The Orange Bucket Challenge 🟠

Ever wanted to carry a heavy orange bucket for hours into the wilderness? Whether you answer yes or no, we need your help!

The Greater Wellington Backcountry Network (GWBN) has tasked VUWTC with delivering maintenance supplies to several huts. This is part of their awesome Caring For Our Huts project, which aims to keep huts in good condition and encourage everyone to "do their bit" to protect our treasured backcountry.

https://gwbn.org.nz/caring-for-our-huts-2/

We'll be looking for leaders to custom build their own club trips featuring an orange bucket! Stay tuned for more details :)

Available huts (click on green text for more info!):

EASY: Atiwhakatu Hut

Tararua Forest Park, a 2hr drive from Welly. $10-15 per night. This is a spacious 26 bunker, just a 1-3hr flat walk from the Mt Holdsworth carpark. It requires bookings, but is a fantastic spot with a nice river to swim in. Many options: chill overnighter, add in Jumbo and Powell for a loop, go down a poor track to Mitre Flats, even further to McGregor or Mid King Bivs, or something else!

MEDIUM: Kawakawa Hut

Aorangi Forest Park, a 2.5hr drive. $10 per night. 6 bunks. Could complete as part of the famous Aorangi Crossing over multiple days, or a return trip via Mangatoetoe hut. If you can get permission, a 2hr journey down Kawakawa Stream from the road. Or even a crazy bush bash route? Add in a bonus visit to Cape Palliser lighthouse?

MEDIUM to HARD: North Ohau Hut

Tararua Forest Park, a short 1hr 15min drive. Free to stay at. 4 bunks. This requires a minimum 3-5hr combo of steep good quality track, utterly terrible unmaintained track, and river navigation. Could do there and back, combine with South Ohau Hut and Dowling Falls, a long loop to Te Matawai and Waiopehu huts, or a tricky bush bashing mish to Deception Spur and beyond?