Tutuwai

Jessie and I plan to get to Tutuwai and then do a Reeves Cone loop.

Saturday 09/08/2014
Left Wellington early as we planned to meet up at the new parking place just before Kiwi Ranch at 0700 hours. Road over the Rimutaka's was closed just before Marchant Road, our turnoff. As we where heading to Kiwi Ranch we had no problem driving on. From the car park we can see a dusting of snow on the hills.

DOC car park just before Kiwi Ranch

Packs on and off up the "currently being constructed" track, getting the occasional snow fall. Liked the sign with snow settling.

Junction

Looked like it was getting whiter.

Dobson Loop Track

By the time we got to the swing it was looking nice and sort of sunny in the valley.

Tauherenikau Swing Bridge

Got to Tutuwai and did a bit of a clean up, a group had been here since last weekend and left a bit of a mess. This huts got an attraction for the messy trampers. Gathered firewood and got the fire prepped, then headed off up Reeves track into a little bit of snow. Didn't do our planned loop, so its still a future trip.

Heading up Reeves Track

Back down to Tutuwai hut cranked up the fire and settled in for food and some American whiskey before sleep.  Was a clear light night with the moon shine.

Sunday 10/08/2014
An early up and out day, with a crispy frost.

Frost below Tutuwai hut

Trip Times
09/08/2014
0730 Left Kiwi Ranch
0923 Smiths Creek
0948 Tauherenikau Bridge
1138 Tutuwai hut
10/08/2014
0933 Left Tutuwai hut
1203 Smiths Creek
1354 Kiwi Ranch