A late change to going on Saturday instead of Sunday meant we had excellent weather for this loop tramp on the Takaka Hill.
8 trampers left Richmond at 8am and were ready to set off at about 9.20 from the Canaan Downs car park. It was 50mins walking to Wainui Saddle then a steep climb through the bush to the high point and out to the lookout over Canaan Downs for morning tea. Another 20 mins and we were at the junction of Wainui Saddle Track and The Inland Track. It was a pleasant undulating walk for an hour along Evans Ridge to reach the turnoff to Wainui Hut. Here we had lunch but did not linger as it became rather cool.
It was a steep but good track down to Wainui Stream where we saw remnants of hail in places, then a further 10mins along the river and a river crossing brought us out to Wainui Hut. The sun was out and we enjoyed resting in this lovely sheltered open flat, and poked about in this old rustic but solid hut.
Wainui Hut
Wainui Hut turnoff