A pleasing combo

Doom Creek & Devils Creek Hut – Sunday 20 January 2019

Gold was discovered in the Wakamarina Valley in 1860 and was one of NZ’s richest goldfields with about 2800 miners working in the area until the boom ended in 1865. An interesting history for 14 trampers to contemplate who left the end of the Wakamarina Road on a fine warm day, but with a strong south-west wind. After 30 minutes on a wide track we turned off onto the Doom Creek side track. We enjoyed a good track through bush on the shady side of the valley before we crossed Doom Creek and sidled down to cross Fosters Creek. The mossy rocks were a trap for two people who slipped in, getting a bit wet. Then it was down the other side of the valley back onto the main track after the detour of 1½ hours. We continued on towards Devils Creek Hut, soon entering mature forest on a nice track but with some undulations, reaching the hut in a large clearing after 3¼ hours. We also explored the derelict slab hut in the bush just behind the DOC hut.

After our lunch we returned along the main track back to the carpark taking only two hours. We all agreed it was very worthwhile doing the Doom Creek Track and especially doing it first, rather than last.

Overall, a pleasing combination of tracks for the group of Robert, Robyn, Odette, Anne, Donell, Grant, Diane, Lesley G, Arif, Marian, Julian and newcomers Greg, Andrew and Vania.          

Robert