2005-08-21 Walls Whare-Cone Saddle-Waiohine River

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This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper in December 2005

Walls Whare - Cone Saddle - Waiohine River

Sunday 21 August 2005

On a slightly grey Wellington morning a party of 10 keen trampers drove to the road end at Walls Whare. The weather in the Wairarapa was brilliantly fine and mild.

After crossing the suspension bridge at the start of the track the party tackled the steepish climb on the way to the ridge and then to Cone Saddle. Bird life was abundant on this lovely morning. The feral pigs had also left their mark in turning over some of the track searching for food.

The turn off to Mt Reeves was noted and then came the turn off down to Cone Hut. We stopped here briefly, then onwards for about 15 minutes down the ridge towards Cone Saddle where we stopped for lunch. The old track signs high up in the trees here were a feature which was discussed by all.

After lunch we travelled downhill in a northerly direction and then sidled around the ridge before ascending Clem Creek to the crossing and then sidled some more. Finally at a small saddle we proceeded up the ridge a short distance where the track flattened out. From here a pleasant walk was had, all the way down to the junction of the Totara Flats/ Walls Whare track beside the Waiohine River. After a short break we travelled out to Walls Whare, avoiding the odd tree fall and various mud holes. We arrived about 4.30pm. The main feature of the day was the perfect weather and enjoyable company.

Party: Julia Landymore (leader), Geraldine Keith, Marris, Kanta (a Japanese visitor), Michele Dickson, Nick Ryan, Leslie Blackwell, Ray Markham, Fi Costa and Lindsay Cameron (scribe)