TARARUA RANGE ROUND 2

Section Distance = 57km

Total Distance = 628km

POADS RD – TE MATAWAI HUT

I’m back!!! After having to skip the high ranges on my hike north from Wellington due to severe weather warnings, this time around I was greeted with a glorious sunny day to brighten up the STEEP muddy track up Gable End Ridge to Te Matawai Hut!

This section starts by cutting through a farm paddock and I had many curious cows follow me until I crossed the stile on the far side. The track follows the river for a short time before starting the ascent up Gable End Ridge.

From the hut the whole ridge I would be traversing the next day could be seen and 5 other TA’s turned up that evening. 

TE MATAWAI HUT – NICHOLS HUT

The hike from Te Matawai Hut started with an initial incline through a tussock covered track to the ridge. The morning cloud lifted to reveal 360 degree views over the ranges and I was glad for the clear weather and minimal wind whilst following the undulating ridge.

I lost the trail several times in the moss forests today but the GPS got me back on track and after a hard hike I made it to Nichols Hut for the night. The trail notes on the Te Araroa app are really helpful for sections like this where you may have to look for particular markers as to where to leave the ridgeline. 

Nichols Hut is a 6 bunk hut nestled in the mountains with epic views it was definitely worth the effort it took to reach it!!! It also has the best loo views so far… 

 

NICHOLS HUT – PARAWAI LODGE 

I was up bright and early, or still dark and early in this case for the climb up to Mt Crawford for sunrise 🌅

Sneaking out of the hut and packing gear whilst trying not to wake the other occupants is always a challenge for early birds but pre-packing as much gear as possible the night before and having breakfast on the trail are a couple of ways to reduce pre-dawn disturbance. I haven’t quite succeeded in finding a silent sleeping bag yet though… 

Absolutely stunning view to start the day before the loooong steep descent all the way to Parawai Hut.

 

It took almost 12 hours to reach Otaki Forks from Nichols Hut and after a chance to stretch my legs along the ridge, the steep descent took me back into beautiful forest with a lot of deadfall, slips and downed trees to negotiate (which I did very ungracefully 😅) I skipped a hut and headed straight to Parawai Lodge but the location of Waitewaewae Hut right on the river is a perfect spot to stop for a swim or break this section into slightly shorter days and really enjoy the forest. 

The heavens opened about an hour out from Parawai Lodge (in which I learnt that my raincoat leaks) but thankfully it didn’t get torrential until after I arrived!

 

PARAWAI LODGE – WAIKANAE

The final stretch along the Pukeatua Track through to Waikanae led me through stunning misty forest (I will never get tired of the green) and although the track was slippery after all the rain last night it was a much nicer gradient on the knees!!!

 

The Tararua Ranges are always a challenge but despite falling in the mud several times, being stuck between two trees (I may have forgotten my pack was wider than me…) and some hard climbs, the forests and the views are absolutely worth all the effort!!! 

Up next…. Te Araroa Part 7 where I finally start the south island leg of my adventure!!!