This article was published in Tararua Tramper, July 2025
Kaitawa Scenic Reserve
Slow Fit 21 May 2025
Kaitawa Scenic Reserve, located east of Waikanae, is most easily accessed from the end of South Mangaone Road. The reserve has two distinct sections. It has no formal tracks, other than the Mangaone Walkway; there are no open tops, and the highest elevation is about 600 metres. One enticing challenge offered within the reserve is navigating the broad ridges. The aim of this trip was to access and navigate along the southern ridgeline of the western section of the reserve.
The group of four set off at 0800 and immediately crossed the Waikanae River; then headed NW up the stream valley directly across from the carpark. About an hour later we were on the top of the main ridge, having easily negotiated the watercourse and grunted up about 80 metres NW from the top forks of the stream. Travel then was generally in a NNE direction through mature bush to point 540. There is a mostly discernable footpad and occasional markers of differing sorts to assist travel along the ridge top. Similar conditions continued as we travelled almost due north towards point 546.
Nearing point 546 the first of the group's 'navigational conversations' took place. By referencing digital devices, compasses and 'bush nous', we comfortably progressed. Travel between points 546 and 466 required a slightly higher level of route-finding attention (with accompanying 'conversations'), as underfoot conditions varied between visible pad, disappearing pad and remnant logging road. The unlabelled bump WNW of point 466 had a plaque labelled Brown Knob / Ruscoes Track; obviously a recognition of previous travellers in this territory. Leaving Brown Knob in an ESE direction, we dropped about 60 metres into a saddle before rising to enjoy lunch in a bit of sun at point 466.
Continuing in a general ENE direction after lunch, we had up-close encounters with a local resident: surname Jack, first name Supple. Again, there were multiple-style markers and positive navigational conversations that ensured the party advanced comfortably across the broad ridgetop. The NZTopo map illustrates the 400 metre contour quite distinctly at the eastern limit of the broad ridge. At the SE protrusion of that contour line we descended a spur running SE to connect with the Mangaone Walkway at the NE end of a large grass paddock. We then relaxedly followed the walkway back to the car park. The adventure through the reserve took seven hours. (B A).
The communal navigators were: Bill Allcock, Karen Baker, David McNabb, Mike Wespel-Rose