We'll leave on Friday (17th) early evening (5PM) from Hunter car park, Kelburn Campus, walking up to Field Hut. These details depend a bit on the weather, which day is the best for walking on the tops. We'll be back on Sunday (19th) evening.

Maungahuka loop route:
Otaki Forks, Field Hut (Fri night), Bridge Peak, Tararua Peaks, Maungahuka (Hut), Aokaparangi, Anderson Memorial Hut (Sat night), Junction Knob, Waitewaewae Hut, Otaki Forks (or the other way round). See http://www.nztopomaps.com/16437/Otaki-Forks/Wellington or Topo50 map BP33.

Grading:
About medium fit (*), see http://vuwtc.org.nz/cs/content/fitness.aspx)

Route description:
The Maungahuka Loop is a full two day tramp, covering creeks, open terrain and narrow ridges. We start at 100m altitude (Otaki Forks), the highest point is Bridge Peak at 1421 m, half of the track is over 1100 m. The track contains a section around the Tararua Peaks, which is narrow and steep. It requires safe footing and some confidence with heights, although secured by chains and the 'famous' steel ladder.

We might stay in a hut without heating (if we stay in the beautiful Maungahuka Hut). Expect 16h of walking altogether (Fr 2h, Sat 8h, Sun 6h).

Costs:

• shared petrol (180km, about $10 for a full car?!)

• food expenses for shared dinner

• 2 std. hut fees for Fr night and Sat night ($10.20)

... and that's it.

Gear:
The club provides the cooking gear/fuel, you'll need to bring plate, cup and cutlery.
For the rest: have a look to the club's gear list: http://vuwtc.org.nz/cs/content/gear.aspx

Interested? Any questions?
Contact me

(*) Saturday will be a long day with 10h and about 1200 m up and down.