By Phoebe Huygens, 16 March 2024
Trampers: Jack, Arlen, Charlotte, Phoebe, Seth, Anna, Cameron, Ben, Nick, Jasmine
On 16 March, a contingent of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed trampers mustered at the
VUWTC gear shed. Essential overnight supplies were gathered; a billy, cooker,
sleeping mats and the latest edition of Heels. Cars were loaded and we gassed it to
the Northern Tararua range.
The track to Herepai begins by following the Mangatainoka River. The track then
heads up with a climb that is steady and rooted. At the top, the track splits. We took
a right to go to Herepai (taking a left goes to Roaring Stag Hut).
The seasoned Tararua trampers in the group advised us that the conditions (clear
skies and sun) were “unusually good”, so we took the opportunity to walk up past the
hut to Herepai. We got absolutely buffeted by the wind, but our efforts were rewarded
with cracker views of the surrounding peaks and plains, and directly below we could
see Herepai hut’s distinctly red roof.
The evening comprised many activities including, but not limited to, a live
demonstration on cooking Hobo rice, heated rounds of Monopoly Deal, struggles to
get the wood burner cranking and the hanging of a hammock.
The next day, the larks in the group missioned Herepai for a second time to see the
sunrise. After multiple coffees were downed and the sweeping was finished, we
leisurely descended and returned to our cars.
The motto of the trip “Take only pictures, leave only footsteps*”.
*and the latest edition of Heels.
