Leitch's Retreat (King Country) Traditional Cache
Leitch's Retreat (King Country)
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Leitch's Clearing is in the Whareorino Forest west from Piopio. It is a wonderful retreat.
There are 2 options for getting to this cache: Leitch's Track Time: 3 hr to Leitch's Hut Access to Leitch's Track is off Leitch Road via Mangaotaki Road (turn westwards at Piopio). From the car park at the end of Leitch Road, the track enters Whareorino Forest. A former surveyed road, this popular and clearly marked track is well graded and the shortest route to Leitch's Hut. Mahoenui Track (#17) Time: 3 hr to Leitch's Hut This pleasant track follows the Awakino River from Chris Barker's farm on Gribbon Road upstream to Leitch's Hut. (Please phone owners for access and parking permission first on +64 7 877 8746). Follow the river north to the junction with the Waikawau Track. Cross to the east bank of the Awakino and walk north for five minutes to the hut. In winter and periods of heavy rain the river may be too deep to cross. Check the weather forecast before walking this track. These are the 2 shortest routes, check the DoC website for alternative routes, a 7 or 4 hr option. All the tracks will get a bit muddy after rain, but it is an enjoy tramp with a "wonderful" retreat at the end! Hut details Leitch's Hut is available for overnight use. It is a Standard Hut ($5.00 per aduilt, $2.50 per youth per night). Mattresses, a wood-burning stove for heating and a toilet are provided. You will need to carry a portable stove for cooking. There are many areas suitable for camping in Leitch's clearing. If you want to camp and use hut facilities you still need to purchase a hut ticket. There are 16 bunks, but there is always room for one more! This is perfectly suitable for most ages, but an over night trip is much more enjoyable, and you can enjoy the retreatness of it! If you want to go exploring a bit, there is a beautiful waterfall, about 1 hours walk from the hut. If you go down the Mahoenui Track until you hit the bush, you take the first stream on the left that you cross and follow it for about 15mins, or until there is a cliff in the way! There is a bit of treefall, but it is easy to dodge. Just be prepared that your feet will get wet! S 38 26.185 E 174 45.914 is where the track crosses the stream that you take.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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