Sue Clellands reminises about her latest travels

North Ohau trip 29th January

It was great to have 10 trampers wanting to visit the site of the new North Ohau hut.4 had not tramped with us before,David revisited after 20+ years and Noel found an area he had never been to.The weather was superb so nobody minded the river crossings. We had lunch on a clearing in the shade then continued on through the gorge.The hut site is on the true left up on a shelf with a massive view down the river.At this stage the foundations are down and the woodshed built. The hut is being built in a warehouse and will be transported in by helicopter soon. The return journey seemed to pass very quickly,especially as several chose to swim through the deep pools. At the shelter site we were met by Val and after a brief stop we reached the cars about 5-30. Thanks to all participants for a great day trip. Sue

Deep in the Tararuas.

Have you ever looked at the map and wondered what a new area was like?Have you looked down from above and thought a valley was really inviting?We have!! Noel and I were looking for something different and new when we set off for 5 days in the heart of the Tararua range. After a leisurely walk we reached Te Matawai hut fot the night.Next morning,we reached Pukematawai in wind and cloud.Using map and compass Arete biv suddenly appeared out of the gloom.From there we picked out the drop down to the Park Valley.We knew there were huge hanging valleys leading down,but managed to avoid them.We then crashed into some of the thickest leatherwood,flax,spaniards and snow grassI have ever seen. After 3 hours of thrashing around,climbing over slippery rocks,fording deep pools and making little progress towards Park Forks, we chose to abandon the valley and head for high land.2 hours straight up steep,slippery territory brought us to the track an hour from Dracophyllum hut.As rain started this track seemed very good and so did the hut. Next morning,after examining our battle wounds,we decided to change our trip plans.We chose the relatively straight forward option of going to Nichols,Waitewaewae and out to Otaki via the Waitatapia Stream. A really interesting trip but I can still see more places on the map to be explored. Sue