Thread: Tramper missing in Tararuas

Originally Posted by Puffin

Certainly an interesting and somewhat alarming read @Tararuas hunter

In light of this would it be possible please to advise what Tararua headwaters you would include in a list to be avoided for this reason, or are they too numerous? I'm thinking of rivers as described; multiple waterfalls and where it is also too steep to climb out. Isabelle Ck historically, though it might be just the one large waterfall with the ability to sidle rather than a trap situation? The upper Tauherinikau is another I've heard to avoid, but again this might just be because it is impassable when in flood. Sooner or later in the Tararuas the need arises to duck off the tops and it would be good to have an idea of headwater routes to definitely avoid - or to only use below a given confluence?

Google earth in 3D is a useful tool. Tells you terrain and likely slips and clearings.

I now have the rule that if I am moving then if I can get to a track then to just use it. I've done too many "short cuts" that turned into nightmares.

They tried to do a short cut. I have found that most of the tracks are where they are for a good reason.

If I'm hunting then of course its off piste and you just have to be able to turn tail and run if it is too dangerous. Quitting while you are ahead can be life saving.