Intended route up the Rapawapawai Stream from road end seemed doubtful after heavy rain the previous day but the stream was clear and easily navigable and boots remained relativly dry with carefull choice of crossings (many).Two red Deer spotted just after entering the Forest Park boundary set the mood for the day and a very pleasant and warm trip ensued. Approx 2 hrs upstream counting off the tributaries on the Map to locate the turn off to Keretaki Hut, and pondering the possibility I had missed it when I spotted the DOC sign somewhat overgrown on the true left bank.
The climb out up the ridge is best described as a typical Ruahine ridge steep and brief ! The signposted time to Keretaki from the stream of 1 hr is close and a pleasant lunch was had here before returning via the same route. The track to Mangaatua catchment (Billygoat)was spotted on the return downstream but is not sign posted and easy to miss traveling upstream. Total time walking approx 6.5 hrs
Cheers.
Keretaki Hut Via Loveday road / Rapawapawai Stream
Ruahine Forest Park
Day Trip To Keretaki Hut
Comments
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Wandering Wilbury Yeah Hi saw your names in the hut log. Its all good fun fair weather or foul just have to be sensible about it.
1 December 2009
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www.freewebs.com/hellmission/ You must of came in just after us that rain was not that heavy although it was horizontal at the time! I guess we were mad going tramping in that heavy rain but then again we are the Hell Mission T.C.
30 November 2009
ID 4743
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