The rush of scaling a mountain and witnessing the breathtaking landscape beneath your feet as you reach your victory, of gazing at roaring campfires beneath a sky of stars, of plunging into the refreshing waters of a tranquil river after a long day of hiking and cycling – the joys and challenges of the great outdoors are simply unparalleled. Getting out into the open and escaping the pressures of modern life is something which everyone aspires to do, enjoying the rare chance of reconnecting with nature and experiencing the elements firsthand. For some of us, these moments are just a few steps away, while for others, finding that coveted outdoor time can be difficult, especially for starters. But preparing for your first outdoor excursion is easier than you think.

Find Your Adventure, Or Let It Find You

There are a lot of ways to enjoy what the great outdoors has to offer, especially in a location as diverse as New Zealand for instance, and South Africa. These regions are home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, and have become spectacular outdoor playgrounds for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers who come from all walks of the life. New Zealand’s magnificent national parks are both grandiose in stature and substance, providing the perfect destination for activities and pastimes of varying skills and interest like:

• Walking and hiking
• Backpacking, and hiking
• Skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing and other winter sports
• Mountain biking, jogging, and running
• Swimming, surfing, sailing, rafting, and kayaking
• Fishing and nature watching
• Kite surfing, hangliding, horseback riding and many more

The difficulty levels for each of these activities will vary upon the geography and climate of the location, and the sheer variety of landscapes means that beginners will have plenty of opportunities for a chance to progress to the next level. Each one of these activities are accessible, but some of them – like hangliding, skiing, horseback riding and rafting, for instance, will require you to go through a tour operator/travel company. You will need to have a fair level of health and fitness for some of the more extreme sports like hangliding and rafting, but companies which manage these sports operate by extremely high safety standards.

You can choose any or even all of these sports for your excursion, but try to quench your enthusiasm at first and practice moderation. For example, if you are planning a big trail hike, slowly build up your fitness beforehand by taking regular hikes on varied terrain if possible, as well as build strength in your muscles and develop your aerobic conditioning. Become acclimatized to different weather conditions by hiking in rain, shine, and snow as well as hot and cold, always dressing appropriately. By the time you are ready to depart for your destination, your preparation work will more than pay off. Having trouble choosing your playground? You can do your own research beforehand by using handy resources like National Geographic, Lonely Planet, and of course, this very website. Ask yourself what kind of experience you are looking for, what kind of budget and schedule you are working with, and what kind of difficulty level you are considering.

Additional Info

National Park tourist centres provide a wide range of essential information about the destinations you can visit as well as several handy online resources which tell you everything you need to know about the place you plan on visiting as well as save you money on travel. Fathom.com lists some of the top websites you can use to find travel bookings and accommodation, as well as blogs which offer an interesting insight into the region. If you don’t want to go the route of ditching your gadgets and going incognito, you can find an array of travel apps which cover a variety of subjects for your vacation, including weather, translation, places of interest, wifi-hotspots, fare finders, and maps which are useful for carrying all on one device. It is advisable to carry a phone with you even if you don’t plan on using it in the case of an emergency, as well as a form of identification.

It may seem daunting, but researching your outdoor adventure can be tremendously fun and doesn’t take away from the spontaneity and thrilling energy of your trip. It prepares you mentally and physically while building up your anticipation, guaranteeing that your next expedition or casual outdoor jaunt will be a fulfilling and rewarding as possible.

As is the norm with all hikes in the Silvermine area, a camera is a must, as there’s just so much to see – the fynbos, with its vast variety of flowering plants, the wind and rain-sculptured sandstone rock formations, the many species of birds, as well as the views. A camera allows one to capture these images, and savour them many times over at a later stage, as I often do. As the song goes, “Memories are made of this”!

The start is just over the summit of the Ou Kaapse Weg heading south, through Silvermine gate no. 2 on the left. Entry is controlled, and a small fee is required to park, which was R5 at the time of writing. After parking the car, start the hike by walking up the gravel track for about 5 minutes until you arrive at an information sign. Turn left up the track to the left of the sign. Initially you’re walking through head height protea bushes, but eventually these give way to waist high or knee high fynbos. A very interesting rock formation now appears on the left – this is Wolfkop (Wolf’s Head) Pillar, although, and this depends on which angle you view it from, it could represent several other things – ’nuff said!

From here the track gradually swerves to the right, around Wolfkop on your right, and starts ascending up the gully between Wolfkop and Higher Steenberg Peak. It’s steep enough to get the blood pumping, but not enough to cause much more than light puffing. After about 20 – 30 minutes from the sign, the track levels off and forks – take the left fork, which now meanders further upwards at a gentle incline.

The next landmark of note is a huge square rock with an overhang, called Fat Lady Shelter. Why it’s called that is anyone’s guess, but it is large enough to shelter a number of people comfortably in inclement weather, if needed. Take some time here to admire close-up the intricate patterns in the rocks around you – I never cease to marvel at the infinite number of shapes and forms sculptured by nature. Many of these appear to represent various different animals or reptiles – the variety is only limited by your imagination. These rocks consist of Table Mountain sandstone, and as rain is slightly acidic, the rocks are eventually weathered into the shapes you see around you by the eroding effects of rain and almost incessant wind.

A few minutes walk from the rock shelter brings you to the end of your upward journey, at a cairn. Plenty of places to sit down and drink in the majestic views, and enjoy a drink and a snack. Take time to savour these, and enjoy the beauty all around you. From here there are a number of options if you want to continue hiking – there are tracks to Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and several spots in between, but they are the subject of another article.

Once you’ve had your fill, return to the car park the same way you came. On the way, enjoy the views of Noordhoek beach and Kommetjie in the distance – vast white sand beaches well known to beach bunnies and surfers. Don’t forget to look down every now and then – many of the flowering plants are quite small, but beautifully colourful and intricate, and would be easy to miss.

Important notes:

• The best times to do this walk is between October and February. It’s also the hottest time of the year, so remember the sunscreen.
• There is no water on this track to speak of, so take sufficient for the conditions.
• The weather is notoriously unpredictable. It can be beautifully calm and clear early in the morning, and a howling gale and enveloped in clouds by lunch. Take a jersey and jacket.
• Take a map – tracks are generally well defined and not hard to follow, but are often not marked. There are frequent unmarked side tracks, so stay on the main track. I recommend Slingsby’s Silvermine map, available from most outdoor stores or bookshops.
• Preferably walk with a friend, or in a group. Tell someone where you’re going, and when to expect you back. The security situation in SA has improved considerably over the last years, but use common sense – that way everyone enjoys the hike!

One of those businesses is Riddiford’s Sports World, on Waipuk’s Ruataniwha Street. No, I don’t have shares in the business, and I wasn’t paid for this article, and I won’t get any commission on extra sales resulting from it. So why would I want to do it? Several reasons, actually. The proprietor, Gael Riddiford, is the main reason – she owns the business, and it provides her living. As a result the service levels are just so much better than what you’d expect from a big store in the cities. In towns like Waipuk, relationships are everything, so shopping in her store is more than just a business transaction; it’s an opportunity for getting to know the customer, and being genuinely interested in what they’re about.

Secondly, the prices are very competitive in comparison to the large stores in the big smoke, and often they’re lower –  megastores aren’t always cheaper! Thirdly, Gael and her assistant, Roger, have a passion for their business, and it shows. Roger loves hunting, and is always up for a yarn about the bush.

Fourthly, if you need something and they don’t have it in stock – no problem, they will order it for you, and will let you know when it arrives. I can go on, but these are the main ones, and mostly the reason why I and my tramping friends buy our tramping stuff through them rather than go up to Hastings or Napier.

Another reason, and the last one I’ll mention, is that they have a surprisingly large range of tramping and hunting gear and supplies – pretty much everything you’ll need for your tramping trip, be it a day walk or a 4-day expedition into untracked bush. Maps, Back Country meals, gas, tents, packs, clothing, and heaps more. Want to ask them something? Phone 06-858 9412 or email sports.world@xtra.co.nz .

So, has this persuaded you? If yes, pop in for a visit for your tramping supplies on your next trip to Hawke’s Bay, or even better, why not stay a night or two in Waipuk, enjoy some of the great local hospitality, and check out some of the great tracks in Central Hawke’s Bay? Great cafes and accommodation, as well as a modern movie theatre.

And don’t forget that we’re more than happy to help out with information about tracks, times, distances, local weather, etc.

To continue, the opportunity finally came up to go to Cattle Creek Hut in the Ruahine Ranges by being a bit creative. At this time of the year it only gets dark at around 9 pm, and from previous tramps to Stanfield Hut, remembered that the walking time from Stanfield to Cattle Creek was 2 hours. From the car park to Stanfield is also 2 hours, so I figured that if I started my tramp by 5 pm, I should make the hut before dark. As it went, my plans worked perfectly, and by 5pm on a Friday I was on the track.

Driving Directions

To get to the start, drive to Dannevirke in Southern Hawke’s Bay, and turn into Ruahine Road. Cross the railway line and at the third intersection, turn right – this is still Ruahine Road, which becomes Umutaoroa Road about 500m further on. Keep going until you get to the intersection with Top Grass Road –  turn left, and 2.5kms further, right into Tamaki West Road – follow this to the car park at the road end.

Starting the hike

To start with, there is a choice of either the river route, up the Tamaki River West branch, or up and over the Holmes Ridge. I chose Holmes Ridge, being slightly quicker, and tramping to a deadline. Tramping upstream against a river’s flow is quite taxing, and I thought that Holmes Ridge would take less energy, at least as far as Stanfield hut. This assumption proved correct – more later.

From the carpark the track almost immediately crosses a boulder field, with a deep gully through it. It used to be a small stream a few years back, but with every heavy rain event, more and more rocks and debris piled up, until it looks as at does now. There is a way around it, quite easy to see.

On the other side of the boulder field you’ll see a track with a fork – keep right, and you’ll get to the picnic area. This by itself is a nice place to spend a day with the kids, or to camp a night or two. It has toilets and a shelter with seats and tables. There is also a very nice information panel to the left of the shelter – worth having a look at. The way to Holmes ridge is about halfway between the info panel and the shelter, across the river. There is a large orange marker on the other side, which may be obscured by some scrub on a small island in the middle – go around the left of the island, and the track is just by the marker.

Now starts a solid 20 min uphill slog until you reach a farm track. Turn left, and follow the track uphill. Some great views to the main range on the left, and the occasional view to the right over the plains to the east. After another 30 mins or so a viewpoint is reached, with awesome views down to, and up and down, the river, and a signpost; Stanfield Hut, 45 mins. The track now starts dropping down to the river, which you’ll reach in about 30 minutes, by a sign saying, Stanfield Hut, 20 minutes. Turn right, upstream. From here you can expect wet feet, as there is no defined track. Another 15 minutes or so will bring you to a tributary stream coming down from the main range on your left – by now you’ll have seen the two large orange markers, indicating the access track to Stanfield hut, about 5 minutes away.

Stansfield Hut

Stanfield is set in a grassy clearing, and is a pleasant, comfortable hut with room for 8 people. If by now you’re feeling really tired, consider staying the night here! If carrying on, enter your details and intentions in the hut book. Then take the indistinct track north (on the opposite side from which you approached the hut) from the front door – this was the original access point to the hut, and it almost immediately drops you back into the river.

Onward to Cattle Creek Hut

Turn left and go upstream for about 5 – 10 minutes. This will bring you to a fork in the river – go up the left fork. Keep an eye out for a large orange marker and signpost on the right, another 5 minutes further on. This is the start up the track to Cattle Creek – now the hard work really begins, and where your fitness comes into play! It’s a pretty steep track, which for me was hard going, but about 45 minutes of heavy breathing brings you to a signpost stating: Cattle Creek, 1 hour. Here the track swings sharp right, up onto the eastern ridge. The highest point on this tramp (903m) is another 15 minutes away, with some breathtaking views opening up along the way.

A striking feature from now on are the many dead trees to be seen all around. From here the ridge track is wide and easy to follow. There is a bit of up and down, but nothing too strenuous. Not too long after the high point, the bright orange Cattle Creek hut comes into view in the valley to the left, situated next to the headwaters of the Pohangina River. The track down to the hut is signposted, and indicates 15 mins to the hut. It’s quite a steep descent – take care. At the bottom you’ll have to cross the Pohangina River, walk downstream for about 20 m to find the exit out the river, and grunt your way up the final short uphill to get to the hut – a killer! To top it all, I saw several deer between arriving at the signpost and the hut, including two grazing behind the hut itself. And no rifle – not that I had any energy left to deal with a deer anyway…

Arriving at Cattle Creek Hut

I arrived at the hut at 9.10 pm, not bad going considering a 15 min stop at Stanfield, and another short stop near the high point. It was just about dark by now, and I was very tired, and happy to be there. If you’re contemplating doing the same thing as I did, do so between late November and early February, the months when daylight hours are the longest.

Cattle Creek is of similar design to Stanfield, with a two-tier sleeping platform and 8 mattresses, an inside sink bench with running water and a wood burner. It’s been done up recently, and is very warm and comfortable. After a late dinner and a bit of reading, I hit the sack.

The return

A breakfast of hot oats and a large mug of coffee got me going the next morning – very necessary for the steep climb back up to the ridge. Time wise, it’s about the same walking time to or from Stanfield hut – work on about 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. This time I was able to enjoy the awesome views up and down the Pohangina River valley in better light from the ridge, as well as from the high point further along.

For those looking for multi-day hiking trips, the ridge track continues north from Cattle Creek, and you can reach Leon Kinvig, Makaretu, Longview, Howletts and Daphne huts this way, obviously with a few more days and a pickup at the other end. Take note that some of these sections are either poled, marked or unmarked routes, can be hard going, and best suited for experienced trampers with navigation skills.

Once back at Stanfield, I had a couple of muesli bars and some water, whilst looking through the hut book for any familiar names – sometimes it’s interesting to recognise names of either people you know, or have met before on other tramps.

The last section back to the car was down the Tamaki River West Branch. It was great to cool the feet in the river – wet feet are unavoidable, and quite pleasant on a warm day. I found the going harder than on previous tramps – the river had been scoured out by some heavy rain a few weeks prior, and it took a lot of effort and concentration to place my feet on rocks that did not move. Almost took a tumble once or twice!

Sections of the river that were previously quite smooth were now deep gullies, with large rocks – not large enough to cause grief, but still large enough to make steady walking difficult. It would be very easy to sprain an ankle or injure a foot or leg in a moment’s inattention, so take care – a walking pole or stick will be a huge help to maintain balance. As a result of the conditions, the walk back to the car from Stanfield hut took about 2 hours 20 minutes – 20 minutes longer than expected, but including a 15 minute rest break.

Knowing when you’re back near the picnic site start point, and looking for a way out of the river, is the last challenge. The first exit point is where the river takes a sharp left turn, and the bank in front of you has been undercut by the water. The track from A-Frame hut to the picnic site is just above this, and you should be able to get onto it by scrambling up through the bush just to the right of the undercut section. Otherwise it’s another 5 minutes or so until you see the large orange marker where you started this tramp.

Important notes:

• Be prepared! Take clothing and provisions for all weather possibilities – the weather can change in a matter of an hour from beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures, to rain, snow, sub-zero temperatures and very strong winds, or a combination of all of these.
• Check the weather forecast – don’t do this tramp just after heavy rain, or if heavy rain is forecast, as rivers quickly rise to dangerous levels. If you do get caught out, stay put and wait until the river drops to a safe level.
• Good to very good fitness required – at least 8 to 9 hours total walking required (from the car park return), with an altitude gain of 600m one way, and 200m back, plus difficult river walking conditions.
• Suitable for children from 12 years and over (suggest overnight only).
• Tell someone where you’re going, and what time to expect you back.
• Fill in the hut visitor’s books – it could save your life.
• Take a map – NZ Topographical map BL36 Norsewood refers, which can be purchased from Sportsworld or Dave Hern in Waipukurau.
• Tale a locator beacon – not cheap, but your life’s worth a lot more!

There is a small charge for staying overnight at this hut – tickets available from any DOC office, the I-site in Waipukurau, or the General Store in Ongaonga.

Getting there: if coming south from the city, the easiest way is to turn right up Rhodes Drive at the intersection with Paradise Rd. This will take you past the main entrance to Kirstenbosch – keep going, turning right at the t-junction just afterwards. Just over 1km further on, turn into a gate/parking area on the right, opposite the intersection with Hohenhort Ave. There’s ample parking, and as this area’s popular with walkers, it’s best to make an early start. You’ll notice a kiosk next to the entry gate – this is normally used by a security guard, there for the protection of your vehicle and possessions. He may ask you for a contribution towards the cost of his services and maintenance of the car park – it’s worth it.

The start of the walk is through the gate next to the kiosk, on the right just past the information sign/panel. The formed track heads up the gentle incline, across an open area which used to be a pine plantation, but is now vigorously regenerating native bush. Where the track meets a vehicle track, turn right – this peters out into a walking track, which drops down into a forested gully, crosses a stream, and continues up the gully on the true left side.

From here you’ll be in forest – a cool blessing on a hot day. Continue up this track, which eventually emerges onto a forestry road, and carries up the gully on the opposite side, but this time on the true right. About 200m further on you’ll pop out onto another forestry road, next to some giant gum trees. I’ve seldom seen larger gum trees than these, even in Australia, and they’re worth more than a passing glance. At this point just check your bearings, as this spot is where three forestry roads meet, two from the left and one from the right. It’s also the spot you’ll need to get to on the return walk. Straight across the intersection you should be able to see some stone steps going uphill – this is the track.

From here it gets a bit steeper, but still in bush. After another 200m or so, the track emerges onto a flat area, next to an old concrete water tank. The track continues up some more steps to the right of this. The scenery changes a bit, and from here on there will be some gorgeous views emerging as you climb higher, with the vegetation changing from forest to fynbos/low scrub.

Look up at the impressive cliffs and bluffs above you – note the fascinating rock formations. The track continues relentlessly up Spilhaus Ravine in a zig-zag fashion, eventually levelling off as it arrives at another track junction. Keep right – from here it roughly follows the contour line into Cecilia Ravine, where it drops steeply to Cecilia waterfall – a lovely cool spot for a rest and a drink. The waterfall is nothing too spectacular, especially during dry periods, but is still an interesting feature worth a look. I don’t recommend drinking the water, unless you have sterilising tablets or a filter.

From the waterfall the track climbs out of the ravine and around a corner, up a bit more, after which a magnificent view opens up over the vast plains, covered in suburbs and buildings as far as the eye can see, to the distant Drakenstein Mountains to the north.

You can also see both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans from this point, as well as the dam which supplies Kirstenbosch’s irrigation water.

From here, the vegetation is mostly made up of fynbos (fine/delicate bush), most of which grows no higher than knee/waist height, and the larger shrubs, such as proteas, are seldom higher than head height. The track now starts descending, and continues to do so until it meets up with the Contour Path. Turn right, and then almost immediately left, at a signpost and info panel. Take a mental note of where you are, as you’ll need to find your way back here for the return trip. Continue down the track until it meets up with a vehicle track. From here there are a couple of options for getting to the gardens – best to consult the map. The one which goes right around the dam is the longer of the two.

Kirstenbosch is a botaniser’s delight, with hundreds of well known, and not so well known, fynbos species on display. Of real interest is the grove of cycads, the window display (see photo), the art gallery, the specialist bookshop and the tearooms. There’s also a restaurant and souvenir shop. The tearooms serve excellent muffins, scones and light meals, which are not expensive. Also take some time to have a rest on one of the many well-maintained lawns, to take in the awesome surroundings and views up Table Mountain. Whatever you do, don’t rush – enjoy the beauty as long as you can. In fact, if you have the time, why not allow a whole day for this outing?

Finally, the walk back to the car beckons – find your way back to the signpost on the Contour Path, turn left, and follow it back about 1km to the giant gum trees. From here, retrace your steps back to the car park, and a well-earned shower and cold beer by the pool…

Important notes:

• Be prepared! Take clothing and provisions for all weather possibilities – the weather can change in a matter of hours.
• Take a good map (essential) – recommend Slingsby’s Table Mountain, which is accurate, and very detailed. There are a number of unmarked side-tracks off the main track, and a good map will help you avoid these. The map is available from Cape Union Mart, or from most good booksellers.
• Reasonable fitness recommended – 2 to 3 hours total walking required (from the car park return), with a total altitude gain of approx 400m.
• Suitable for children from 7 years and over.
• In South Africa it’s customary to tip your waiter when paying for meals. The generally accepted amount is 10% of the bill total.
• Tell someone where you’re going, and what time to expect you back. Take a cell phone – there’s coverage on the entire walk.
• Safety – you’ll have heard many stories about South Africa’s crime, etc. A lot of this is media hype, and in general, hiking is safe and enjoyable. However, use common sense – leave valuable jewelry at home, and don’t hike alone. Don’t leave valuables or bags lying on the car seats, and lock vehicles!

The first hike I ever did was as a teenager with the YMCA Adventure Club, up Echo Valley to the Amphitheatre, where we camped a night, and spent the next morning exploring some of the many caves which dot the Silvermine Mountains between Muizenberg and Fish Hoek. To be honest, I hated it, and didn’t do any more hikes until I reached my 20’s, but once the bug bit, it bit hard! I’ve done this hike many times since, and it’s almost a must-do every time I return to Cape Town for a family visit.

Getting there: if coming from the city, the easiest way is to turn up Boyes Drive from Main Road, just before Lakeside. Boyes Drive is an attraction in itself, with awesome views over False Bay, the gorgeous beaches, and the suburbs that line the coast as far as the eye can see.  Keep going until you’re almost above Kalk Bay harbour, just before the road takes a sharp downhill left turn – the start is on the right by a set of stone steps, and a green SAN Parks (Table Mountain National Park) sign. Park the car in one of the lay-byes nearby.

It’s an easy hike, and in terms of walking time should not take more than 3 – 3.5 hours, but allow a few hours more to take in the superb views, land forms and astonishing variety of flora and fauna. A camera is an absolute necessity, and opportunities to use it will take up quite a bit of the extra hours allowed for.

The vegetation is mostly made up of fynbos (fine/delicate indigenous bush), most of which grows no higher than knee/waist height, and the larger shrubs, such as proteas, are seldom higher than head height, although in the sheltered valleys there are stands of forest thriving in their own micro-climate. As a result, most of the hiking is done in exposed conditions, along sandy, gravelly tracks. A hat and sunscreen are essentials, as is ample water – the temperature can reach the high 20’s to mid 30’s during summer.

Proceed up the steps, after which the track takes a sharp right turn. About 250m further on it turns sharp left, and continues up another set of serious stone steps which will soon get the blood pumping. About 20 minutes after the start, you’ll arrive at Weary Willy’s pool, which is also a track junction to which you will return on the way back. SAN Parks have done a great job with the signposts, which are usually built from sandstone, with directions etched into a stainless steel plate built into the sandstone base. Drinking the water is not recommended, unless you have a purifier or sterilising tablets.

From here, continue along the track up Echo Valley, which opens up before you as the track ascends. Stop frequently to check out the views – it’s well worth it. Expansive views across False Bay to the east and to Simon’s Town and Cape Point to the south just get better as you climb higher.

On the way up you’ll pass Cavern Rocks on the right – a nice spot for a breather and a drink. From here on, things get really interesting. Bird life is prolific – sunbirds can be seen flittling about the proteas, and as you enter Echo Valley proper, some of the fantastic rock shapes come into view; all sculpted by the frequent and fierce south-easterly gales and rain common to the Cape Peninsula. The bluffs on each side of the valley are quite impressive, and giving them a lusty yell will result in the clear echos after which the valley was named. Fun for the kids!

About halfway up the valley you’ll reach a patch of forest where the track is boardwalked. There’s a nice rest area a short way into the bush on the left, for those needing a break. Not long after, the track emerges from the bush, and continues another 300m or so to a  junction – take the right fork, and within 5 minutes you’ll emerge into the Amphitheatre – a lovely, sheltered, sandy clearing surrounded by huge rocks and low bluffs.

It’s a great spot to have lunch, either in the sun, or in a shady spot under some trees. If you have children with you, keep an eye on them, as there are some deep caves leading off the Amphitheatre – ‘nuff said.

There’s a signpost in the middle of the clearing – the way back is via the track on the eastern side, climbing out of the Amphiheatre onto Ridge Peak. More grand views, which are difficult to describe in words – you have to see them to really appreciate them.

Once on this track, keep left at any track junctions (unmarked) – it will veer gently to the north-east, before dropping down into Spes Bona valley. Watch out for flowers on this track – in spring, which is one of the best times for this hike, there will be a huge variety of wildflowers to be seen, from the disa to proteas (watch out for the king protea, protea cynaroides), pincushions and everlastings. As you drop into Spes Bona valley, there are some fascinating rock forms close to the track worth a closer look.

At the track junction, turn right, down the valley towards the sea. Again, some impressive bluffs on the valley sides and another boarwalked section of track through a stand of milkwood forest about halfway down.

There’s another rest area about halfway down the boardwalk – keep an eye out here for the Cape robin – looks similar to the NZ Robin, with similar mannerisms, but with different colouring. As with the NZ robin, they’re quite inquisitive, and will come quite close. From here, more stone steps follow, after which the track eventually emerges onto a wide gravel path – turn right, and follow this back to Weary Willy’s.  About halfway there’s another track to the left – ignore this, and keep right. About 5 minutes later you’ll enter a small stand of trees, cross the stream, and emerge at the Weary Willy’s junction. Turn left, and follow the track back to the start.

After this, a good coffee and a piece of cake are a must! There are several good cafes in Kalk Bay – we chose the one at the railway station, situated in a restored railway carriage – heaps of character, a friendly proprietor, good coffee and great cake (Kalk Bay Expresso). There are also some interesting antique shops and art galleries nearby, well worth a look. If you like seafood, come back for dinner – some great seafood restaurants are available, and the food’s just awesome!

(For accommodation in the area, check out False Bay Accommodation Network)

Important notes:

• Be prepared! Take clothing and provisions for all weather possibilities – the weather can change in a matter of an hour from beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures, to a howling gale and cold, clammy mist.
• Take a good map (essential) – recommend Slingsby’s Silvermine, which is accurate, and very detailed. There are numerous unmarked side-tracks off the main track, and a good map will help you avoid these. The map is available from Cape Union Mart, or from most good booksellers.
• Reasonable fitness recommended – 3 to 3.5 hours total walking required (from the car park return), with an altitude gain of 400m.
• Suitable for children from 7 years and over.
• Tell someone where you’re going, and what time to expect you back.
• Safety – you’ll have heard many stories about South Africa’s crime, etc. A lot of this is media hype, and in general, hiking is safe and enjoyable. However, use common sense – leave valuable jewelry at home, and don’t hike alone. Don’t leave valuables or bags lying on the car seats, and lock vehicles!

To get to the start, turn west off SH50 into Wakarara Road, towards the mountains. It is a good, sealed road, which eventually becomes a good, but narrow, gravel road where it enters Parks Peak Station. Keep going (about 20km from SH50) until you get to a farm gate. Go through, and leave the gate as you found it. From here it might be rutted and pot-holed, so take care. About 500m further you’ll get to another gate – do as for the first gate, and follow the road-now-turned-into-farm-track through a third gate until you get to the car park at an information panel on the bank of the Makaroro River. This area used to be the site of Yeoman’s Mill, and there are some remnants and relics remaining, including an old, rusty boiler and a few chimney remains dotted over the paddocks.

Wade across the river to the other side – it’s a good idea to bring some sandals or sand-shoes for this purpose, to leave on the opposite bank for your return. Now follow an old track which goes up the bank towards your left – it is marked with a large orange triangle, easily spotted. About 250m up the track you’ll arrive at the forestry road intersection of Makaroro and Wakarara roads – turn left here, and proceed up Makaroro road for another 800m or so, to the signposted intersection with Yeoman’s Track on the right. Keep right here, and pretty soon one enters the cool forest.

The undulating track is generally wide and easy, and climbs upward at a very gentle gradient toward a signposted junction with the track to Parks Peak, which veers off to the left. Again, keep right. The track, which used to be a logging railway line, features interpretive signs and panels at regular intervals, highlighting the logging history and flora of this area. It is hard to believe, looking at the lush forest around you, that logging only ceased here in the 1960’s.

There’s not much in the way of views from the track, but the abundance of regenerating trees, shrubs and flora are a pleasure to look at and inspect. There are some impressive stands of cabbage trees to be seen (cordyline spp), as well as some beautiful large beech trees. A number of crystal-clear streams, all bridged, are crossed en route, with beautiful tasting ice-cold water. It should be safe to drink, but if you have a sensitive stomach, or are unsure, better stick to the bottled variety.

About 20 minutes before Ellis hut the track emerges onto a clearing, which used to contain a saw pit – an interpretive panel explains it all, although there’s little evidence left of the pit, except a derelict chimney and some wooden rails in the ground. Just past the clearing the track morphs into a forestry road, and immediately forks. There is no signpost or marker to show the way here, but go down the right fork, and fairly soon you’ll arrive at the division between native bush and plantation forest. The plantations are managed and run by PanPac, who also own and operate the huge pulp and sawmill at Whirinaki, just north of Napier.

About 5 minutes before the hut you’ll arrive at the intersection with Ellis road – keep right, and 100m further on is Ellis hut, on the right. At first appearance the hut looks quite derelict, but DoC have spent considerable effort and time in restoring the hut, whilst maintaining its character and charm. It is the oldest hut in the Ruahine ranges, being built in the mid-1880’s. It is also known as murderer’s hut, the reason being explained on an info panel inside the hut. Unfortunately it has been subject to some vandalism, mainly graffiti. But some of this graffiti goes back a long time, to the era of government hunters and cullers, whose names have been carved into the walls.

The hut is divided into two rooms, the main one containing a fireplace and not much else, and the smaller room, four bunks (no mattresses), a table and a chair. The walls still have some remnants of newspaper stuck to them, some dating back to 1910 – makes fascinating reading. It seems folks in those days were keen on wallpapering their accommodation with whatever was available at the time!

There is a toilet outside, as well as a water tank behind the left side of the hut. The tree next to the hut provides a pleasant grassy area to enjoy lunch on.

For the return trip, there’s a choice: return the way you came, or via the forestry roads (Ellis and Wakarara roads). Don’t forget to sign the hut visitor’s book before you leave. There is also the option of turning this tramp into an overnight trip, and visit Poutaki hut on the way back from Ellis (see article on Poutaki hut for information on access & tracks). On this trip we chose to return the way we came – I’ve done it via the forestry roads before, which are uninteresting, boring and monotonous, although there are a couple of good viewpoints along the way, as well as the option of doing the last kilometre or so via Dutch Creek, if you don’t mind wet feet (see Poutaki hut article for details).

On the way out, stop for a coffee and cake at the OngaOnga General Store – an interesting experience in itself, as it’s the hub of this small town, with locals frequently popping in for food, groceries or fuel.

Important notes:

• Be prepared! Take clothing and provisions for all weather possibilities – the weather can change in a matter of hours.
• Check the weather forecast – don’t do this tramp if heavy rain is predicted, as the river can rise rapidly. If you do get caught in bad weather, do not cross the river if it is fast-flowing and discoloured. Rather wait it out than lose your life trying.
• Moderate fitness required. Total walking time is about 5 hours return.
• Suitable for children from 7 years upward.
• Tell someone where you’re going, and what time to expect you back. There is no cellphone reception.
• Take a map – NZ Topomap BK37 Tokokino refers, and can be purchased at Sportsworld or Dave Hern in Waipukurau.

You’ll need to have at least a modicum of fitness – if you haven’t been off the couch for a few months, perhaps it’s better to walk around the block several times a week for two weeks before the time in order to enjoy it, as there is one 200m climb involved.

To get to the start, from SH50 turn west into Makaretu road, and then a few km’s further, left into Mill road. Mill road eventually becomes a gravel road – continue along until you encounter a fairly steep uphill – near the top of this, turn left into Kashmir Road. Follow this for 17km to the car park at the road end. Note – you will need a 4wd vehicle – there are some serious uphills on this road, with some deep ruts. I’ve seen and heard of people struggling in a front-wheel drive vehicle, having to get out and push, or park up and walk the last 5km!

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] At the road-end is a car park, a toilet, and an information panel. The track to Awatere hut starts at the top of the car park, signposted on the left. The track is initially quite wide, grassy, and easy, but soon narrows into a single-file walk. You’ll then arrive at a large orange marker – avoid the temptation to head straight up the hillside in the direction it’s pointing! Follow the track another 30m or so, after which it turns sharp right at a steel marker pole, steeply uphill. After climbing about 40m up this track one suddenly crests the ridge, and magnificent views open up all around – take the time to savour these before carrying on. You’ll see the well-defined track now heading up the ridge before you in a southerly direction. It’s easy to follow, is marked by steel poles, and undulates gently up and down for about 1km before dropping down steeply towards the Makaretu River North Branch. Again, great views to be had all round, and if you look to the main Ngamoko Range on your right, you might see Longview hut perched near the top, if not obscured by cloud or mist. To the left, expansive views to the east over the Ruataniwha and Takapau plains stretch away into the distance. The two peaks to the south (colloquially known as the Baldies) are also conspicuous because of their barren treeless appearance.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] The track now drops steeply for 200m into the Makaretu River. As you get nearer to the river, the vegetation becomes thicker and lusher, and soon the track enters beech forest. You’ll get to a small tributary stream – cross this, and continue on. About 100m past the stream the track suddenly emerges onto the wide stone and boulder river bed, with not much water to be seen. It gives a very good indication of how large the river can become during sustained heavy rain. In good weather, it’s seldom wider than 2 metres, and can generally be crossed without getting wet feet.  Cross over to the opposite bank, and walk downstream for about 80 metres – Awatere hut is on the true right side, and is difficult to miss, being a bright orange colour. It was built in 1960 as a deer culler’s hut, and shows its age. It has heaps of character though, and makes a great lunch stop before tackling the return journey. The facilities are spartan – bunk space for three persons at most, a bench and table, and open fireplace. There is a toilet off to the left of the hut, but no water tank – the river is not far away.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] There’s an interesting side trip, if you have the time – leave your back packs at Awatere. About 15 minutes downstream on the true left bank, two large fallen trees jut out onto the river bed. Behind the second one is a step up the bank, behind which is a semi-derelict hunters hut, Black Stag. It’s worth a visit, if only to wonder at the basic shelter it provided for many generations of hunters before falling into disrepair. It is still occasionally used, but only by the very hardy!

Back at Awatere, the return route to the car is back along the way you came. And now the reason for recommending at least some fitness becomes evident – it’s a 200m slog back up to the ridge! You should get back to the car park within 1.25 – 1.5 hours. And like every satisfying tramp, a well-deserved flat white or latte is the cherry on the cake…

Important notes:

• Be prepared! Take clothing and provisions for all weather possibilities – the weather can change in a matter of an hour from beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures, to snow and sub-zero temperatures. For this walk, if the wind is blowing strongly, consider coming back another day. I’ve done it a couple of times where the wind on the ridge was so strong that I could not stand, let alone walk, without being physically blown off my feet.
• Check the weather forecast – don’t do this tramp just after heavy rain, or if heavy rain is forecast, as rivers quickly rise to dangerous levels. If you do get caught out, stay put and wait until the river drops to a safe level.
• Reasonable fitness recommended – 2.5 hours total walking required (from the car park return), with an altitude gain of 200m on the return leg.
• Suitable for children from 7 years and over.
• Tell someone where you’re going, and what time to expect you back. Consider taking a locator beacon!
• Fill in the hut visitor’s book – it could save your life.
• Take a map – NZ Topographical map BL36 Norsewood refers, which can be purchased from Sportsworld or Dave Hern in Waipukurau.
• There is a small charge for staying overnight at this hut – tickets available from the I-site in Waipukurau, or the General Store in Ongaonga.
• Take some old newspapers to leave in the hut for starting fires in the hut’s fireplace.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] The best place to start your journey is from Waipukurau, as the first reserve, Lindsay Bush Scenic Reserve (also known as the Tukutuki Reserve), is only 5 minutes out of town. To get there, take the Hastingsroad (SH2) north, and immediately after crossing the bridge over the Tukituki River, turn left into Lindsay Road. Keep going until you arrive at a t-junction, turn left into Scenic Road, and follow this until you arrive at an entrance way by a stop-bank. Turn right on the stop-bank and the car park is just 200m further on, on the left.

Lindsay Bush Scenic Reserve

Lindsay Bush is small, just 9.2ha, but is a treasure trove of flora and fauna – a tiny remnant of the lowland podocarp forests that used to cover most of the inland plains and valleys of Central and Southern Hawke’s Bay. The reserve is owned by the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, and is looked after and maintained by the CHB Branch of Forest & Bird.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] Entrance to the reserve is through the farm gate at the car park, where there are some picnic tables and seats. Two toilets are provided about 50m into the reserve on the left. Access can also be had to the Tukituki River via the track that continues past the car park. The main track through the reserve is the Titoki track, and there is another track off to the left about halfway through, the Totara Loop track (signposted). The bush in the reserve is made up mostly from kahikatea, titoki, tawa and a few scattered matai and totara. On the eastern side of the reserve is a magnificent stand of cabbage trees (Cordyline Australis), well worth a second look. Many of the kahikatea trees are quite impressive, and are estimated to be between 250 and 500 years old.

When I first walked through this reserve about four years ago, the description in Marios Gavalas’ book, Day Walks of Hawke’s Bay (“The sparse understorey prevalent now is a reflection of browsing by pests such as goats and possums. This now gives the forest an open, airy feel.”) would have been quite accurate. Since then, however, a quiet transformation has taken place. Forest & Bird, assisted with a grant from the Landcare Foundation, the CHB District Council and with help from volunteers and other organisations, has transformed it into a visitor-friendly, vigorously regenerating, lush bit of bush, alive with birdsong. This has been achieved through a sustained weeding and pest trapping programme, which is ongoing. As a result small kahikatea, matai, titoki and tawa seedlings and saplings can now be seen almost everywhere.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] Talking about pests, did you know that a rat’s diet consists of 85% seeds and fruits, and 15% invertebrates and other prey such as birds and eggs? It is quite evident that these type of restorative measures show results, in this reserve and many others across New Zealand.

The Titoki Track meanders through the reserve, ending up at the stop bank on the northern side. The choice here is to return the way you came, or to climb up the steps, turn left, and return to the car park via the stop bank, enjoying the view of the cabbage trees on the left, and farm land on the right. The circuit should take no more than 20 – 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.

If doing the Totara Loop as well (recommended), add another 10 – 15 minutes. Both tracks are marked to DOC standards with the usual orange markers (IGNORE THE PINK ONES!), and are easy to follow. The grade is very easy, and suitable for small children and pets (on a leash). Keep them away from traps and bait stations however!

A’ Deane’s Bush

From Lindsay Bush, return to the t-junction where Scenic Roadstarts, but instead of turning right back to Waipukurau, keep left, and follow Lindsay Road as it winds up into the row of hills before you. It’s worth a stop near the top, to look back over Lindsay Bush and the surrounding farmland – great views to be had. At the intersection with Onga Onga road, turn left, and head to the historic village of Onga Onga. A cup of coffee at the General Store is a good option, as is a visit to the DOC field base a bit further on. This is next to the town’s museum, and comprises an eclectic collection of small buildings worth a peek. There was a country pub at one stage, but that’s long closed – there is another one in Tikokino, not too far away on SH50

Once you’ve had your fill of Onga Onga, continue on through the town, turning left onto SH50. After about 10km, turn right into Makaretu Road. A’Deane’s Bush is about 5km down the road on the right, with access through a signposted gate to a car park. Walk past the sign & map by the parking area through another gate, past the toilet (on the right) to the bush entrance, where there’s a picnic table. There’s a great information panel here, worth a read.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] A’ Deane’s Bush, covering 38ha, is the largest reserve of the three, and is managed as a joint venture between DOC and Friends of A’Deane’s Bush. It’s received a lot of work and input in recent years years from both organisations, evident from the facilities and signage that has been installed. The track has been metalled and boardwalked in muddy sections, and a lot of tree planting has been done near the road entrance gate with the involvement of children from the nearby Sherwood School. The endangered NZ long-tailed bat is known to inhabit this reserve, and may occasionally be seen at dusk. The vegetation is somewhat different to Lindsay Bush, due to the significantly higher rainfall, but contains many of the same tree species, in addition to rewarewa and black beech.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] The track forms a rough loop, and should take about 30 minutes to walk at a leisurely pace. However, be prepared to spend a bit more time here, as this small piece of bush contains a huge surprise – one of the largest known totara trees in New Zealand. It’s an awe-inspiring example, with an estimated age of 600 years, and underscores the importance of preserving these small areas of native forest as a heritage for future generations. Many of the main tree species in the reserve are identified by small signs along the track – keep a lookout for them. The track is relatively flat, and should be easily managed by small children. The reserve is also actively managed with pest traps and bait stations – please stick to the track and do not disturb or tamper with these, or with any markers, if seen.

Monckton’s Scenic Reserve

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] From A’ Deane’s, drive back along Makaretu Road until you reach Sherwood School– turn right here, into Mill Road. After about 4km, turn left into Ashley Clinton Road. About 2km down this road there’s a sharp dip, at the bottom of which you cross a bridge – immediately after the bridge on the left is the entrance to Monckton’s Bush. The car park is a grassed area next to the stream – a nice place in summer for a picnic with the kids, and safe enough to splash or swim in, while you relax with a cold drink. The entrance to the reserve is directly opposite to the road entrance – there are toilets here, and a lovely covered seating area. The track starts by an info and map panel – study the map before setting off, as the track forms a figure of eight, and can be a little confusing.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] Walking time is stated as 1.5 to 2 hours, but fit people could do it in just over an hour. This reserve covers 16.5ha, quite small, but stretches out along the banks of the Tangarewai Stream, which is the main attraction and point of difference with Lindsay and A’ Deane’s. The shelters and tracks are well constructed, and were built through donations and hard work by the Takapau Lion’s Club. Note that the track crosses a  small stream shortly after the start – there used to be a swing bridge here, but the footings were undermined by a significant flood some years ago, after which DOC removed the bridge, for safety reasons. The stream is easily crossed under normal conditions, and you may even be able to keep the feet dry as some kind soul has placed a number of stepping stones across the stream. Just be aware that after heavy rain the stream can rise quickly, and if the water is flowing fast, is discoloured, or you can’t see the stream bottom, don’t cross – rather come back another time.

For a reserve of this size, there is a lot of variety in views, bush and elevation – it takes a little more energy to do this walk, however! The main tree species found here are similar to the other two, with the exception being that black beech is more prolific, and there are still some pockets of pines remaining. Birdlife is quite good, and you have a good chance of spotting kereru, which are still common here. I have also seen a ruru (owl) on a previous visit.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] About halfway down the track is a grassy area next to the stream – also a good place for a break, or to have a splash. Another thing to look out for in autumn is the large variety of fungi proliferating next to the track. Near the pines I’ve seen some spectacular examples of fly agarics, as well as coral fungi. Many of the really interesting things to be seen are often missed by people, so take a slower approach, and closer look, at the surroundings as you wander through this delightful reserve.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] Having done these three small gems, the way back to Waipukurau is to continue on down Ashley Clinton Road, then turn right onto SH50, and left when you reach SH2.

Important notes:

• There’s nothing overtly dangerous or threatening in any of these reserves, but take raingear and water with you anyway. Why not take a backpack and thermos, and have a picnic?
• If taking small children, keep an eye on them at all times. Lindsay and A’ Deane’s have pest traps in them that can cause serious injury to small probing hands! Lindsay also contains some poisonous weeds (Jerusalem cherry) with bright yellow to red berries the size of cherries – don’t let kids eat anything you know is not safe. Monckton’s has some steep drops next to sections of the track, which can be slippery when wet.

Good, sturdy walking shoes or boots recommended.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] My co-organiser and I had been talking about it for a while, and both of us felt like visiting a hut we had not been to before. We’d discussed another hut (Parks Peak), which required some distance to travel to. Personally I did not want to travel far, so pored over maps of the Ruahine Ranges to look for huts closer to home which might fit the bill, and could be done as an overnight hike. My eye fell on Leon Kinvig hut, and immediately I thought, hmmm, looks do-able! Got the magnifying glass, and studied it in detail. The distance looked about 9km one way, which I reckoned we could do in 5.5 to 6 hours comfortably. Ran it past my friend, and we agreed to give it a go. I sent the usual email around the mailing list, asking for interested persons to let me know.

I checked the weather forecasts from a week before the time, and it seemed to be in our favour. To cut a long story short, the Saturday morning saw the five of us setting off on the Apiti Track (starts from Ngamoko Road behind Norsewood) at 9.30am, full of anticipation and smiles. It was a glorious, if frosty, day – a great day to be out in the bush!

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] For the first few hours all went well – good track conditions, with lots of photo opportunities. Ran into some hunters who had had a good morning, and were carrying some venison out, no doubt looking forward to a good meal later that day. As we tramped deeper into the bush, however, track conditions deteriorated. It was obvious that the track had not been maintained for a year or two, with some tricky sections and tree falls to traverse. All these conspired to delay us, and every minute’s delay meant it was taking us longer than anticipated to reach our destination. At one point we arrived at a deep gully where the track had been virtually washed away, and it took us a good 20 minutes to get across this dangerous section. Following this we searched out a sunny spot for lunch before continuing. About 45 minutes later we arrived at the turn-off to Makaretu Hut, and from looking at the map, realised we weren’t going to make Leon Kinvig before dark, walking at the speed we had been doing up to this point.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] After some discussion, it was decided, in view of the sign saying ‘Makaretu Hut 1.5 hours’ that it would be a better and safer option to divert to Makaretu Hut. On the info panel at the start, this trip was described as a route, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that it was in better condition than the Apiti track. It took about 30 minutes to get down to the Makaretu River South Branch, where the track crossed the river and continued to follow the true left bank downstream. Another 20 minutes further on, the track dropped into the river bed at the confluence with a tributary stream from the west. Not seeing any track markers on the banks anymore, we assumed that the ‘track’ was now the river itself, which is what it turned out to be. The going was still reasonably good, but now we all had wet feet – not pleasant in winter! Two of our party were not used to these conditions, and soon started feeling tired, questioning why they’d ever decided to come. Not long thereafter came some difficult sections requiring traversing of logjams, where one of the party fell through some rotten wood. Fortunately no injuries, but it added to her sense of frustration and anxiety at being in unfamiliar bush, with no reference points, and no idea where the hut was.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] Eventually someone spotted an orange ribbon tied around a tree on the left bank, and then a track marker – five minutes later, to everyone’s relief, we were at Makaretu hut. Wet gear was quickly taken off, and a fire made in the very efficient woodburner, and soon all the hardship was all but forgotten.

The intention was to retrace our steps the next morning. However, during the night the weather took a turn for the worse, and gale force winds and drizzle met our gaze at first light. The previous day my friend and I had discussed the option of walking out via another route, which both of us knew well. We now discussed this with the other members of our party, and felt that this was the safer, and shorter, option. After a short discussion with the others, we agreed to take the alternative route out. Thus at8.30am, we set off downstream, destination Awatere Hut, 4 hours distant. All went well, and we had a relatively pleasant, if wet, tramp to Awatere, arriving there just on12.30pm. Lunch and a hot drink were eagerly consumed.

[See image gallery at www.hbht.co.nz] My friend and I had discussed the way out from Awatere, which was 200m up a spur, followed by about a 1 km tramp along an exposed ridge, before dropping down to the car park at Moorcock Saddle. I’d mentioned to her earlier that in strong wind conditions this ridge could be dangerous and very difficult to traverse, and so it proved. Everyone in our party got bowled over at least once, and progress was very slow – half crawl, half run at a crouch when the gusts subsided for long enough. Two of us were literally blown off our feet, and it was very difficult to stand, even with the support of a walking pole. I estimated the wind speed at well over 100km p/h. at times. Usually it takes a fit person about 1.25 hours from Awatere to the car park – it took us twice as long. My friend managed to call her father from the ridge to pick us up at Kashmir farm, so it was with relief that we bundled into the car at4.30pm, for the ride home.

At the end of the day, all was well, but it could have turned out much worse. Several lessons were learned from the mistakes made, as well as right decisions made:

Bad Decisions	Good Decisions
I had a gut feeling that we should have gone to Parks Peak – learn to listen to your gut feelings. The track to Parks Peak is shorter.	We decided to divert to Makaretu hut. Had we decided to press on to Leon Kinvig, we would have been in a far worse situation.
Don’t take people with limited tramping experience on tracks you have not walked yourself before – take only experienced trampers.	We decided to walk out via Awatere instead of retracing our steps to Apiti Track start (which would have taken us a lot longer than what it did via Awatere).
Estimated walking times on tracks you have not walked before are inevitably a lot shorter than they actually turn out to be, most of the time	We took two locator beacons – we didn’t need them, but they would have made a huge difference had someone been injured to the extent they could not have continued.
Don’t trust walking times posted on DOC signs – from extensive experience, they turn out to be wrong 95% of the time, usually considerably shorter that actual times.	I took a tent fly, in case we were forced to camp in the bush – not required, but would have made a big difference if we had to camp.
Ask your local DOC field station for the latest info on tracks you have not walked before, if taking a group. We did not do this	Weather forecasts are just that – forecasts. Have a back-up plan in case the weather doesn’t pan out the way you thought.

Tell someone where you’re going, and when you’ll be out. Also tell them your back-up plan.