Ahhh yes there is a way to do this. Nikwax do a product called downwash which you can use in your regular washing machine. However for drying them you either have to put them on a horizontal drying rack and turn them frequently or take them to a laundry/ somewhere with a large tumble dryer and tumble dry them with a tennis ball to stop the down ...

Yep would be up for this tomorrow. Any time would suit - have no preference. Will pop in all the gear I've got ie. rope, wires (wild country 1-9), 5xqdraws, small selection of slings.

Sounds like the Sunday option will work best. Will pack some extra food in case of deciding to carry on to do something longer on Sunday and stay out at a hut again. Could take half of Monday off, eg. to walk out from a hut to road end after an early start to get back to Wellington earlier. We could always do the Pukematawai-Arete-Dundas circuit ...

Am wondering if anyone has got any plans (or would be tempted) to head up to the Tararuas on Friday late afternoon/ evening? I would be keen but have no vehicle. Was thinking about perhaps heading up to Pukematawai and Arete during Saturday and then head back to the hut in time for the festivities on Sat night. Also first trip to the Tararuas ...