Labour W.End from Otaki Forks - transport?

So I found a place that will take us in from Otaki. If you get in touch with Bridge Lodge they can usually fit you in. Return trip for 2 is $70. http://www.bridgelodge.co.nz/ Only thing is, there's exactly one train from Wellington, arriving 6.29pm and nowhere to stay the night. So I've arranged for us to be dropped off at the Forks that evening, intending to tramp to Field hut through the early night. I hear people tramp by torch light in the Tararuas quite often but has anyone ever done this stretch? Also, if anyone is driving Otaki to Wellington Tuesday afternoon/evening let me know - we might pong a bit but we can pay :)

The only time I have ever tramped from Otaki Forks to Field hut was at night. We left Rotorua late Friday afternoon and started walking up the track at 11pm, arriving at the hut at about 2am, I think. The track is good and I don't recall any problems. I often tramp for 2-3 hours on a Friday night and find it a great way to start a trip, especially if you have to start with a big hill, you can get it done in the cool of night. I suggest you have two torches, that way you are covered for a malfunction and it saves trying to change batteries in the dark.

Excellent - thanks for that. Good to know someone has been there and done that before us :) Good point about the cool air. I always get overheated going uphill, especially if it's raining and you have to wear a waterproof. There's two of us and we'll both have a torch and spare batteries. I guess given it's a public hol w.end there might be a hut full of sleeping people when we get there but after a 3 hr climb i guess we'd be happy for floor space :) Thanks again

Parawai Lodge is at the start of the track and a cosy warm hut with plenty of fire wood. Having said that, the track up to field should not be to hard at night. Not the waist high mud it used to be. http://www.tramper.co.nz/?1135

Oh yes - so it is - haha. How the hell didn't I see that? I remember looking at it on the map and just dismissing it as some shelter or private place with it being so near the road end. Could be a good option if it's raining. Thanks!