7-8 March 2020

Leader: Peter Davis

A very relaxing weekend walking up the Makaroro river to Barlow Hut. Setting off from Kapiti at 8am, we arrived at the Wakarara Road end inland from Ongaonga just after 12 noon, having stopped in Dannevirke for our customary morning coffee (and fresh herb and cheese scones!).

Fine weather and a low river meant an easy 3 hour walk to the Hut. This included a stop for a refreshing swim. We passed some fishermen who had caught 3 trout that day, and also met some hunters. There was plenty of deer sign around so they had a good chance!

After a gourmet 3 course meal, a pleasant evening was spent around the outdoor fire. Some of the group enjoyed a night out in tents while the rest stayed in the awesome Lockwood hut.

Next day we retraced our route back down the river as far as the Gold Creek Hut turnoff. On the opposite bank we found the old track up to the logging road that once led to Craig's Hut. We had a pleasant stroll along the road, with a leisurely stop for lunch and then picking blackberries. We were soon back at the road end just before 2pm.

Those on the trip were:

Yingjun Shelton, Elizabeth Hynes, Neville Grubner, Marian Cox, Moshe Rapaport, Peter Davis