Paula (but did take Graeme’s pack). The crew was fantastic and gave us good advice on how to prepare for the arrival of the rescue helicopter and what to do while it was on the ground with the motors still running (standard operating procedure). After that excitement, we relaxed for the afternoon and night at Roebuck Hut and practised tubing.

Day three was nine hours of tubing to Captain Creek Hut via Middy Creek Hut. Depending on who you spoke to, it was either awesome or very hard work! Rapids were either walked around or tubed and there were some beautiful swimming holes and scenery along the way. The whole valley was very peaceful and serene, and the river added its own energy to the landscape. A few scrapes and bruises were collected along the way. The sandflies were out in full force at Captain Creek.

The final day saw a four hour walk out, including a stop at Emerald Pool – a wonderfully clear and deep swimming hole. Great after another sweaty walk. The shuttle met us at the roadend bang on time, complete with a cold drink and cookies. Despite Graeme having to depart early, the trip was a great success – challenging and exhilarating with great company.