Moa Saddle Report Feb 2010

Moa Saddle Trip 5-7th February 2010
The route for this tramp commenced on the bank of the Wilberforce River almost opposite the Moa Stream. After crossing the Wilberforce, the route went up the Moa Stream, then into the North Branch, over the Moa Saddle, down the Unknown Stream to the Wilberforce River and then back to the starting point.
The group comprised Claire Matoe, Charlie Ledbrook, Ray Twist, John Wisker, Angus Macdonald, Dave Collins, Mary Miller, Judith Berkett, Stu McHugh (leader) and Neil Helson.
The first part of the trip involved a most interesting 9km 4WD drive from Glenthorne Station which saved a hard hot slog across boulder streams and rocky river flats.
Crossing the Wilberforce opposite the Moa Stream presented no problems, and there was time to divert along the true right of the Wilberforce to the Moa Hut, where  some time was spent searching nearby for surveyors pegs which were used to mark out sections  in 1885.
From there we headed up the Moa Stream (where some had a swim !) to the Moa Stream Hut (4 bunks) set back from the stream in the bush. Camp sites near the hut were not brilliant so a small group headed back to the stream to camp nearer the water.
The next day we entered the North Branch  which started with  hard large boulders, and then gave way to open tussock (Moa Basins). On the way Stu pointed out the location of the gold mining activity and explained a lot about the history of the area. There was a touch of déjà vu with the recent collapse of finance companies, in that none of the mining produced any gold - investors were told that the "quartz samples showed positive signs".
The climb up to the Saddle was very gradual, but the drop from the Saddle down to the Unknown Stream involved either a vaguely marked ridge route or a steep gut.  After checking with Brabyn and Bryant, we opted for the gut which at times was quite exciting.
After a hot walk down the Unknown Stream through waist high tussock and having a look at the Unknown Hut (4bunks) we found a suitable camp site just after crossing  Gibson Stream.   
The next morning we headed for the Wilberforce, which now being less braided presented a more formidable river crossing.
After two brilliantly hot and sunny days, the third day soon veiled with high cloud which was ideal for the 14km walk back to the cars.
The trip was characterised by superb mountain scenery, a group who enjoyed each other's company, and tramping conditions which involved river crossings, valleys, steep rock sections, tussock flats and tenting.
Stu is to be thanked for his thorough organisation and excellent leadership and Charlie and John for the use of their 4WD vehicles.
Neil Helson