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This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper in October 1998

Sunny Grove - Headwaters of Turere Stream and Whakanui Creek

Saturday 27 June 1998

The severe storm around Wellington and current rain did not deter a "waterproof" group starting from Sunny Grove, Wainuiomata.

Up to the signpost there were new bush creeks pouring onto the track. After 20 minutes on the McKerrow Ridge we descended via a known spur to the Turere Stream, which was well up, cold and running fast, but crossable.

Then, opposite, a gradual climb up to the Whakanui Track, and continuing, straight up to the Old Whakanui Track. The rain was still heavy and the southerly cold enough for gloves.

A little to the south we used a familiar spur down to the Whakanui Creek headwaters where we had a look at the foaming top waterfall. A few metres above this we crossed an unmapped side-creek and the Whakanui itself which was brownish, but not difficult to cross.

Our next climb was on a known route to emerge on a cut track east and above Whakanui Saddle. We went a little north out of the wind for lunch, while rain eased to light showers. Dave's Swandri was now moisture-heavy!

The final climb from the saddle was up to the Old Whakanui Track again, then using the cross route over to the Whakanui Track and down to the not sunny Sunny Grove. It had been a cheerful party with Sieny reminding us that it was more enjoyable to experience the challenging conditions than to be miserable couch potatoes! Thanks to Sieny and Michael for help in leading.

Total trip time was only six hours with about 20 mins for lunch. Everyone felt it was too cold to hang about.

Those brave enough for a wetting in the remote were: Sieny (Xena) Pollard, Michael Bartlett, Dave Reynolds, Bernard Molloy, Ken Fraser, Colin Cook, Jim Paterson and Peter Jagger (leader & scribe).