Dominie Biv, Kaweka FP

Plan A was a trip to Taranaki NP, but a nasty storm forecast had us looking for drier options. The Kaweka's proved just the ticket, keeping pretty good weather for easter (apart from a few drips of drizzle on Good friday.

We began from 'The Lakes' carpark at Kuripapango and climbed on to the main Kaweka range via Rouge Spur. It was pretty windy on the tops, but visibility was good until we got drizzled on at Kaweka J itself.

Dominie Biv was empty when we turned up, but soon after 2 other parties stopped by, hoping to spend the night. One team camped, whilst the other pushed on to Studholme saddle.

Saturday was a mellow stroll to McIntosh Hut, other than the dip into Donalds stream gorge. Sunday was a short walk back over the Tutaekuri river and back to the cars.

Pip on the Main Kaweka Range beneath Kairahi Peak

Adding one rock to the Kaweka J memorial cairn


Dan and Dominie Biv
(its pretty cozy.. 1 and 1/2 bunks)

Pip descends Makahu Spur

Makahu Saddle Geocache

Crossing Donalds stream

Donalds Stream Gorge

McIntosh Hut

(8 Mats on sleeping platforms)

Inspecting the start of the Tutaekuri Gorge

I think there's a canyoning trip to be done here....

Mt Richmond, Richmond FP

Plan A was a canyoning descent of the drainage between Johnson Peak and Mt Richmond, but as Brendon and I approached along the road we had second thoughts.

Huge bluffs and hideous screes fed into the headwaters of the stream, just before the whole stream plunged over a 500m wall. We didn't have enough rope and had too much self preservation to try, so quickly the plan was ammended to a simple overnight tramp up to Mt Richmond.

We climbed through the forest and up to the summit of Mt Johnson. Peering down into the canyon we were quite pleased with the plan to abandon the descent.. Conditions were great for a day on the tops, light winds, clear skies and good vis.

From the top of Mt Richmond we could see Blenhiem and Abel Tasman at the same time, as well as the underrated extensive expanse of Mt Richmond Forest Park. The night was spent at Fell Hut, before returning straight back to the carpark under grey skies and biting cold winds.

The 'Canyon' stream at the track junction

Lovely track up to the Fell Tops

Off track rest spot

On the summit of Johnson, with Mt Fell behind

Enroute to Mt Richmond

Cruising down to Mt Fell Hut

Mt Fell Hut

Timms Creek