10 Trampers set off from the Maitai Dam about 8.20 on a clear cool slightly frosty morning for this long circuit over Dun Mountain. A good pace was set, and quickly we were warm and climbing the Dun Mountain trail.

We had separated into a fast and slow group but met up over morning tea about 10.30 well up towards the turnoff to Dun Saddle.

Yumi at Dun saddle

At the Dun Saddle turnoff one of our group decided to reduce his walk for the day and made his way to Coppermine Saddle and return to his car. The rest of the group caught up with the faster group at Dun Mountain Shelter where we had lunch.

Dun Mountain lunch at hut

At 1pm  we continued to the high point of Dun Mtn (1129M) where we paused to take in the views and noted Tapuae-o-Uenuku in the distance. A quick descent to a saddle before the slog up Little Twin (1143M). We paused at the top before the steep descent and on to Dew Lakes where we arrived at 3pm. A break here where some of our party explored the Lakes, and the views at the lookout to Rai Valley and the Pelorus Sound. At Dew Lakes the track marker indicated 2.5hrs back to the dam, but we did it in 2hrs, arriving back at the cars at 5.20. We had had a brief stop at the Pakohe mine site. It was good to see that there was a better sign marking this site.

It was an excellent day walk, good company, good discussions, and perfect weather. 20 km walked with 1220m climb in total

Participants:
Graeme, Rosie-Anne, Tony, Yumi, Richard, Chris, Kath (leader and scribe) and visitors Jerry, Isobel and Phil