Waiotauru track

Slimy slug but no steel ladder: Field Hut, Renata Hut – Tararua Forest Park

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Date: 10 - 12 March 2023.
Trip type: Tramp (MF).
Location: Tararua Forest Park.
Author: Sam Davis.
Trampers: Sam D (co-leader), Anne DF (co-leader), Erik B, Leo P, Jamie HE, James W.

While it was not the trip we had planned originally, our 50km+ Ōtaki Forks circuit tramp had a little bit of everything: views, blue skies, slugs and slips. Our intention had been to stay at Maungahuka Hut on Saturday evening. Maungahuka is known as a difficult hut to reach. It involves climbing a steel ladder, … Read more

Otaki Forks Packrafting

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Date: 9 March 2019.
Trip type: Packrafting Day, Grade II, Flow 16-18m3/sec.
Location: Otaki River, Tararua Forest Park.
Author: Bart.
Trampers: Jenny (leader), Bart and Marie.

The Otaki water catchment had little to no rainfall until Friday before our trip. On Friday morning, it started raining in various degrees from 1 to 5 mm per hour until Friday evening. Around midnight before our trip, it rained again 2 to 3 mm per hour, then the weather turned to dry and overcast … Read more

The Chocolate Packhorse

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Date: 29-30 November 2014.
Trip type: MF Navigational Tramp.
Location: Tararuas - Otaki Forks (Kapakapanui & Renata).
Author: Sarah Fisher.
Trampers: Amanda Wells (trip leader), Emily Shrosbree, Jessie Go, Maarten Ruiter, Sarah Fisher & Shay Bendall.

After a dismal forecast predicted for the weekend, our trip was changed to plan B which avoided swims in the Eastern Hutt river that had been part of plan A. Saturday saw a 7am start for the drive to Otaki Forks. From here we walked up the Pukeatua track with Emily setting a good pace. … Read more