These pictures were taken on a walk up from Otaki Forks to
Kime Hut (1412m). The hut was built around a year ago and replaces its much
older, colder and draughty predecessor.
It is 7 or 8 years since I have tramped in this area so I
was dead keen to check the new place out. The hut sits in a very exposed part
of the Tararua’s so the walk isn’t to be taken lightly and there has
regrettably been a number of fatalities in the area over the years.
I walked up through the bush to Field Hut (866m) where I had
a spot of lunch and a good natter with a couple of guys who were staying there.
From here the track steepened and climbed above the treeline and onto the nice
and flat Table Top (1047m). All too soon the track started climbing again and
very soon I was up into the mist and the wind. Around 20 minutes from Kime Hut
the terrain flattens out and becomes quite broad. Given the poor visibility,
navigation could have become problematic but in the years since I was last here
a series of tall blue poles have been erected marking the route making things
very easy. I was well pleased when I finally reached the hut as the wind was
really starting to pick up and the steady drizzle I had had so far turned into
steady rain.
The new hut has double glazing and insulation so is a much
nicer place to spend the night than the previous place.
The next day the visibility and rain was even worse, so no
photos from me, just a long trudge back to Otaki Forks.
It was nice to knock off Kime Hut, but a little disappointing
not to get any off the stunning views that this area of the Tararua’s offers.
Near the start.
On the way up.
Field Hut.
Getting near the tree-line.
Above the trees.
Follow the sign.
A welcome sight.
Kime Hut. It was more misty than it looks in this picture as I have used lots of contrast to sharpen up the image of the hut.
Yours truly.
