Just me, my camera and a whole lot of hill

Kapakapanui circuit and Waiotauru Hut, Tararua Forest Park

I usually try and avoid solo tramping. I’m one of those annoying extroverts that enjoys the socialising, and going in a party means that there are ample subjects to photograph. However, sometimes the stars do not align or opportunities are just too good to miss. Lucy had invited me to join her, Tim and Hugh on a trip to Mangahao Flats Hut on the inaugral King’s Birthday weekend. However, the weather was looking grotty from Sunday onward, and I had just been invited to dinner with family on Saturday. So searching the map for an overnight destination I set my eyes on Kapakapanui, a lofty 1,103m peak that stands proudly above Waikanae.

1. Three in one

Southern route to Kapakapanui Hut, and Waiotauru Hut via pt 555

No matter how much I wanted to be gone early Friday morning, I had not yet packed my bag. I ate breakfast and generally faffed around before setting off in my humble Suzuki in the direction of Waikanae, just before 10. I didn’t quite know what to expect from Kapakapanui. The track began by trying its very best to get my feet wet, criss-crossing the Ngatiawa. Somehow I managed to splash my way through these with mostly dry feet, just wet…