This article was first published in Tararua Tramper, March 2025, pp 17-18, with a map and photos.
Fun behind Paraparaumu
SF – Wednesday 5 February
The SF trip was advertised as having a steep slippery section that might not appeal to some people but eight trampers signed up anyway, about the maximum number the leader was prepared to take. We met up at the Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve and climbed the hill to the lookout through the magnificent nīkau forest.
A short road walk led to the pylon track and then the turnoff to a trapline in the Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve that would lead down to the Muaūpoko Stream. The trapline splits and we missed the left-hand turn and continued on the right-hand branch. It didn’t matter as all the traplines end in the valley. Unfortunately the right-hand branch, previously unexplored, had a nasty slippery descent into a gut that proved to be too much for a couple of people. A rope had been brought along for such an event and was deployed with a happy ending, although it cost us time.
Down in the valley, we located trapline C4 that would take us up to the opposite ridgeline. It was a hot day and, after a morning tea break, descending the gut into the Maungakotukutuku Stream we were glad to enter the shade of the bush. But not for long when two people got repeatedly stung by wasps. By the time we were up and going again we were behind schedule. After a quick drink stop on reaching the ridgeline, we continued on to the trig Papakirae with a wonderful view of the Kapiti Coast for a first lunch (meant to be morning tea).
A short backtrack and we found the trapline that would take us to .316. At this point we had to decide whether we would attempt the very steep and slippery descent down to the Maungakotukutuku Stream or pick one of the slightly less steep and slippery traplines. Having the rope gave people reassurance and we sallied forth down the spur. The trapline is well marked and the footpad generally easy to follow. The spur broadens and suddenly tips downwards with no clear footpad but markers kept us on the correct course. Absolute concentration is required as handholds are sparse, tree roots few and the ground prone to slide away. The one positive was that substantial leaf litter, instead of gravel marbles as on previous trips, helped to stabilize feet. Various routes were taken down the hillside but everyone reached the bottom without need of the rope.
Once we had all reassembled, we had the final drop into the stream, done through a gnarly gut featuring slimy rock and rotten tree debris. The rope ensured a safe descent for those who wanted it and we gathered in the stream bed for lunch 2. After a decent break, it was a very pleasant amble upstream in warm water. The next feature was the wee gorge. It had a smooth gravel bottom but it was hip-deep on the short people. Still it was a refreshing moment on a hot day and we dried off fast.
We found the next trapline at the first side stream on our right, a fun grovel up the tiny creek until we reached a short waterfall that is surprisingly difficult to get up unless you are tall. Above the waterfall, the creek becomes a straightforward climb back up to the ridgeline. There are more difficult ways to return but everyone was now getting tired and the quick way home was desirable. The ridgeline track is easy travel but in an effort to avoid going right to the end and then walking down ankle- twisting, potholed overgrown pasture, the leader turned off too early. The descent back down to the valley floor seemed to go on forever and involved a couple of existing ropes and another wasp attack. We had left a car at the reserve car park to avoid the steep climb up and over back to Nikau Reserve. It was a very welcome sight.
All up it had been quite an adventurous day with plenty of variety. It had taken us 7:40 hours and it was a well satisfied bunch of tired trampers who sped off home.
Peggy Munn (leader and scribe), Joan Basher, Mary Kane, Jane Pyar Mautner, Peter Morten, Chris Munn (rope man), Jo Poole, Peter Smith