South Temple to Maitland Track Marking, 27th-28th October 2012
Due to the weather prospects as well as the avalanche danger in the East Branch of Steele, the advertised trip was cancelled.
However four intrepid explorers set out with tools packed to explore and mark out a route from the South Temple Hut towards the base of Mt Maitland. This trip has been done before by the club but there was always a degree of uncertainty near the beginning of the route. So the aim of this exercise was to remove this element as well as making it much easier for other parties to start this route, which also leads on to Watson Stream and on to the Ahuriri Valley.
The forecast was not great and was offering the full range of options. As it turned out it was not as bad as predicted and the 120km/h winds didn’t eventuate. Most of the heavy rain stayed away with just occasional skiffs coming over the divide.
Saturday morning saw us driving to the Temple car park and walking into the South Temple Hut. The Intentions book indicated that there were 2 hunters in residence, so a couple of tents were carried in for extra sleeping space. An uneventful walk in saw us arrive at about 1.00pm, and after a brew up and late lunch we walked up the valley directly behind the hut.
Following the side stream we eventually came to a fallen tree that allowed a crossing of the stream, and then headed downstream until we came to the second stream which we followed for some time, climbing some steep sections where needed. After some time we came to a spectacular waterfall of some 20 or more meters just where someone had whacked a piece of water pipe into the ground.
This is the stream which drains the valley that we would be working up the next day. Many photos were taken and we then walked back to the hut. The hunters had returned from their wanders too without any spoils as yet. The 2 tents were pitched to gain some space and after the usual food and tale telling, most were in bed by 9.
After a night with a bit of occasional rain, we were up bright and early the next morning and away exploring in some very wet and cold conditions to start with. Once we crossed the very slippery side stream by the hut, the climb up the exposed hill was just right for warming up.
When we got up a bit, a kea was spotted flying then landing and disappearing near the bush edge . This was unusual as none of us recalled having seen any kea in this area. We tried to see where it had gone, but to no avail and the thought was that it could be nesting here.
We climbed a bit further up the hill to the exposed ridge, and then dropped off to a long sidle to push through a route leading into the upper bush part, which eventually gives way above the bush line to the route to Maitland.
There were a few deviations but by and large we maintained a reasonable line which saw us reach the last patch of bush in good time.
Then the work commenced with us walking back exploring the best ways. We had not marked very much yet, and by and large ended quite a bit higher from where we had started earlier that day.
Then having a fairly clear idea of the best lines, we headed back in for the second time marking and snipping with loppers, until we finished back at the top of the bush line for the second time that day.
Then it was back along our marked and snipped route with much more snipping and marking, reinforcing what we were hoping to achieve until we arrived back at our starting point.
Now a large cairn marks the start of what we hope will turn into a track.
The day had been sunny at times but as it got later it got colder, and we were pleased to turn our faces hut wards and get back for hot drinks and dinner.
Much later the hunters returned and they too had had a successful day, having shot a young bull thar.
More yarns and tales were told as the weather gradually got worse. During the night it rained much harder on and off. Morning came with not much wind but the occasional rain turned into more persistent rain which then turned into snow. This followed us all the way out to the car park where it finally came to a halt.
This was an enjoyable and worthwhile weekend where we achieved exactly what we set out to do.
Thanks to Maurice, Phyllis and Noel. Robbie
