We assembled at the station at 9am on Saturday and divided into two cars before regrouping at Otaki Forks. A group of seven trampers: two seasoned club veterans, four newer members on their first club adventure, and one non-member suspicious of whether the club dues represented value for money.
Before beginning our climb, we scouted out two huts. First, Parawai Lodge. Then, the derelict Fishermans Hut – less a hut and more a collection of oddly shaped, rusted pieces of corrugated iron. We also took the time to explore the eastern bank of the Otaki River.
Upon reflection, nobody was particularly eager to begin the climb.
After a short wander through grassland (flanked by the river on one side, forest on the other, and punctuated by the occasionall stone wall), we began our ascent.
We first travelled up exposed hillside with the sun bearing down upon us and then into the bush. While we may have left the UV behind us, the humidity stayed with us. In exchange for the climb, we had the pleasure of experiencing the change from lowland bush all the way through to something approaching the famous Tararua goblin forest.
The climb continued – broken by the occasional rest stop and lunch.
The sight of Field Hut poking through the trees was a welcome sign. It is one of the first purpose built tramping huts in the country, is the oldest surviving recreational hut in the Tararua Ranges, and deserves the adjective ‘historic’. Full of rustic charm – it has the feel of a working museum with paraphernalia to boot.
After a rest stop, we reassembled and begun climbing once more to Table Top to take in the scenic views and get a better sense of what the Tararuas are all about. For some of us this was our first trip in the Tarauas while, for others, it was our first experience above the bushline in the ranges.
For dinner, we shared kai ably prepared by head chef Paddy. Special thanks are owed to an anonymous tramper who shared with us what we can only assume was the only cardamom in the ranges. Lentils, rice, fresh vegetables, and spices. A tramper’s dream with reviews to match and conversation flowing.
Before we headed to bed conversation topics of note included: the history and potential future of the club (tramping with the club President has its benefits!), the likely fate of the world, what films to look out for in 2026, options to overhaul the public sector, and the ‘next’ tramp.
After waking and refueling on coffee, tea, and porridge, we began our descent back to Otaki Forks. The weather was cool, the humidity had lifted, packs were lighter, and we leaned into the Easy Medium pace.
On the return ride to Wellington, the trip was rated highly. A great introduction to the Tararuas. One-third of my car had been convinced that there were merits in joining the club. Sufficient evidence had been collected, and a verdict could now be rendered. The remaining two-thirds were certain that many future club trips lie in their future. A resounding success.