The trip in pictures
What people thought of the trip
Well organised and it provided a really good introduction to club trips. I gained some useful tips on the basics, like how to properly pour out of a billy when it’s full of boiling water! and what ongaonga looks like.
I liked the scenery, the hut, the leatherwood trees, the sound of the river, the rare but present bird song. I also liked the fact that we did not drive too long to be in the middle of more than one magical places. The Pinnacles camp site was a great choice to spend the night. We had a perfect night sky. The Mangatoetoe hut was nicely placed in the bush.
The trip is was different to any other trip I have done with the club before. There was tramping involved but we spent more time exploring the areas, the pinnacles, the lighthouse and the seals.
Loved falling asleep to the sounds of a Morepork owl while camping on the first night. What an awesome and unique experience!
Loved that the trip was a tour of the South Wairarapa – it was great to go to a number of places and to have a range of experiences on the one trip.
Hanging out with a great group of genuine people – lots of fun, camaraderie and good times.
A special, unexpected experience we just happened to come across – watching a farmer and his dogs moving sheep along the highway/ down the main street of Ngawi. A quintessential kiwi experience.
Tips for future trips:
Bring gaiters if you have them. Be prepared to cross the Mangatoetoe River numerous times on the way to the Hut (and to get your feet wet!), watch out for the ongaonga close to the hut.
There are no markers on the trail, but as long as you follow the river bed you’ll make it to the hut.
Highly recommend the food at Lake Ferry Hotel and the fresh fish and coffee at the “Captain’s Table” in Ngawi. Also recommend the Land Girl cafe and gift shop at Pirinoa for great coffee and unique gifts.
Even though Ngawi is known for it’s crayfishing, you cant’ actually buy crayfish there – it’s all exported to China (as told to us by the lady who served us at the Captain’s Table).
Itinerary
Friday
1730 departure from the Station
1930-2100 Lake Ferry Hotel
2130 Pinnacles campsite
Saturday
0730 Billy boiling
0920-1130 Pinnacles Walk
1200 Coffee Ngawi
1230-1300 Cape Palliser Lighthouse
1300-1315 Seals
1400-1545 Walk into Mangatoetoe Hut
1900 Thai Green Chicken Curry with chocolate cake
Sunday
0900-1030 Walk out to van
1115-1200 Coffee Pirinoa
1345 Back in Wellington
Weekend distance walked: 16km