Back in January this year, not long after returning from our cycle touring journey, I headed into the Tararua Ranges (just north of Wellington city) for a 6 day solo trip. I was looking for some solitude, some good light, and a chance to stretch the legs on some sections of ridge I’d not walked before. Entering the range on its western side at Ohau Pipe Bridge (Poads Road) I headed up Gable End Ridge to Te Matawai Hut for the first night. Rain, high humidity and a heavy pack made it a sweaty grind up the long ridge.
Next day I headed up to Pukematawai, around to the new Arete Biv and them onto Tarn Ridge Hut for the night, where I was lucky enough enough to meet some hunters who’d shot a deer and taken the back steaks during their walk in. In the morning I left early for a long day and navigated over Girdlestone to the Broken Axe Pinnacles in clearing cloud. A brisk northerly blew, clouding over much of the range but sometimes I could glimpse the Wairarapa to the east – basking in sunshine. Late afternoon saw me on top of Mount Holdsworth and heading in the direction of Isabelle with the long descent to Mid Waiohine Hut still to go. I arrived to the warmth of the valley at 7.30pm after a 11 hour day of exceptional tramping (and quite a few photo stops).
The following evening I was at Maungahuka Hut, after a stiff climb to Aokaparangi from the river and then a wind-battered traverse over Wright and Simpson.
Day five was going to be another long one. With the wind still battering the tussocks with sideways drizzle I headed over the twin peaks of Tunui and Tuiti, Yeates and Vossler and was at Kime Hut for morning tea. By the time I got to Mount Hector the weather was improving a bit and I headed west down the spectacular and sinuous Neill Ridge for the long walk to Cone Hut, arriving there about 8pm – just in time to photograph the Tauherenikau before sunset. The trip ended with a cruise down the valley to Kaitoke the next day.
I hope you enjoy the photos.
Very enjoyable. Especially liked shots 9 & 11 (counting from top), and the self portrait hut shot. Must’ve been pretty knackered after 6 days!
Lovely pics Mark(as always) – Kime Hut is being replaced,that’s kind of sad.. an end of an era
b
Yeah, heard that. Sad to see the cold old shed go!
I love your photos Mark. These ones bring back lots of memories of my student days tramping in the Tararuas. They are all great. The one in the hut has beautiful light.
Cheers! Glad you enjoyed.
Some of the best photos I’ve seen of the Tararua in this collection, Mark.
With all that camera gear that must have been an appallingly heavy pack. Thanks for the effort, and for letting us see the results.
Thanks Pete. I thought you might enjoy that post…
stunning photos
Thanks ; )