4-5 May 2024

Leader: Tony Quayle

Two days of perfect weather in the Tararuas!

The Taihape branch of our club comprised almost half our numbers on this trip, with official member Jacqui accompanied by two other great walkers from up that way - Katrina (Bruce Gilbert’s niece) and Chris, a 1960s-70s Ruahine deer culling legend on his first significant venture into the Tararua Range. Also along was June’s friend Casey and my grandson, Ben. Regulars, June, Rob and I were in the minority.

We departed Saturday morning from the Waiohine Gorge carpark, turned left immediately after crossing the bridge then, instead of following the track up towards Cone Saddle, we stepped across the branches laid across the trail to discourage its use onto the direct - but unofficial - track to Mt Reeves. Given how public access to the official route has been lost it’s hard to comprehend why the pleasant and well-used informal trail hasn’t been formalised. The only downside was the wasp nest, June taking the top score with 6 stings, compared with my zero and the others scattered between. The upside was spectacular views from open areas along the way.

The 20 bunk Tutuwai Hut was only half full that night, with just two others sharing it with us, so quiet we barely noticed their presence. June, Casey and Rob introduced us to the SKYJO card game they’d played on the recent High Ridge trip, a game that entertained us until well after the usual Parawai bedtime. A pity though, that my low wasp-sting-score didn’t prevail in a card game where the lowest score wins. It was gratifying though that Jacqui - a newcomer to the game - won with an overall score of 76. Casey, the master, came in second with 85, followed by Chris - also new to the game, and fighting off sleep - on 98.

Sunday dawned chilly, but very pleasant for the ramble upriver to the very tidy Cone Hut. Rather than take the shorter route straight over the hill to the Waiohine carpark we crossed over Cone Saddle onto the Totara Flats track, thereby spinning the walk out to a full day.

Quote of the weekend goes to Ben with “Hey mate, Just outta interest. Just wonderin’ when we'd be stopping for lunch? I'm bloody starving.”

Those on the trip were:

Jacqui Marshall, Rob Dey, Tony Quayle, Ben Quayle, Chris Satherley, Katrina Overton, Casey Montfort

Currently there is no photo album for this trip.