From Totara Slabs to Jerry Lee Lewis

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From Totara Slabs to Jerry Lee Lewis Matthew Grainger As a keen, young tramper at the ripe old age ofl 12, decidedlwould makei it an ambition of mine to visit every hut, shelter, and bivouac in the Tararuas. Six andah halfy years, and countless tramps later, I finally reached the elusive Mid King Biv, to achievel my ambition. There are some good huts in the Tararuas, and some not sO good, but they all have an interesting storytot tell. Here's ab brief run-down of some of the more memorable ones THE GOLDEN OLDIES Field Hut is the oldest surviving hut in the Tararuas and has heaps of character, as does Cone Hut which is built with solidtotara slabs from around the area. Similarly, Waiopehu Hut has beams made from the trunks of trees North Ohau Biv Matthew Grainger in the area. Although old, these huts have all been recently renovated and them all Blue Range Hut follows a more than Jerry Lee Lewis on are comfortable places to stay. similar theme, with the interior walls amphetamines. When it was knocked covered in maps from all sorts of down in January '94, it was foundi that LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! places. Both huts are well worth alook. itwas onlys standing on onet foundation! Maungahuka, Dorset Ridge, and Nichols Huts all have great locations. INTERESTING DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION North Ohau Biv would also fit this Maungahuka has great views in all Whilst many off thel huts in the Tararuas category. The walls are made of directions, includingt thel Tararual Peaks, are of as standardised design, some are insulation paper, the windows of and at tarn outside "almost big enough a bit different. Te Matawai wins the chicken wire, it has no door, a dirt floor, to windsurf on". Dorset Ridge Hut is "most barn-like" category by a country andholes in the walls are patched with snuggled down by the bushline on mile. The design is bizarre, with the plastic bags. An old dunger indeed. Dorset Ridge, with awesome views of incredibly steep, high roof making it a both the tops andvalleys. Nichols also cold placet to stay. The proportions are PERSONAL FAVOURITES has great views down the Waiohine better suited to tractors than trampers. A hard one to pick, but I guess my Valley, with the Main Range to the right However, if youhave a mountain radio, favourite hut would be the new Tarn andHoldsworth Mitre ridge to thel left. you'll get crystal-clear reception if you Ridge Hut. Iti is located in my favourite throw the aerial over the roof part of the Tararuas, providing access In contrast, Arete Biv seems to suffer to the upper Waingawa and Waiohine from poor location. Although also Henderson's Shelter provides the Valleys, and all the surrounding affording magnificent views, its original innovative designer/builder with a mountains and ridges (Mitre, Arete, location, in a stream bed, meant thati it unique challenge: given a pile of and Girdlestone peaks, Carkeek, tended to flood. Although recently corrugated iron, what kind of shelter Dorset, Table, Tarn and Bannister relocated slightly, it still seems to: suffer willy you construct? I've visited this place Ridges). On a good day, this area is from rising damp. about four times and each time it's awesome. Thehut itselfi fis modern and been different. Most people seem to spacious, and the longdrop has the North Mangahao Biv, in the northern gof for an A-frame design, althoughthe best view of anyl have visited. tip off the Tararuas is a bit of a strange most impressive was a3-sideds shelter, one. Although thel biv itself is in great large enough to stand up in. Finally, my favourite biv would have to condition, there is only oner route to and be Oriwa. Thel biv is inl better condition from it, which is surrounded by thick OLD DUNGERS than most, but it is really the location scrub, andi is miles awayt from anything The old Tarn (Flridge Hut would fit into that makes this one special. The else. A strange location indeed. this category. Itwas pretty damp inside clearing in which the biv is located ("no, that green stuff on the walls isn't comes as a pleasant surprise when INTERESTING DECORATIONS paint"), but was still a welcome sight walking along the ridge, andi feels calm Sayers Hut is practically covered in through the clag and snow on a cold, and peaceful, like an island retreat in signs ofvarious descriptions, andcould winter's night. It wasn't too secure in as sea of bush. A magic little spot, and keep you interested for hours reading high winds and used to rock and roll well worth a visit. TRAMPING & MOUNTAINEERING