An enjoyable hut trip

Speargrass Hut – Saturday 18 September 2021

Mt Robert carpark was the starting point for our tramp to Speargrass Hut.

A fairly chilly spring morning saw 19 trampers set off at 9.30am for the hut, a good turn-out post-lockdown. Rooty would best describe the majority of the track but as it was dry underfoot, this did not cause any issues. The forest is really lovely, but there were a few windblown trees to negotiate from recent storms. A kaka flew quite close by at one point, settling on a branch above some of the group before flying off.

Morning tea was had by the side of the creek in weak sunshine where we were visited by a pair of tomtits (ngirungiru), interested to see who had invaded their territory. Speargrass Creek has changed its course since the last Waimea TC trip in 2018 so there was no need to get wet feet or cling to the slip face.

The hut was reached at 12.30 and lunch was enjoyed in the sun around the hut. The tussock was quite stunning in the sunshine, highlighting the reddy/orange colour. There were clear views of the surrounding mountains with some snow still on the tops.

On the way back to Mt Robert carpark we encountered a couple of family groups with quite small children going to the hut for an overnight trip – great to see! Typical spring weather saw a few minor showers and some hail in the last hour of the trip. We arrived back at the cars by 4.20pm after a very enjoyable day. 

The trampers were: Marian (leader and scribe), Jenny, Maria, Rob, Anne, Diane, Kerry, Chris, Dale, Donell, Ian, Brian, Liz, Sue, Helen, Julian, Jamila, and visitors Rosemary and Denise.