Hakatere Conservation Park
Hakatere Conservation Park
Glenrock Stream – Redcliffe Stream
6th – 8th February 2015
A trip with many river crossings is best with fine weather and low river flows, but with the weather forecast for high winds and snow to low levels leading into the weekend a close eye was kept on the updates hoping for an improvement.
With a team of eight, we were on the road by 8am on Friday travelling to Double Hill Run Road on the South bank of the Rakaia River. A short break was taken at Geraldine for those who needed a coffee fix.
After dropping off the team at Glenrock Stream easement the vehicles returned to Redcliffe Stream carpark where one was left for our return on Sunday. Back to Glenrock Stream Bill and Maurice set off to catch up on the advance party who were having lunch on the side of the track in the sun. The 4WD track took us into the conservation area with Turtons Saddle looming before us. A series of zig zags on an easy gradient brought us to the summit where a very cool breeze made our stay brief despite the wonderful views of down the Rakaia Valley. A skiff of snow coated the tops but the sun was still shining. It was downhill to “A” Frame hut where we passed a mountain-biker grinding up hill after a day trip into Comyns Hut. As we descended to the river terrace of the North Branch Ashburton River, Comyns Hut came into view and soon we were resting with a brew at this old 8 bunk station hut after almost 6 hours tramping. With no one else arriving, tents were not required and the cool evening had us in our sleeping bags early and for those slow to sleep, listening to the array of noises from within the hut.
A new day arrived and with it clear skies for our venture down the river. All packed and away by 7:30am the forward scouts found an old bulldozed track on the true left which we followed where possible and then the many crossings began.
It is always quite exciting not knowing what awaits you around the next bend, as the river enters the gorge section but with river levels low and water warm enough, the journey was enjoyable. Leaving the gorge section, progress improved and 5 hours later, Cookies Point was reached. A lunch break was taken by the big rock away from the nearby seagull colony. (Can’t be too careful). The day temperature had returned to Summertime and a very hot trek crossing where necessary up the Swift River to Tribulation Hut, our destination for the day. As it was only 3pm it turned into a leisurely afternoon, bathing in the river and then resting in the shade. The six bunk musterers hut has been renovated providing a tidy basic shelter for five of our party. Two tents were erected for the night with Jane testing her new tent for the first time. It was a perfect night with a clear starry sky, full moon and a very light breeze. How the weather can change within 24 hours.
Sunday morning and even Jane was up by 6:30am. with tents dry and all packed up we were on the homeward journey by 7:30am. An easy 3 hours over Redcliffe Saddle with some wonderful views across to the Craigeburn Range and up the Rakaia River brought us to the car park. A water pipe standing up out of the ground with a tap on top near the exit gate was made good use of before changing into our homeward bound clothes. After retrieving Bill’s vehicle from Glenrock we made our way to Methven for a very enjoyable lunch at the Blue Pub before returning home from a successful weekend in the company of;
Bill, John, Tim P, Bron, Jane Noel and Phyllis
Maurice.
