Waitangi Weekend 6-8 February 2026

Leader: Paula Richardson

Waitangi Day this year fell on Friday 6th February and, with the weather forecast looking reasonable, we hatched a plan to attempt the Southern Crossing, bagging a good number of peaks in the process.

Friday was a stunning day as we left Otaki Forks and headed up to Kime Hut, bagging Dennan (with much bush bashing), Bridge Peak and Hut Mound! When we got to the hut it was full to overflowing, with over 40 people crammed inside, and more trampers were yet to arrive!

Rob had brought his tent, and found a reasonably dry spot to set it up. Luckily Robyn had brought a fly which we set up on the veranda. Robyn, Petr and I would make ourselves at home for the night under the fly, whilst Julie had found a cozy spot inside the hut on the floor under a bench!

It was a beautiful evening. Even though there were lots of people in the hut, everyone was friendly and considerate, and we had a very pleasant time. It started raining at 4am and we got a little wet whilst sleeping under the fly.

The next morning, we set off early climbing up to Mount Hector where we had earlier decided to make the call whether to continue or turn back. When we got there, it was very windy with limited visibility, so we decided to head back down to the Otaki Forks carpark after bagging Mount Hector and Field Peak.

Those on the trip were:

Julie James, Paula Richardson, Petr Kure, Rob Dey, Robyn Wilson

Photos were not supplied for this report.