D31- Makino hut to Studholme Saddle hut

The wind has died off overnight. Its a cook start but soon turns into another hot day. There's no water en - route today so its necessary to carry a days worth with me. The recently cut track continues SW to the junction with the track to Mangaturutu. It seems the track cutters went that way as the track south to the tops still has snow damage. About half way up i hear chainsaws, and meet the cutters going the other way, from here it's clear.
Gaining altitude, the track enters stunted beech and eventually open tops. There's no leatherwood scrub here just open scree and alpine herbs. There's a poled route to follow tho its obvious in clear weather, junctions with other spurs are marked with good old Kaweka aluminium signs. The ridge is broad and easy going the entire way, no narrow, crumbling line to follow. It climbs steadily to Whetu (1650m). From here it drops, climbs, drops, climbs and drops before a final steep slog to North Kaweka, where its relitively flat to the Kaweka J summit. The map shows a spring to the west, but I've never been able to find it.
At 1724m, Kaweka J is the highest point in the range and the highest on this trip. On a clear day it offers stunning views. East to Napier and the coast, south to the Ruahine, West to the Kaimanawa and volcanoes, and North over the Urewera. A twin peak on the northern horizon may well be Te Rangaakapua. A mound of rocks serves as a memorial to Hereataunga tramping club members, and the remains of a trig marks the summit.
Continuing south along the range, altitude is lost more quickly. Passing Mad Dog hill (1631), a sigh labeled Stunholme hut points down a spur running parallel to the main range. The route then drops steeply west into a gully head. Studholme Saddle hut is not on the saddle, instead the valley beside, nestled in a pocket of beech at the limit of its existence. Being out the sun it's a cold spot, nicknamed snowy hollow, tho theres no snow on my visit. Its a small 4 bunk hut with an open fire, a small but reliable creek provides a water source. The last time i was here, wood was scarce, but im suprised to see the hut well stocked and the creek littered with wood.