22-23 March 2025

After pickups at Te Aute Road and Waterhouse Street in Taradale we drove along SH5 turning off at the old Pohokura, Road. This leads to Waipunga Road and then Pine Milling Roads to the car park where the remains of the old Matakuhia Saddle Hut are. Everyone kitted up and were off along the track. We stopped for Simon to fill in the intentions book, then gradually descended through beech forest with mountain cabbage trees, toitoi, lancewoods and some podocarps. The bush is regenerating well as this area was probably milled at some time and recovering after the snowstorms of four years ago. The undulating track crosses side streams, slips, boggy sections, as well as navigating narrow ledges high above the river. We made good progress arriving at the hut after 3.5 hours.

The hut sits in a large grassy area, with the stream close by. It has eight bunks, an enclosed porch, new wood burning stove and a small bench area, plus water tank and meat safe. Four of us opted to sleep in the hut whilst tent city sprung up in the grassy clearing. Only Lou and I braved the cool water and had a swim in a couple of deep pools just down the track! Everyone began cooking their food and were ready for shuteye quite early. During the night moreporks were heard calling across the valley, a stag bugled and then it was quiet as I finally drifted off to sleep.

Slowly everyone arose and billies boiled and breakfast was consumed. Around 8.30am we set off on the return journey, weaving our way through the beech, slowly climbing and descending, this time seeing three whio. We stopped for lunch where the track crosses the Matakuhia Stream for the last time Then it was the gradual climb back to the van, passing some large beech trees, lots of ferns, mosses and fungi.

We changed our footwear/clothes and lounged around in the sun for some time before setting off on the gravel road, heading home. No one was interested in walking up to the start of the Opureke track, and I was dropped off at my place around 4.30pm.

Party: Colin J; Anthea C; Murry A; Lou C; Judith M; Simon W; Paula K; Robyn W, Susan L.