The group assembled at Platform 10 (basically 9 ¾ for WTMC) for what would end up being a wet, but enjoyable, weekend in the Tararuas. The plan originally was to head to Winchcombe Biv. However, the weather forecast was not in our favour, with winds from 35-40km/h and gusts up to 100km/h predicted for Saturday (when we would be heading across the tops). Sara had prepared a few alternate routes in the event we had to abandon our plan (spoiler: we did abandon the plan).
After a brief stop at the BP in Paraparaumu for a quick dinner, we set off from the Ōtaki road end at 7.30 pm. For most of us, it was our first time walking in from the Ōtaki road end. We didn’t realise that we were walking on the old road until Sara pointed it out when I asked “so where did the road used to go?”
As we arrived at the Ōtaki Forks campsite, it was time to put our head torches on. We made our way up to Field Hut, with Kevin leading the way for much of the journey. After a few stops to add some additional layers to keep warm, we arrived at the hut at around 10.30 pm. Three people who were already at the hut had taken upstairs bunks, so we claimed the downstairs bunks to help ensure that we would not disturb them.
When Saturday dawned, while it was cloudy, the wind was much weaker than expected. After discussing our plan for the day, we decided to head to Kime Hut and then make a call on whether we would continue on to the Biv, do a trip to Mt Hector or backtrack and go to Penn Creek Hut. Janes led us up to Kime Hut, however as time went on, the wind got stronger. We arrived at Kime Hut chilly and in need of a warm drink and some food! We had an extended morning tea in order to warm up, put some layers on and I also checked the All Blacks’ score (we won v Ireland – so I was happy). We made the decision to backtrack and head to Penn Creek hut.
The decent to Penn Creek Hut was steep and muddy, with nearly everyone taking a slip at some point! Sophie (Sara’s dog) was no longer looking so white. We arrived at Penn Creek Hut at around 3.30 pm. This six bunk hut was very similar to old Deer Stalker’s huts I had come across on a previous trip to Arete Forks Hut (For the trip report, see: https://wtmc.org.nz/trip-report/arete-forks-via-table-ridge-tararua-forest-park/ ). While Ethan and Kevin decided to pitch their tents to test them out for the first time, Sara, Janes and myself cut up some firewood so it would hopefully dry for the next visitor. Sophie was taking a well deserved nap on Sara’s bed.
Chef Kevin whipped us up a delicious stir fry dinner before we all settled into our beds to peruse the collection of Backcountry magazines or our own books.
Sunday morning came with rain, and both Ethan and Kevin reported that there had been a lot of wind and rain overnight too. Penn Creek itself was roaring with the extra rainfall. Sara set up a double layer rain system for Sophie, using a rubbish bag and her regular rain coat, to hopefully help Sophie keep warm.
We set off from Penn Creek Hut at around 8am. After an early stream crossing that we had managed on Saturday with dry feet, we all had wet boots ready for the day ahead. While I successfully carried Sophie across the stream, I managed to drop Janes’ poles. They quickly took a journey down Penn Creek, never to be seen again. Few photos were taken after this, in an attempt to protect our phones (This was to varying degrees of success, with Ethan’s phone no longer turning on at the end of the trip).
The climb up to Table Top was slippery – we walked through puddles, mud, and at times what felt like a creek, as water ran down the track.
After a stop at Field Hut for lunch, we continued on to the road end. The rain eased off shortly after we left Field Hut, and rather naively, we commented that we were nearly dry again. As the van came into sight, the rain started again, prompting a quick load-up and climb into the van.
While the views were lacking on the tops, the weekend was enjoyed by all. Sophie was of course the hero of the weekend, deftly navigating the terrain and quickly winning the hearts of everyone on the trip!
A big thank you to Sara for organising everything!
Stats:
Friday
Road End to Otaki Forks – 45 m
Otaki Forks to Field Hut – 2 h 30 m
Distance – 10 km, Ascent – 800 m, Decent – 150 m
Saturday
Field Hut to Kime Hut – 2 h
Penn Creek turn off to Penn Creek Hut – 3h 15m
Distance – 12.7 km, Ascent – 1,025 m, Decent – 1,658 m
Sunday
Penn Creek Hut to Table Top – 3 h
Table Top to Field Hut – 1 h
Field Hut to Road End – 3 h
Distance – 15.7 km, Ascent – 1,023 m, Decent – 1,136 m