Location: Kaimanawa Forest Park
Track: Urchin Track to Waipakihi Valley
Distance: 16km in and out
Duration: Overnight
Stay: Camp beside the Waipakihi River
My friends and I were keen to get away from Auckland city life, camp somewhere we could have a fire, and share a couple of drinks together. We only had two nights and a late start on the Friday, so we needed something that could essentially be done overnight.
I’d stayed by the Waipakihi River before, so I knew there were countless camp spots up and down the valley. I also wanted to show my friends how beautiful the Waipakihi Valley is. It did not disappoint.We left Auckland at about 6.30pm and arrived at Urchin Campsite just after 11pm. It was pretty much tents up and straight to bed. We woke to pristine bluebird conditions and promptly dismantled camp. Because this was more of a casual tramp, we’d brought along a few beers to share down by the river, so we divvied those up and off we went.
The initial climb up to Urchin Summit is around 593 metres of elevation gain through beautiful bush. It took us about two hours this time. I remember doing this track previously with a pack that was really built for ultralight missions, and I was a bit overzealous with what I crammed into it. This time, with my Osprey Rook 65, things were much better. I made better time and didn’t destroy my shoulders in the process.
At the top we were greeted with incredible views over Mt Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe, and the surrounding Kaimanawa Ranges. After a couple of Clif Bars and cups of tea, we headed another 30 minutes or so across the ridgeline before descending down the signposted track into the valley, where the marked track ends.
The descent is short and steep, with fairly technical terrain under heavy packs. I regretted not bringing trekking poles as I watched my friends getting down with far more ease than me. That said, we reached the river within about three and a half hours.
Then came the important job: picking a nice spot to set up camp and have some lunch. The valley is littered with incredible camping spots, which somehow makes it harder to choose one. After a wander upstream and a couple of river crossings, we found a good spot.
After a lazy camp setup, and getting the beers into the river fridge, we found a good place to swim. It was refreshing, to say the least. Then we made our way back to get a campfire going.
Before we knew it the sun was setting, and it was time for me to show my mates my famous hot rocks pizza. All agreed it was worth bringing in the block of cheese and onions for.
I was also excited to see how my Exped Ultra sleeping mat would go, as this was my first time using it. My friend had recently bought one too, and we were both stoked with an epic night’s sleep. Being a side sleeper, the width of the mat meant my hips never hit the ground, and I liked that it was one of the quieter mats too. I’m a fairly active sleeper, so that matters.
The next morning we woke to another absolute bluebird day. We broke down camp early and headed back up over the tops. For a quick overnight mission, it was well worth the seven or so hours in the car there and back.
It was just really nice to get outside for a casual trip and catch up with friends. An easy weekender from Auckland, and a pretty good reminder that you don’t always need a massive mission to feel like you’ve properly got away.
Gear Notes
Exped Ultra Sleeping Mat 6.5R
One of the best nights’ sleep I’ve had in the backcountry. Comfortable and supportive for a side sleeper plus quiet enough for those who roll around.
Osprey Rook 65
Super comfortable for the load I was carrying. Best all-rounder pack i've used.
What I’d Change Next Time
I wore Asics Trabucco Max trail shoes. Given the technical nature of the descent, the stack height made for some unstable footing. I also didn’t take trekking poles, which I regretted pretty quickly.
