Labour Weekend generally marks the end of winter and the beginning of the Spring and Summer tramping season, it's one of my most favourite long weekends.
This years trip had us embarking on a last minute plan c, due to the Department of Conservation running an aerial 1080 drop through the Arthurs Pass areas which was plans a and b.
The intention for the trip was to depart Ashburton early on Friday morning and head to Engineers Camp near Boyle Village, from here cross Boyle River and head up the Doubtful River valley taking the Lake Man track to Lake Man Biv. Next day we would head over the saddle and down to the Hope River valley and upstream to Hot Springs Stream to camp for the night. Third day we head back down valley to either Hope Kiwi Hut or Hope Halfway Hut. Our final day would have us returning to cross the Boyle River back to Engineers Camp and head home.
Day 1 - Engineers Camp to Lake Man Biv
We left Ashburton at 7am heading for Engineers Camp, after a quick stop at the French Bakehouse in Amberley for hot takeaway beverages and some food for the day we were back on the road.
When we arrived at Engineers Camp, Tania did a quick scout of the Boyle River to see if she could see a good place to cross, unfortunately the river gorges a bit behind this area so we decided to follow the road for about 700 metres, then head down to the river and cross near the confluence with the Doubtful. Success, the place we selected was nice and wide with a good current, only the bottoms of our shorts got wet.
I'd been told to stick with river bed travel up the Doubtful for as much as possible because the marked track went high and was boggy in places, this was a good decision as the river bed made for easier quicker travel. We eventually stopped for morning tea at one of the side creeks before continuing on, stopping briefly at Doubtful Hut followed by lunch at the start of the Lake Man Track.
From here the track climbed gradually at first and then steeper before emerging into a clearing just below the biv. Lake Man Biv is located just in a fairly cold damp spot just inside the bushline, there is very limited spaces for tenting, no long drop and a small creek for water.
Day 2 - Lake Man Biv to Hot Springs Stream
We packed up and headed away from the biv about 7.30am with the intention of reaching the saddle and climbing to point 1532 for views down to Lake Man.
From the biv the track climbs towards the bushline and open tussock slopes over the saddle. Once in the scrubby tussock lands we had impressive views of the Doubtful Valley below and the clearing near where the biv is situated. This tussock section is steep for about 200 metres before levelling out over the tarn studded saddle. We all agreed if we were to come back to this place we would camp up here rather than at the biv.
We dropped our packs and headed for point 1532, as we climbed low cloud started rolling through threatening to derail our view of Lake Man. Upon reaching the view point our effort was rewarded with views towards Mt Lake Man and the lake itself, surrounded by snow.
Returning to our packs we enjoyed the sunny location and 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains, having a snack before continuing down towards the Hope Valley.
I wish I had read the track notes for this next section of track as I would have been far more prepared for the shear descent that was to come, I believe the DOC notes suggest that there is a near vertical section to navigate.
After the saddle the scrubby tussock drops steeply into the bush before following the spur high above the stream below. At around point 1005 the vertical stuff begins with exposed drop offs on either side. Extreme caution is required here along with a head for heights and careful foot placement. Eventually this section ends at the stream which is strewn with boulders and trees from recent weather events. We followed this down for a bit, eventually selecting a sheltered spot to sit and enjoy lunch.
The going gets much easier from here, following the stream until entering the river flats of the Hope. We crossed the river with ease arriving at Top Hope Hut a short time later for afternoon tea. Sections of the marked track are littered with windfall requiring climbing under, over and around, it would have been much easier and quicker to have stayed in the river bed, especially with the low flow.
Eventually we arrived at the confluence with Hot Springs Stream and headed up to a nice area to set up camp for the night. Once settled in we headed up stream seeking out the natural hot springs, all the while catching wafts of sulfur in the air. Fortunately the hot pools are marked by a large green triangle attached to a tree on the true right. There are two hot pools in here, we labelled them as toasty and roasty. It is easy enough to control the temperature by diverting the cold stream into either pool.
After a long enjoyable soak, it was time to head back down river to our camp for dinner and a well earned sleep.
Day 3 - Hot Springs Stream to Hope Kiwi Hut
Once again we were packed up and heading away early heading down valley, destination either Hope Kiwi Hut or Hope Halfway Hut.
We opted to keep to the river bed rather than tackling the marked track and fighting our way around fallen trees. After cris-crossing many times we eventually made it back to the junction with the Lake Man track, and from here we were following the marked track towards St Jacobs Hut.
This section of track follow an old farm vehicle track, alternating through open grassy river flats and bush.
Arriving at St Jacobs Hut, we encountered two Australian hunters who had flown in a few days before for a week of hunting and enjoying our wonderful back country. We enjoyed a leisurely conversation over lunch in the sun, all while being attacked by sandflies.
Just below the hut we met a couple who had been staying at Hope Kiwi Lodge and were heading up valley for a day trip, they informed us that Hope Halfway Hut was likely to be full for the night and suggested that we head to Hope Kiwi Lodge instead.
Carrying on through grassy river flats and bush, navigating windfall, we eventually arrived at the junction with Te Araroa Trail, our decision had already been made and we headed towards Hope Kiwi Lodge. A slight oversight on the track markers had us following the horse track along the river to the hut rather than the marked hikers track.
Hope Kiwi Lodge is a 1960's lockwood structure with its history attached to the Scouts, it has two bunk rooms and a large kitchen and communal area.
We lazed in the sun drying out socks and boots, hoping to keep them dry for the walk out the next day.
Day 4 - Hope Kiwi Lodge to Engineers Camp
Another early start and an overcast day for the final day our our Labour Weekend adventure. We opted to follow the DOC marked hiking track through bush, following Te Araroa Trail.
We crossed the swingbridge over the Hope River and continued on to Hope Halfway Hut, which had been full the night before, after morning tea we carried on following the trail which sidles beside the river and eventually reaches Windy Point, with us taking the Tui Track and heading towards Engineers Camp.
We managed to find a place to cross the river, as it was deep and quick flowing we decided to link up for a safer crossing. Wet undies this time!
Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable trip into two valleys I have never entered before. I cannot wait to get back here and do some more exploring.
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