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We left Bracken Ave at 8:15am and arrived at Old Kaimai Rd car park at 10:45am. The weather was cool
and cloudy but otherwise fine and remained so for the rest of the day.We set off on the Henderson North
Tramline at 11pm.We crossed three streams in the first half hour which barely wet our boots. Soon we
began to ascend the tramway which was very straight, wide and low gradient. This is the perfect track
for novices.
When we reached the junction of the N-S Track we stopped for lunch. We then continued
north over what must have originally been the Henderson North Tramway but now the N-S Track. This was
virtually flat and wide with a great surface. We soon met the junction to the Hurunui Hut which was very
well signposted. It only took 4min to get to the hut from here, which has recently been re- furbished.
The hut now has room for four persons but has only two mattresses. As it was already occupied by hunters
we decided to camp outside where there is plenty of space.
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Having arrived early afternoon we had heaps of time to relax and share a a reflection from Isaiah
53, the Old Testament prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ as the Saviour of mankind. A small stream
nearby supplied plenty of fresh clean water. Although there was a number of campfire spots around, we
cooked our meals on stoves outside. Being winter it got cool and dark very early so we hit the sack at
7pm.
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In the morning it began to rain lightly so we made our breakfast under a tree and then packed up
to leave at about 9am. It continued to rain the rest of the day even if only lightly. We travelled down
the N-S track past the North Henderson Tramline junction into bush till we reached the West Henderson
Tramline Track. Again this was a very easy track.
The descent down the West Henderson Track was
very slippery due to the rain but we reached the road in just over an hour without incident. After 20
minutes we arrived at the cars and then headed to Matamata for some hot food and a coffee.
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This loop circuit is perfect for novices due to its short distances, good track conditions and low
gradient. There is plenty of camping space within one minutes space from the hut and abundant fresh water.
Even better for summer.
COST: Transport $32, food $7, equipment levy $3
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