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The tramp to Mitre Flats begins west of Masterton (where we had stayed
at a b&b the night before). The tramp along the river to Mitre Flats Hut is tough going as the trail is narrow, rocky
& slippery, and it took four hours to cover the 7 kilometres. We arrived at the hut midday, and it appeared that
we would have it to ourselves. But by evening all 20 sleeping spaces were filled. The woodstove provided needed
warmth as the temperature plummeted to below freezing overnight. In the morning we awoke to crystal clear skies and
we were out by 7 am and on our way up to the tops. We reached the bushline in 2 hours and carried on for another half
hour to gain the ridge where spectacular views unfolded. The near windless conditions at that altitude are an unusual luxury
in the Tararuas, and we lingered for some time. The tramp back to the hut and then out to the roadend took six more
hours, and we finished the day weary but glad we'd made the effort.
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