Easter 3-6 April 2026

Leader: Paula Richardson

Easter afforded the six of us the opportunity to take a longer trip further away from our usual stomping grounds. The Kaimanawa Forest Park, located just southeast of Lake Taupō, was chosen. Due to the long drive, the trip began at the wholly ridiculous time of 5:45am.

Once all the drowsy trip members were gathered, we split into two groups and cars. “Brown Sugar Café” was closed for the holiday so we opted instead for “Le Café Telephonique” in Taihape as our coffee stop before finally reaching Te Iringa Campsite. From here the tramp would commence but it was necessary to station one vehicle at Clements Roadend Campsite where the journey would conclude. This transfer took longer than anticipated due to being stuck behind a slow-moving truck and the quality of the road. We were only able to start walking well after 1pm. An inauspicious start.

Due to its meandering nature, the start of the Te Iringa Track was a comfortable but constant climb. Nevertheless, the warm weather and full packs did result in perspiration. There were a handful of narrow sections with sloped ground too. A few hours elapsed and we neared Te Iringa Peak. We had to decide whether we would bush bash our way to it. Aware of the dwindling daylight hours, we elected not to do so.

From the Kaipo swing bridge onwards, the track became flatter and followed the river. More mud was present and some tiny streams needed to be crossed. It was possible to complete this track with dry and relatively clean boots though. Two clearings along the route provided tempting camping sites. Despite valiant efforts, we could not reach Oamaru Hut before sundown, so we reluctantly strapped on headtorches. Luckily, after 45 minutes we arrived at the hut, as the novelty of trudging in the dark was beginning to wear thin. As recompense, there were exactly six spare bunks in the hut which ensured that no one had to pitch a tent at night. Easter eggs were distributed, and we quietly ate dinner under dim red lights, before silently slinking off to sleep.

Surprisingly, the anglers staying at the hut did not wake everyone up early and we were able to rest longer. We left the hut before 8am. The Oamaru - Boyd Track commences with grassy flats and glimpses of the river. Two trout were spotted in the pristine, transparent water. Again, the track runs parallel to the river and trivial waterways are crossed at regular intervals. A defining feature of the Kaimanawa Forest is that for much of the path you walk on a thin ‘carpet’ of small postage stamp sized leaves. They are soft underfoot and reduce fatigue. Most of the route is well marked with the orange triangles often affixed away from tree trunks using long nails rather than being flush. However, a few extra markers would help in the more open forested areas. An elaborate but empty hunter’s camp was discovered, and lunch was had in the sunshine on the riverbank. Not long afterwards, there was an incident where a determined insect descended on Lindsey and bit or stung her through two layers of clothing. It was nothing that the numerous first aid kits couldn’t handle. A popular camping spot was chanced upon which boasted an impressive wooden raised platform and chair. A sign indicating a “truck stop” - river access - is present and the trail was lined with stones. Further ahead is a crossroad for the three huts with Boyd showing “1-2 hr”. This was worryingly defaced with the 1 scratched off, the 2 ticked and four plus signs added.

What feels like an eternity is spent continuing down the now familiar forest track. It is pretty but has little variation. This changes as the Waitawhero Saddle is approached. A lush green corridor that differs from previous mostly brown areas greets the traveller and it is finally possible to see the sky sans canopy. At the top is an old wooden signpost showing the way to Oamaru Hut and Boyd Lodge. It is an ideal spot to catch your breath as, at long last, the distant view extends beyond a few trees. The beautiful, bending Ngaruroro River is visible as are the mountains beyond along with cliffs that border these two distinct areas. It is easy to envision a herd of wild horses galloping majestically through the floodplain kicking up clouds of dust. Alas, there were none. Boyd is hidden behind a spur and still some distance away but progress is being made. We arrived slightly before 5pm.

Only a certain kind of loon would be tempted to climb a further 300m - approximately 100 storeys - after tramping for nine hours. Rob and I decided to pop up to Boyds Rocks to take a gander. There was a bit of hesitation as from below, the peak is obscured by rock formations which hinted at the possibility of rock climbing. We scarcely spent 10 minutes at the hut before setting off and had a non-negotiable deadline of 6pm for turning back. For added excitement, taking proper light sources slipped our minds. With merely the first aid kit and unencumbered by packs, travel was quick. Despite not showing up on maps, this must have been an official track at one stage. Plenty of orange tape is scattered throughout and even a small number of triangles can be seen. Although steep, the peak is easily accessible and no rock scrambling is required. It offers a spectacular panorama. The stones and alpine flora are a refreshing contrast to the forest too. From above, the rocky pillars bear a likeness to “The Three Sisters” that are over in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. The “30 Peaks, 30 Rivers” challenge is intended to promote group cohesion and not recklessness. Bagging the nearby Tapuiomaruahine Peak was not possible without considerable risk. We had to accept the taunts. Watching a helicopter work its way along the river, the clock ticked over to 6 and we descended towards the hut. Reaching up to Boyds Rocks takes roughly an hour with the downwards return being half that long. If weather and time are permitting, it would be amiss not to visit this spot.

Tomorrow’s long march was at the forefront of all of our minds as we dozed. Heedful of daylight savings changes, the crew rose dutifully at 5am. In the blackness we glided effortlessly past one another as breakfast was consumed. Like a well-oiled machine, packs were soon readied. The legs were swinging in their usual rhythm before dawn. It was a phenomenal display of coordinated alacrity. There is a 2 hour shorter path to Cascade Hut that goes across private land but we did not have permission so retracing our steps was obligatory for the initial part. Crossing the large river was easy due to some upright sticks placed the day before. Navigating our way to the old wooden signpost was accelerated thanks the cloud cover which kept us cool. Similarly, getting to the three hut crossroad was accomplished effortlessly because knowledge of the obstacles en route was fresh.

However, here began the most arduous part of the trip. Though not vertical, the Maungaorangi Track has a bit of an incline. Shuffling half a step forward was standard for the opening stretch. An hour elapsed and the journey shortened by a scratch. Another hour, another scratch. One more hour - this time we were sure that we covered more ground - resulted in the same scratch. With impending delirium, a spot height of 1365m was secured with the peak a meagre 71 metres higher. Few visitors must have seen this path as it was quite overgrown and the spider webs were infinite. It was even necessary to blindly crash through a bush to continue. Somewhat disappointingly, the view paled in comparison to Boyds Rocks, but this was mitigated by the awareness that there would be no more climbing. The vicinity had lots of evidence of deer. Paula divided up her sweets and remarked, “If ever there was a time to sit and eat lollies, this is it”. A unanimous sentiment.

Gently cascading to the Waiatupuritia Saddle, our renewed vigour was slightly stymied by the cognizance that there were still multiple hours to go. The tired band treks on, turning up at the hut with the sun setting hot on their heels. This was a dawn to dusk voyage lasting twelve and a half hours. It is not possible to walk more hours in a day. We did not dare to fathom what we would find waiting for us inside Cascade Hut. It was utterly astonishing that with the sunny Easter weather and during the roar, the six bunk hut had precisely the desired number of occupants - zero. We weren’t anti-social, the day’s expedition simply left little desire for spending the night outdoors. Naturally, this meant that tents were carried purely for bragging rights. Dinner was eaten and Jerri gave out his chocolate. The stillness of the night - possibly interrupted by a solitary Kiwi - lulled us to a well-earned rest.

The last morning began with a more relaxed but still efficient tempo. By now we were well versed in the procedure. The final leg began at half past seven. Hooking onto the Hinemaiaia Track from the hut is more confusing than it should be as we seemed to make three right-hand turns initially. An impressive, old, gnarled tree standing triumphantly amongst its skinny brethren can be seen after a few minutes. The stream here is especially stunning with its transparency, light teal colour and gently sloping stone banks. A pair of hunters was encountered who were contemplating their options due to receiving a red, emergency weather warning. These were the only hunters we’d seen and using a Deer Caller, they demonstrated what a sika deer sounds like. This double batlike shriek was heard when we were at Boyd. At several points along the route there are large natural steps and caution must be exercised. Rope is utilised at one point. Towards the road end there are two minor waterfalls. The first is very close and it is possible to not get your feet wet should balancing across a log be undertaken. Water flowing through has carved an especially smooth channel at the falls which is visually striking. The second cascade, which Julie and Rob went to, is further with no clear path and complicated by several fallen trees. Upon reaching the road, we all had to pile into one car for the relocation to the other. It was a comfortable experience for those at the front but less so for the four in the backseat. Economical burgers, fries and fish at Taihape closed out the trip.

Perhaps, the four day outing was most characterised by its intensity. Technical hurdles contributed to this but the minimal recovery time at huts was the predominant factor. As a result, the margin of error is minute. We were in and out of huts so quickly that we barely saw them in daylight. It would have been wonderful to have an opportunity to rinse off accumulated grime. Restructuring the trip offers no straightforward solution. Leaving Kapiti sooner results in driving tired and more discomfort. Staying a night in civilisation the day prior doubles cost. Adding an extra day and camping can make organising more difficult. It would also result in very short days. Expedited movement introduces danger and may not be achievable. Reversing direction would be tough on knees. The alternate, faster route to Cascade from Boyd would be the best remedy. Criticism notwithstanding, it was an excellent trip and at times you had to remind yourself that you were actually not in a fairy tale.

Those on the trip were:

Jerri Bassi, Julie James, Paula Richardson, Petr Kure, Rob Dey, Lindsey Griffiths

Currently there is no photo album for this trip.