Thread: Solo trip - Tararuas

Originally Posted by initiaz

Hi Guys

Just some of what I recall from the trip..


Basically my first trip in that area so was more like exploring the options..
Plans got bit changed as of friday evening as some visitors poped in from Auckland.. Visitors on friday means they will be in for Kava.. (Fijian traditional drink) so I called 2 of my regulars to join in for the kava session.. this went on till quite late so oviuosly i was not going to make it to site at first light.. i also seemed to be developing sinus and was feeling bit sick..

Woke up around 10am on Saturday and had breakfast. All my stuff was packed up and all I had to do was get my rifle out of the safe and get all the gears in the car.

Left home around 11am and reached carpark around 12pm. This was my first time in their so I basically didnt know which track to take.. there was 2 - 3 tracks that were going in from where I had parked. I knew this would be the case that is why my initial plan to come in early was to check the tracks and then come back for the camping stuff in the car later.. Now since I was already late I had to take my stuff as there would be no time coming back for it.

I chose one of the tracks that looked to be going in the direction of the river as my plans was to walk up the river and check out the re generating bushes.. I walked up about 2km up the river and found a good camping spot.. decision to make camp there was taken.. also i didnt want to carry all the camping gear up to deep as it would be a trouble getting all back if i managed to score a animal.

Camp setup, had a bit of rest than went out to check a near by area.. it was a pine forest patch that I thought would be worth checking before I moved further up the river. there was some good clearings around the pine boundaries but no animal signs. I thought may be it was too close as I was just about 2 - 3 km from the entrance.

Came back to camp, grabed a quick snack and had a smoko break.. than I started walking up the river to check out.. really got pissed after working a little up from the campsite.. came to swim hole that did not have any way to pass it from either side. the only way up was to swim across it. I didnt much like the idea of doing that specially for the next morning b4 light..

This was the turning point of the trip.. kind of f**kd up.. I couldnt go further up and looking in the clearings I already checked out in the pine would be fruitless as I had not seen even the slightest of the signs.. to further this it was quite in late in the afternoon and packing up and moving back to the carpark to check another track was not sounding very good option. So i just made my mind to the fact that I can just explore and have a good time while am there..

Next morning woke up at first light and went back to the pine patch to have a look.. was hoping to atleast see a bunny or rabbit to burst but no luck again.. the place was dead as..

so after a hour o 2 walk around came back to camp, had breakfast and packed up.. reached carpark around 10am. loaded everything in the car and just with a small backpack with ammo and knife I walked up another track with the rifle.. the track had a steady climb for about an hr before decending to the river further up till where I had managed to reach the previous day.. I knew I had taken the wrong track yesterday when I came in.. Had I taken this track earlier it would have been a totally different story..

I reached the river bed after about 1 and half hours walk.. this is where I should have camped the night before and sure enough I would have spooked on a deer at first light, but anyways it was kind of late to ponder on that now.. I walked up further up the river and now I could visibly see signs of animal around.. since it was about mid day I knew I wasnt going to see any deer.. it was already getting late and I needed to head back as it would be a long work back to the car park..

Finally reached the car park in the mid afternoon and recalling all drove back towards home.. All in all out it was a great walk, a good adventure and a new learning experience.. Left a note for the deers in there to watch out for their ass when I walk back in there again fairly soon... lol



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Good work mate you took the positives from that trip so your winning in my book.

Sent from my HUAWEI Y210-0100 using Tapatalk 2

Originally Posted by ebf

Initiaz, use old pillow slips for meat, not plastic garbage bag.

Keep doing what you're doing, maybe earlier starts repeat for several Tararua road ends, learn the area and you will soon have several likely spots.

Try to go at least 2-3 hours in, less people. Once you get to the hunting area, get off the track, move into the wind and go SLOWLY.

The red deer book by Saxton &. Lentle from local library is good, also try to get Spot X hunting book.

Canned food is very heavy. Nuts, cheese, salami etc are all good protein snacks.

thanks mate

i have spot x book but it basically has info just like DOC site.. shows da hutt infos access roads n what to find in those areas..

i find more info frm you all here when you guys put feed backs and i also read all posts frm forum members and pic out the details..

i appreciate you guys support alot.. special thanks to @silentscope

Initiaz, Always use the sleeping bag rather than your blanket as the weather in the bush can change very quickly and I would rather be hot in a bag than freezing my nads off wrapped in a blanket. You can always unzip the bag. For a weekend jaunt you should only need one gas canister. As already said, toss the cans.

For myself I very rarely use a tent but always carry a good fly instead. Keep at it

Originally Posted by Chop3r

Initiaz, Always use the sleeping bag rather than your blanket as the weather in the bush can change very quickly and I would rather be hot in a bag than freezing my nads off wrapped in a blanket. You can always unzip the bag. For a weekend jaunt you should only need one gas canister. As already said, toss the cans.

For myself I very rarely use a tent but always carry a good fly instead. Keep at it

I guess you are right with the sleeping bag thing.. will make sure I have that when am out there..

The last thing I want happening is freezing out there...

Cheers

Originally Posted by initiaz

I guess you are right with the sleeping bag thing.. will make sure I have that when am out there..

The last thing I want happening is freezing out there...

Cheers

Do you need a sleeping bag fulla? ive got a second one its a little heavy but works fine in the bush!

Originally Posted by Neckshot

Do you need a sleeping bag fulla? ive got a second one its a little heavy but works fine in the bush!

hi mate

that would be great.. thanks man

all guys on here are such wonderful pple.. loving evrymoment of it..

now i check this forums more than facebook

cheers

Originally Posted by initiaz

hi mate

that would be great.. thanks man

all guys on here are such wonderful pple.. loving evrymoment of it..

now i check this forums more than facebook

cheers

Pm me and we will try to get this to you

Sent from my HUAWEI Y210-0100 using Tapatalk 2

Originally Posted by initiaz

hi mate

that would be great.. thanks man

all guys on here are such wonderful pple.. loving evrymoment of it..

now i check this forums more than facebook
cheers

Good move, noone on FB is as generous with help and even gear than the people on here!
Top man Neckshot

Originally Posted by initiaz

now i check this forums more than facebook

You don't need your faceinabook. All you need is the NZHS forum.

Originally Posted by Neckshot

Do you need a sleeping bag fulla? ive got a second one its a little heavy but works fine in the bush!

Top bloke Neckshot. You are a good bastard among good bastards

I like your wee write-ups, and enjoying following your progress, you seem to be doing alright and taking lots on board, I have had 2 day walks in the Tararuas, I love the place, something special about it