Labour Weekend provided the opportunity for an extended tramp in the Whirinaki Forest. Six members travelled
to Rotorua on Friday 24 Oct then on to 'Whirinaki Adventures' in Minginui on Sat to join our shuttle
into the Moerangi Track. Our first night was in Rogers Hut which is set above the Whakangutuwhio Stream.
True to is name the Whio were there! With its stained glass window, slab timber walls and just the right
sized deck for good afternoon conversation we all thorougly enjoyed our first night.
Sunday was
a pleasant walk to the slightly larger Moerangi Hut with not only Whio and trout in the Moerangi Stream
but plenty of Kiwi calling in the valley below the hut overnight. Moerangi Hut was where we heard the
kiwi calling in the valley, saw the trout, checked out the net-building caddis fly larvae in the stream
and were farewelled on the last day by the pair of Whio Blue Ducks! Great forest trees, wonderful bird
song and plenty of tramping camaraderie.
The tramp out on Monday started in rain but by the time
we had crossed the saddle and begin the down hill to the River Rd car park we were able to make good
time and join the midday shuttle back to where our cars were parked at 'Whirinaki Adventure's' base.
Amazing bird song, giant trees and unique huts made for an interesting and satisfying long weekend
excursion.
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