This article was first published in Tararua Tramper in March 2025
Neill Winchcombe Circuit
9 – 10 January 2025
But very recently the indomitable Derek Field and team had been through, cutting and marking the track to Winchcombe Bivvy, making it so much easier (not easy!) There was a definite sting in the tail as we approached the bivvy, pulling our way up through a muddy, rocky channel just before emerging from the bush to see a sign saying only 30 metres to go. It was 5.05 by this time and we were all very pleased to stop.
Susi and I happily installed ourselves in the tiny two-person bivvy whilst Gerald set up his tent on a carved-out piece of flat ground close by and Kate nobly found an almost-suitable spot up near the track. Not only had the bivvy builders found the only piece of flat, sheltered ground in the area, they had added a bench to sit on and a toilet (no walls or roof, just a toilet – but what a view!!) Apparently the bivvy had mould at one time but it is now scrupulously clean and has air vents in the wall and ceiling.
There was a small dose of rain overnight but we awoke to a perfect day and set off at 8.20. From here on, we were out of the bush and treated to Tararua at its very best; stunning views in all directions. At .1398 we had a ‘quick break’, extended by a conversation with a grandfather and grandson who appeared from the opposite direction. The young man, now in his early 20s, had visited all the huts in the Tararua Range by the age of nine! We were truly humbled.
First Hector and then the Memorial Cross appeared in the distance, inspiring us onwards. It was so still when we arrived at the Cross that we decided to stop for an early lunch, savour the views and reflect on how lucky we were to be there.
Every part of the remaining trip seemed to take longer than planned! One stop at Kime, another at Field where we admired the renovations before a pleasantly cool walk through the bush down to Ōtaki Forks road end – another sting in the tail! At 6.45 we reached the car park where Kate’s husband, Steve, had been patiently waiting for well over an hour. We were all pretty tired but felt fortunate to have completed the trip in such ideal conditions.
I have no idea how people complete this trip in one day! A few things occur to me. Firstly, it’s much faster to travel with a daypack than an overnight pack. Secondly, the walk from Waiohine Bridge to the Ōtaki Forks road end is interminable at the end of the day. And lastly, age may bring wisdom, but not speed!
Grateful thanks to Dave and Steve who so graciously made this trip possible.
Lynne White (leader and scribe), Susi Lang, Gerald Leather, Kate Pitney