We set off at a fast pace along a wide, level, easy to walk track with the intention of reaching the Upper Whirinaki Hut before it got dark. The forest was an amazing display of foliage with the track meandering along side a very scenic Whirinaki River. Perfect weather for tramping too. There was one major tree fall across the track which meant a climb down then up again and also some stretches became narrower. Other than that the track was near perfect. At the latter section of track Phil and I decided to slow down a bit, take in the scenery and snap some photos. At the top of a rise, a short distance from the Central Whirinaki Hut, sits a tunnel through the top, shored up with timber. An unexpected sight in the middle of the bush.
On reaching this hut, after approximately 4 ½ hours, John, Phil and I decided that there may not be enough time to reach the Upper Whirinaki Hut so we opted to stay the night at Central and tramp a different route to Mangamate Hut the next day. There were several people there already but plenty of room for us in this 24 bunk, well appointed DOC hut. (a wood burning stove and cold running water inside). Several bunk spaces were in the dining area. A beautiful spot near the river, as Katy has mentioned.
As always, much socialising went on. Bernhard’s knot tying made me wonder, however! Some sort of singing (unfortunately), some chocolate sharing (yum) and general wandering about and chatting. At night glow worms were spotted in the bank along the track leading to Mangamate Hut.
Up early the next morning and John, Phil and I didn’t take long to have breakfast and be ready for the tramp to Mangamate Hut. Once again good track with the weather over cast but great for tramping. We ended up walking beside and in the Taumutu and Kakati streams which was awesome. Near the beginning of the stream we did get lead astray by following a track that lead left up the bank, having to scramble down it again. Many people must have done the same as the red herring was well defined.
It was very enjoyable walking beside, across and down the stream, a terrain I love to be in. Beautiful scenery; trees, stream, banks, rocks. We came across a couple of groups going in the opposite direction and stopped for a chat. Both groups telling us that the rest of our party was only 5 minutes ahead of us then 2 minutes ahead of us. Sure enough not long after the second chat we heard voices and lo and behold, the rest of our party having a break. After joining forces it didn’t take too long to arrive at Mangamate. However, there is a long but easy hill upwards before leading down a short distance to the hut. This day’s tramp took about 3 1/2 hours.
We did a Pierre (but didn’t shove anyone over!), nipping past the fore guard of our group and racing off to the hut so as to get a bunk. Sorry guys. Important to me as I didn’t have a tent and this is a much smaller hut. The rest of the group arrived and we got settled with several deciding to tent. Not a lot of space for this though. Not long after this, while the Loes were still erecting their tent, it started to drizzle a little for a short time. The view from the hut down the valley was magic; we could see the rain making its way towards us.
The hut has a wood burning stove and a sink with running water outside at the end of the deck. We decided to light the fire using the dry, stored wood and replenishing this supply. It took a bit of searching as the area nearest the hut had long been scavenged clear of fire wood. A hunter, who eventually turned up, was staying at the hut too so bereft of Craig’s and Rod’s company an uproarish game of last card was played after dinner and genteel conversation. Odd that everyone won at least one game except for David. I, as a spectator, thought some of the rules suspect!
Up early the next morning as we had planned to leave at 8am. Once again fantastic weather. We were ready before the appointed time so took off down the track about 20 minutes ahead of time. Once again a good track. After a short time we came across two, upside down, u shaped galvanised bars installed in the middle of the track. The type you see barring bikes from going along a path. Curious out here in the middle of nowhere. Must be to guard against marauding mowers. J We carried on and suddenly found that we had run out of track! After much discussion, ideas and suggestions and putting these into practice, it was discovered that we had continued along this well formed path to nowhere and gone past the down hill offshoot (not far before the bars) which was less obvious. This was steep and took us down to the Mangamate Stream with the track along side it for some time. Very beautiful. Eventually the track led mostly through water, toe toe (cutty grass) and onga onga (stinging nettle). Avoid the nettle! Otherwise not difficult, interesting and enjoyable as there is some challenge in finding the markers and the correct way. Plus the boots are clean! We paused at the original hut site with resident stag’s head; a lovely area to camp in. I can imagine that during high rain periods that this would be tricky to negotiate at times.
The track finally led up to the high way which we began on. Just beyond the track junction from Mangamate, across the bridge we met Paul who had decided to get going ahead of his group. The next battalion was not far behind. From there it was no time at all, a total of 3 hours 40 minutes, until we were at the car park and the bus. Great to get the wet boots off and boil the billy while we waited for the key bearer to arrive. The very kind and caring hunter who we met at the last hut had tucked a wee pressie under the windscreen wipers. Pig trotters!
Thanks to Pierre, the organiser and Bernhard, the driver. It was a bit of a mission for them plus John to sort the tyre. Thanks heaps guys.