ANATOKI TRACK

Kahurangi National Park – November 2021

​The BCT Golden Bay track team hit the hills again, teaming up with DOC staff to do the four-yearly scub-cut and windfall run on the Anatoki–Waingaro Track. Both neighbouring track sections have been cut in the last two years, so completing this work will bring the whole circuit up to a consistent standard. 

arriving at anatoki forks hut

​Between 8-11 November the team, comprising Nick Cradock, Darryl Anderson, Rod Barker and Brian Alder headed into Anatoki Hut.  They were joined by DOC rangers Joe Hammond and Barry Matheson, who operated the sharp end of the chainsaws, while Neil Murray provided logistical support.

In four days they cleared through to Sopers Shelter before the weather closed in. By all accounts, the sunny weather and fine backcountry scenery made for a great week. Several of the team made mention of the birdlife.

the anatoki chainsaw massacre

​This from Rod: ‘Highlights for me was the birdsong, kiwi calling in the evenings, being woken by a kiwi near my fly camp at Anatoki ... the conversations and humour during breaks and when hanging out at camp were great ... Lots of side streams and rivers have amazingly clear water for drinking, and taking a dip to cool off was nice too.’

soper shelter

​And this from Brian: ‘We got through all the planned work in good time, did a good job and had a great time. The bird life in at Soper Shelter at Lake Stanley is amazing, really impressive diversity and the volume of the dawn chorus was incredible. We had kiwi calling in the campsite too; very cool.’

camp oven cookery

​Altogether, a great joint DOC-BCT project.

​A second week of work clearing from Soper Shelter through to Waingaro Hut is being planned now.