Stanfield Hut          19 Jan

The forecast 13 – 15° C in the Upper Northern Tukituki River did not bode well for a day in and out of the river either to Hinerua Hut or Khyber Pass. So thinking caps were on and the weather in the Southern Ruahine Range promised a slightly higher temperature. Therefore a trip into Stanfield Hut with a couple of river crossings was chosen.

The first river crossing of the Tamaki River West Branch was just after leaving the picnic area to access the lush bush. Once over there is a 100 metre climb to the 4WD Home Ridge Track. The 4WD track continues on a steady further 140 metre climb before dropping through bush to the river. Although there is little evidence of scarring in the bush opposite the track due to Cyclone Gabrielle, on the river bed there was a wide area of shingle and high shingle banks. There was little flow in the river so it was easy to keep one’s boots dry.

Access to the hut from the river bed is a bit of a scramble with the easier access of previous trips washed away. Our departure from the hut was further upstream (and easier) taking the exit to Cattle Creek Hut and walking downstream. We arrived at Stanfield Hut at about 11.30 and it was decided to have an early lunch. It was a beautifully fine day so it was a joy to sit outside the refurbished hut. In December 2021 the hut had a major refurbishment; new roof, deck, woodshed, water tank and coat of paint by an almost all women team. After enjoying the sun and company it was decided that 5 of the group (Susan, Minh, Steve, Lou, and Anne) would return to the van via the river while Judith, Anthea, Christine and Glenda would return via the track. Christine and Glenda were to harvest the abundant seed from the native plants.

The walk down the river was with little difficulty as there were large areas of shingle to walk on and numerous river crossings. About ¾ of the way down the river the willows became abundant and it was here that there was ducking and diving through them. The track away from the river, which joins the A-Frame track, was indicated by an orange triangle, blue ice cream container lid and organza ribbon. The blue organza ribbons continued to be our guiding markers until we met the large green DoC sign pointing to the A-Frame and up river. With the picnic ground in sight we were soon back at the van. The overland trampers were not far behind.

All in all it was a great day with good company and fine weather. Stanfield Hut is a popular hut with trampers and hunters. The overland party met a family of 6 who were on their way to overnight at the hut At the car park we met a family of 4 who were also on their way into the hut and we advised them of the other party they decided to take a tent.

Party: Susan L Glenda H, Christine L, Judith Miles, Anthea C, Steve B, Minh N, Lou C, Anne D