6 April, 2025

Eleven of us left Pukahu at 7 am, heading south towards North Block Rd. After five gates being opened and closed, we arrived at an accessible car park on some undulated paddock above the farm road that leads on towards the Waipawa River. A few minutes beforehand, all passengers were required to disembark. This was to either alleviate the weight in the van or better still, to supply some pushing power in order to get the van to its optimal parking position. We left the van, heading towards the river at around 9:30 am.

Crossing the bridge and then over the sturdy steel gate to the start of the track, beginning with another gate climb where there was a blackberry bush on the hinged side to be avoided. We climbed steadily up the hill on the side of a deer fence. It was scrub land that looked like it had been sprayed at some point parallel to the dear fence and track. In parts, manuka seedlings impaired a clear access to the track, but at least it was none the less a simple track. We passed two disappointed deer hunters returning after an earlier morning hunt. It was a warm climb with some of us wishing for less warmth in our attire. The Three Johns peaks to the right of us looked so crystal clear.

Upon descending from the first hill, a small open patch seemed like a good stopping point to decide who wished to go where. Seven of us decided to go towards a high point past Middle Stream. We set off with the understanding that we were to do a turnaround at about 12:30.  We crossed a small stream and then another incline. A little further on, there was a flat clearing that was quite boggy in places. This was the site where Middle Hill Hut had been. There was however not much evidence of it at first glance. A few metres further and then to another descent towards Middle Stream. 

It was steep and slippery with minimal foot holds. Fortunately, there was a very useful rope fastened with slings just at the right place to make the track less of a hazard. Crossing the river, we then slogged up the hill in the unusually warm temperature for April. Some of us wished to see if they could make the 1104 metres high point, while some were happy to find a lunch spot with a view. Some 20 minutes later, we had all settled in for lunch around the same spot. The return trip was with little consequence and we arrived back a lot earlier than the 3:30 pm deadline.                

Party: Robyn W, Murry A, Anthea C, Susan L, Selina C, Simon W, Lou C, Peter M, Steve B, Peter B, Glenda H