Trip 1318 : Labour Weekend – Kaweka Forest Park, 25/26-28 October : Grade C and B

 

Hi everybody,

 

Below are further details for the Labour Weekend tramp into the Kaweka range.

 

Focus is on the area between Makahu Saddle and Makahu Rd.

In principal there are several other options than the ones listed for both grade C (leader Michiel) as well as grade B (leader Cate).

Tramping in the Kaweka range is never easy, even the Mohaka river track has got several ups and downs.

The Mangatutu hot springs are a nice way to end the weekend. Te Pouia hot springs are 45min from the Te Pouia lodge (26 bunks hut).

Depending on bookings and weather forecast we will choose what routes to follow closer to the date.

 

Book online before 21 October.

If no separate booking available, please let us know what grade you are booking for.

 

C-grade (5-8 hrs per day)

Through trip Makahu Saddle to Makahu Rd:

Fri - leave early/late afternoon, diner Taupo, overnight camp at Balls Clearing (or accommodation nearby if still available)

Sat - Makahu Saddle car park to Kaweka J (steep up), Ballard hut (4 bunks)

Sun - Back up to main range to Makino hut (6 bunks)

Mon - Te Pouia lodge, Mohaka river track, Mangatutu hot springs and car park

 

Alternative, round trip from Makahu Rd:

Sat - drive to start of track on Makahu road, track to Middle Hill hut (6 bunks)

Sun - '5 Gorges' track to Makino hut (not far, but quite challenging)

Mon - Te Pouia lodge, Mohaka river track, Mangatutu hot springs and car park  

 

B-grade (3-4 hrs per day)

There and back trip from Makahu Rd, relatively easy:

Sat - drive to Mangatutu hot springs car park, Mohaka river track, Te Pouia lodge (26 bunks)

Sun - Area of lodge (Te Pouia hot springs, Makino hut and back)

Mon - back same way

 

Alternative, round trip from Makahu Rd, bit more challenging:

Fri - leave early/late afternoon, diner Taupo, overnight camp at Balls Clearing (or accommodation nearby if still available)

Sat - Makahu road, track to Makino hut

Sun - Te Pouia lodge, area of lodge, Te Pouia hot springs

Mon - Mohaka river track, Mangatutu hot springs and car park

Transport

Leaving either Friday 25 Oct afternoon or 6am Saturday 26 Oct, returning Monday 28 Oct.

It's about 5hrs drive to the start of the tracks.

Thinking of at least two 4wd vehicles or similar with high clearance (for Makahu road).

Could have a vehicle at both ends, Makahu Saddle and Makahu road.

Either shuttle a car or 2 groups start at different ends.

Unless we decide to do one round trip for all at one end.

 

Accommodation

Camp at Balls Clearing or Mohaka River Farm bunkhouse if still available.

Huts along the way and/or tent.

 

Cost

$30/day (or as otherwise arranged with personal vehicle driver) + accommodation

 

Regards, Michiel van Dijk & Cate Hampton