"There was 48 in the hut that night. They should of built that hut bigger even if it is one of the biggest huts"
Do you think that would've been an exception? I've been to Totara Flats when it's been reasonably full with one or two on the floor, but so far not often when it's overflowing. There's lots of great camping near Totara Flats, and I sort of think everyone should always be prepared to camp, at least on a multi-day excursion. Larger groups certainly should (although they shouldn't be obliged to leave if there first just because someone shows up unprepared).
Thumbs up for Howletts Hut. It's awesome, thanks largely to the work of members of the Heretaunga Tramping Club.
It was about 1 months after it opened so may not of been typical. Its a very big hut but very easy to get to. I was taking a group of scouts in then. Nowdays I tend to leave huts like this for groups like Scouts. They need easy access huts as a enjoyable introduction to tramping
Ive been to Powell when its been that full.I tend to avoid it now unless im passing through,its just not that enjoyable with that many people.But thats what some people like i suppose,not for me i prefer huts like Cow Creek and similar.Some of the new smaller hut designs are cool though,i think Roaring Stag and South Ohau are good examples but yeah at times you should definently be prepared to camp.
Totara Flats Hut was patronised extensively right after it was finished but has tailed off a bit now.The trip Holdsworth - Totara Flat -Walls Whare (Waiohine Road ) proving to be a popular alternative as the Powell - Jumbo circuit if the weather was dodgy.Scools are using these tramps for students for an outdoor experience and a lot of groups camp rather than use the huts.
The Kiriwhakapa-Cow Ck -Mitre Flats -Kaituna circuit has also become popular with school groups.At Mitre Flats last weekend there were 30 odd people in the hut-very cosy.
I have seen many groups use these tramps for D of E qualification ; it is not necessary to go out and "bust a gut" to qualify"; 3 x 8hr days is all it takes .
The easiest three-day tramp is Kaitoki road ending-Tutuwai Hut-Totara Flats hut- Holdsworth road ending. That's an undulating track, below the bushline. Only one slog. I did it with my ten-year-old daughter. You need to arrange transport though, the taxi to public transport at each end is $50-60. Or you can shuffle cars. The thing is that for inexperienced or unfit trampers, the tops of the Tararuas can be a bit of a slog just getting up there, plus there is the risk of the changeable weather. That said, the Jumbo-Holdsworth circuit and the Southern Crossing are very popular. I agree with Gaiters (above) that holdsworth-mid waiohine-aokaparangi-maungahuka-neill forks-totara flats-holdsworth is a great circuit, but moderate experience and fitness is required. I also love Herepai-Dundas-Cattle Ridge-Roaring Stag, but that can also get a little serious. Happy trails.
We have settled on the Tauherenikau - Tutuwai - Alpha - Marchant Ridge loop. Looked at Kaitoke - Holdsworth but transport made it too awkward.
Next question: is there any camping available at the end of Kiwi Ranch Road?
The YMCA at the road end at Kaitoke may be contacted at (04) 526 7338 and it would not surprise me if they allowed you to camp on the left side of the road if you explained what you where doing and why , near the entrance track to the Puffer (its an alternative track as people leave cars at the YMCA, as its unwise to leave cars in the upper carpark overnight because of vandalism)
Just remember that for the route you have chosen the only bridge across the Tauherinikau R is at Marchant Stm; if the river is above normal ,or flooded , you may not be able to safely cross at Tutuwai , Cone or Block 16 (the bridge used to be there but got washed out)
The Tararuas , more specifically ,the eastern side has just had an absolute downpour (last night 2/4) and there will be plenty of washouts etc .The bridge at Jumbo Ck , a couple of minutes from Atiwhakatu Hut has been washed out and there is a sign at Holdsworth Lodge warning park users about it.The Atiwhakatu Stream at Holdsworth road end is full of logs and gravel build up so it must have been a significant weather event,and it will not be unusual to find that the Tauherinikau R has also been affected.
"The bridge at Jumbo Ck , a couple of minutes from Atiwhakatu Hut has been washed out "
Is that that substantial aluminium bridge?
No sir,not the Ally bridge, but i woudnt be surprised if that was a little dodgy .Both sides of that bridge have steep drop of to the creek, which is insignificant at normal flow rates.Log jams in the upper reaches of that creek caused the old structure to be washed into the Atiwhakatu Ck a few years ago.There is always a possibility of a reoccurrance during "weather bombs"
The bridge washed out is only about 300 or so metres from the hut . This bridge was built after a father and his two sons (Berry) were drowned attempting to cross the creek when it was flooded.
There are ongoing problems with the Atiwhakatu track from Holdsworth Ck to the hut ie slips , washouts .
Because the track is classed as a Day Visitor track DOC are compelled to try and keep the standard to an impossibly achievable level of maintenance. They would be better to downgrade the track to Tramping Track standards and maintain the essentials only.