27/28 June 2015

We had a couple of cancellations and the number of trampers wasn’t large in the first place, possibly due to the poor weather forecast, but three adventurous trampers decided it was worth a go.

So off we went with our trusty driver ready to ferry the car from start point on Te Tahi road to the Grey Road lodge. There was a short delay just after picking up Pui in Pirongia town, when a member of the constabulary stopped us to ask for directions, or something like that.

We arrived at Te Tahi Road end, and turned around to back-track to the track, which was not obvious by any means. So we poked about a bit, with the leader making loud protestations that “it wasn’t like this last time”. The Blackberry has apparently overtaken the fence-line and a new entry point had to be found. This wasn’t too difficult and we crossed the paddock and scrambled down the bank to the Tiwarawara stream and crossed that with dry boots (some). Climbing up onto the ridge we soon found the track (there was a sign saying “Track”) and this was in good condition as we climbed a comfortable gradient up to about the Tiwarawara peak. There was pig sign and it’s possible the hunters are keeping the track clear. From Tiwararwara peak on things changed and we found ourselves on steep rocky faces grabbing for plant hand-holds and pushing through thick bush, searching for the orange triangle. Our speed slowed with the track searching, more mud, and steeper incline up to Kohatupiko and on to Te Akeohikopiro peaks.  GPS said “not far now” to the Hihikiwi track, but we were faced with a thick patch or re-growth with no apparent track, and time was ticking by as we explored alternative paths. So we crashed into it and pushed in a general direction until something underfoot looked more like a track. We came out into an area with good high canopy and relatively clear base, and plenty of mud, so we were able to get through to the Hihikiwi track by about 3.30pm.

From there up to the Hihikiwi peak was a breeze by comparison, and it was great to look out down to the Kawhia harbour and east across the Waikato. Marvellous views in the late afternoon. John was on the boardwalk and we all proceeded to the hut and found ourselves bunks.

The hut is not a booking hut and I was surprised how many people were there when we arrived, and they kept coming until the hut was full (20) and late at night some overflow went to the old hut. The hut doesn’t yet have tables, and has no heating but other than that is very comfortable. The evening was friendly and enjoyable and we ate and Deborah taught us a new card game, and promptly beat us at it. We played until late into the night (8.30?). There was a good bit of talk about snoring, probably a good bit of snoring too, but I was lucky and didn’t hear it.

The following morning was quite misty and dank, and we took our time to prepare to leave – no rush.

The trip up to the Pirongia peak, and on to Tirohanga and Ruapane was uneventful, muddy as usual, scrambling over roots. Then from Ruapane we crossed the valley on the link track to Grey Road and the Lodge, and this was a really nice piece of bush, great track, peaceful and pleasant. We got back to the car at about 2.30pm Sunday, nicely exhausted and muddy, packed away the dirty stuff and made ourselves respectable and went into Pirongia for coffee and cake.

It was a great weekend with just enough adventure and challenge and plenty of fun.

Our two new members, Deborah and Pui are signed-off as fit adventurers and it was a pleasure to walk with you two, and John G from the hut back.