Leader: David Blunt

This joint trip with WTC went ahead despite a weather forecast which was not too good. It was raining when we left Nelson at 8am and were relieved that upon reaching Havelock it was still dry, albeit with some threatening clouds.

From there we proceeded to the Mount Cawte Scenic Reserve in Moetapu Bay, Pelorus Sound, and the start of an unmarked track up the ridge line. This had been put in about four years ago by parties from the nearby Outward Bound school to assist the local community with pest control.

The track is well-graded with numerous steps and passes largely through regenerating bush. Unfortunately, as we got higher, the cloud came in and we were denied the lovely views from the lookout points. After a 1.5-hour climb, the summit was reached and lunch was held there in misty drizzle.

The return journey was made with an afternoon tea stopover at the Slip Inn in Havelock.

There were 15 people on the trip who found it to be very worthwhile and enjoyable. The biggest disappointment was that only three NTC members were on it – Ian Morris, Chris Louth, and myself.