Waitangi Weekend / Thursday 5th - Saturday 7th Feb 2026
We left Masterton on a hot Thursday afternoon, arriving at Otaki Forks carpark 330pm, a quick pack up and boots on and we were off to find our track to Field Hut. Crossing the Waiotauru River on the large swing bridge we passed all the other track options and continued across the grassy areas on the Fields Track. Once we got a little high above the rivers, we were out in the open and the sun was fierce! For about the first hour we stopped periodically under the shade of trees to escape the heat, feeling relief once we got into the bush proper. The track was the typical Tararua bush track, plenty of tree roots, zig zags and a couple of muddy patches. We arrived at Field Hut just before 7pm, the bright red hut shining in the late afternoon sun. The hut had just the 6 of us at that stage, but by 930pm another 8 people had arrived, and a further 2 arrived after 1130pm!
Friday morning we headed off uphill, initially in the trees, then scrub and then out into the clag. The track wound its way up the hill, sometimes rocky, a short piece of boardwalk at Table Top and track signs that emerged out of the misty weather. Arriving at Kime hut after 3 hours we decided to stop for a morning tea break in the hut (aka John Rhodes style) although it was 1030am so we were a bit behind correct timing.
After reviewing the weather for our proposed continuation to Elder hut, we decided to stay at Kime Hut instead for the night, and do a day trip to Mt Hector in the afternoon.
After lunch and unpacking (and a few more people arriving at the 20 bunk hut) we packed some snacks and safety gear and headed up hill (and downhill in places) to reach Mount Hector in the sunshine and clearing skies after 50 minutes. What an amazing view - mainly to the north and east, we could see Bull Mound, Winchcombe Ridge and down into the Wairarapa valleys.
We returned to Kime Hut, meeting a few others heading up for the views. By the time we got back to Kime Hut, there were 2 tents already set up (a further 4 would be set up later), and all the beds in the hut were taken. By dinner time we had heard that more were still to turn up, Scouts and Families. Most went to check out the sunset, dinners were cooked and some went to Mt Hector. Final head count was 44 - at least there is a large floor space in the kitchen!
Saturday we packed up and retraced our steps to the Otaki Forks carpark. The weather had turned to drizzly misty rain overnight and there were a few damp tents and bivvy's on the deck and boots porch. We departed at 7am, arriving at Field Hut to have hot drinks and a good 1.5 hour break. Arriving at the carpark at 2pm - the sun finally coming out and the temperature increasing !
We can totally recommend Reds Cafe in Otaki township - delicious coffee and slices.
On the trip: Margaret B, Katrina M, Sandra B.
