Category: 2011(a) – Toaroha

2011 – Toaroha – Thrown into chaos

by Adam, posted in 2011(a) - Toaroha

Earthquake!  February 22, 12:51pm

The Christchurch-based Moa Hunters experienced a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in the early hours of September 4th 2010.  It struck 30km from the city, and while damaging to buildings and structures, it took no lives.

We all felt the city had dodged a bullet.

As it turns out, we had dodged a boomerang, which returned on February 22nd 2011 and devastated the city.  The magnitude 6.3 aftershock was only 10km from the city centre and just 5km deep.  It destroyed buildings, sending them crashing onto a city bustling with people.

Lewis sent an email from Wellington.  He’d seen the shock headlines on the Internet and was asking if we were OK.  Paul replied first.  He was OK and so were his family.

All the Moa Hunters were fortunate.  Nobody hurt.  Magnus was affected the worst in terms of property.  His house which was already in bad shape following the September quake, had sustained further serious damage.

We all agreed that a Moa Hunt wasn’t happening in February.  With Christchurch literally on it’s knees, heading away would be unthinkable.  Thousands of people  homeless.  The death toll sure to be in the hundreds.  Most of the city with no running water.  25% with no power.

Christchurch Cathedral in ruins
Christ Church Cathedral in ruins
A crushed bus
A crushed bus
Buildings shattered
Buildings shattered

2011 – Toaroha – Preparations begin…

by Adam, posted in 2011(a) - Toaroha

Due to the relatively unsuccessful 2010 attempt on the Toaroha / Whitcombe valleys, the Moa Hunters are going to attack the same terrain again in 2011.  This year with renewed vigour and a much better idea of what to expect…

Having spent three (not unpleasant) nights at the Cedar Flat huts (and in the adjacent hotpool!) last year, this year the plan is to enter the track on the Whitcombe river side to ensure we cover some new ground whatever the weather brings.

Speaking of weather…  For those of you who haven’t walked tracks on New Zealand’s West Coast, beware.  They are tough going.  Not because the tracks are steeper, or the terrain more difficult.  It is the high rainfall received on the ‘Coast’ that makes for tricky conditions. 2010 taught us that every surface you might choose place a boot on is covered in moss or a greasy algae.  Both of which offer minimal traction!

Demanding terrain

This makes for pretty demanding conditions, requiring more concentration and care that you need somewhere like the Mt Aspiring National Park, for example.  Getting from A to B on the West Coast generally takes longer than elsewhere and that should be factored in to any schedule.

The 2011 trip sees a change of personnel:  Richard has just become a daddy and has (wisely!) chosen to stay home and be with Kate and little Cooper.  Good on you, Bowersy.  A new addition to the hunt team this year is Lewis, who will be flying in from windy Wellington.

So, what’s the plan?

  • Thurs 24th Feb Evening – Meets at Adam’s place.  Drive to Hokitika and stay the night at motel
  • Fri 25th Feb
    • Start walk at Hokitika Gorge
    • Follow Hokitika river then Whitcombe river past Rapid Creek hut to stay night in Frew’s Hut
  • Sat 26th Feb
    • Frew’s Hut – Whitcombe River – Frew River – Frew Bivoaic – Frew Saddle – Hokitika river (again), night in Bluff Hut
    • May have Cell coverage on Frew Saddle
  • Sun 27th Feb
    • Bluff Hut – descend to Hokitika River confluence with Mungo river – Mungo river upstream (East) past Poet Hut
    • Destination = Mungo Hut and Mungo Hot Pools (NZ’s most remote)
  • Mon 28th Feb
    • This day’s chosen route depends significantly on the combined factors of Fitness and Weather
    • Option 1. Good conditions – North up Park Steam, then high tops route to Yeates Hut, approximately via Mt Chamberlin and Toaroha range
    • Option 1a. If weather and fitness = excellent same as above and continue to Cedar Flat Hut and more Hot pools
    • Option 2. Poor Weather or Poor Fitness – return down Mungo then ascend Toaroha Saddle to Top Toaroha Hut
    • Option 3. Sit tight for a day and let conditions improve (Fitness and\or Weather)
    • If choose Option 1 or 1a then may have cell coverage sometime during this day
  • Tues 1-Mar or Wed 2-Mar
    • Descend Toaroha river from either Top Toaroha Hut, Yeates Hut or Cedar Flats Hut (depending on previous day’s route) to the Road End and travel home

You can see the route on Google Maps

Decisions, decisions…