Thursday tramp to Makahika hill

21 July - Our Thursday tramping group (fourteen of us) headed up the Makahika track in behind Levin.  After an hour’s walking along the Te Araroa trail we turned off track and up a ridge to Makahika hill, 658m.  The bush is surprisingly open and the route is mostly well taped.  The destination could hardly be called a hill, although a spot height, it is in the bush, flat, boggy and has no view.  A large deer wallow and a short pipe in the ground with a few tapes indicate the location.  From here we traversed at a similar height to rejoin the Te Araroa trail above Archey’s Lookout.  After enjoying the sunshine and views here we walked back out the Te Araroa trail to our start at the car park, a walk of 6 1/2 hours with several stops.  I was the leader today and was very pleased to have a fine, calm day for an adventure in the bush off the main trails. 

 Our first challenge was a stream crossing

 In the bush

 Enjoying the view, and the sunshine at Archey's Lookout

 Taking a break at a campsite on the way out