3240 - “Te U Revisited", Waioweka country

We haven't visited this remote hut for eleven years or so, January 2015 to be precise.

On that occasion we approached the hut from the Waimana valley with a fairly long approach over a ridge and up the Waiiti river.

 

For logistical convenience I'm proposing that we come up the Waiotahi river, over a small (300m) saddle and down the Kaharoa stream to the hut, then return the same way back to the car(s). DOC notes state the trip as 15.5km each way and approximately 7 to 8 hourseach way. The "track" is noted as a route on the Topo maps and there will be river crossings. It is an "Expert" route in DOC's classification.

 

This trip is in the back country behind Opotiki and therefore there is a long drive to the start and to get home (3 hours + each way).

 

This is the proposal but I have further research to determine the necessary logistics of the trip. Can we camp at the end of the road or shall we stay in Ohope? Is the hut still available or do we need tents?

As we will be in the river for a good bit of this trip, weather will be critical. 

 

If you are keen, please contact me to discuss your preferences on some of these questions.