PINNACLE MOUNT RUAPEHU 29 MARCH 2025. It was a 9am start from the Whakapapa Village on the Chateau ridge track. The early morning sun shone horizontally through the alpine trees with a display of moving lights and shadows. After reaching the picnic table we went off track making a steady climb through knee high vegetation then onto rocky slopes. After an hour we had morning tea on a ridge that was covered in what looked like patches of snow.   It was an alpine plant called vegetable sheep (Raoulia Eximia) as it resembles woolly sheep from a distance.    This fascinating plant forms dense cushion-like mats. The views looking back were extensive.  Mount Taranaki could be seen tucked to one side of Hauhangatahi. Looking up in front of us was Mount Ruapehu covered in cloud that was coming down to the bottom of the Pinnacle rocks for our day’s objective. Another hour of steady climbing got us to a high point of 1476M. Cloud had come over the Pinnacles so we decided not to go any further as we wouldn’t get the views we wanted. We were about 800M and a 200M altitude climb short of our objective. After a quick lunch we made our way down a steep ridge to the Wairere Stream. We could see in the distance the suns reflection off a manmade structure which couldn’t identify.  (Later we found out it was the toilet at the Taranaki / Tama Lakes turn off) The Wairere stream provided us with a great display of waterfalls, glacier worn rocks and the soothing sound of bubbling water. Once back on the Around the Mountain Track we took the Taranaki Falls loop track back to the Chateau. The forecasted rain started and on went our rain gear. We arrived back at the car at 3pm. A 6hour 10Km round trip.  Those on the trip were Jenny and Peter. PP

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​TANGARAKAU WEEKENDER 21-23 MARCH 2025. It was advertised as a weekend of easy walks at the scenic location of the Bushlands Motor Camp. In the end, only 2 members took part. We travelled to the motor camp on Friday afternoon in time to set up our tent site for our accommodation. On Saturday morning we drove 30minutes to the start of the 17Km Moki track. It was a road built in the 1920s for farming development but as with other areas, it was abandoned in the 1950s. For the first 2Km the old road crossed farmland to an old hunter’s hut. From there we entered Tawa Forest following the Waitara River. There were many wind-falls across the track providing many obstacles to negotiate. The track was narrow with some slippery papa rock and we crossed over 3 swing bridges with 20M vertical drops over narrow creeks. Having walked 7.5Km until 12-30pm it was time for lunch perched on the leafy ground beside the 3rd bridge and returned the same way. On Sunday we did an easy hour and half walk up a beautiful farm valley with a stream and a backdrop of green native forest. We returned to the Motor Camp for lunch then did a new walk to a high point overlooking the old Tangarakau township area. During the weekend the motor camp was quiet with just a few very friendly campers and a family stopping in one of the cabins. There was no internet access so people had time to chat to each other. One hunter very generously gave us 4 venison legs to take home. We enjoyed the easy weekend of walks without the usual organising and deadlines. Those attending: Barbara and Peter. PP

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KURATAU WALK 15 MARCH 2025. 8 trampers for this walk leaving town at 8.30amand meeting up with 2 of the group at the Omori Store. We started our walk at the Kuratau River mouth by 9.30am to lovely weather and not too hot. We followed the lake shore all the way in excellent condition with the birdsong and beautiful views of the lake. We stopped for morning tea on the shore watching the boats coming in and out of the boat ramp. We then carried on to Pukawa and once there sat for a short rest to then turn around carrying on the same track back to the Omori steps taking us to a family home where we ate our lunch at 12midday. Returning back to the cars we followed the road down to the river mouth. Finishing at 1.30pm. A wonderful 4 hour walk through lovely native bush - approx 10ks. Enjoyed by: Peter, Michael, Renate, Barbara, Sharyn, Helen, Greg & Jenny. JD

 

Te Maire Walk 15th February 2025.

We had 5 walkers for this walk. Peter, Jenny, Barbara, Michael & Renata. Peter, Jenny & Barbara went by car out to the track leaving at 1pm. Michael & Renata biked all the way there, joined us on the walk then biked home again. The stream crossing was no problem as the stream was a trickle. So it was nice not to get wet feet, like previous times.

The track was in excellent condition and it was lovely and cool on the track with a nice breeze at the top. We proceeded from the car to the top in half an hour with no stops, so we were pretty pleased with our progress, then had our break at the top and a chat. We then arrived back at the car in 1hour 10 minutes. We watched Michael & Renata setting off then headed for home. Enjoyed by all.   Jenny.

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Club BBQ at Taringamutu Tuesday 11th February 2025.   Thunder storm rain cleared at 5pm for our 5-30pm BBQ. The weather may have put a lot of members off in coming so only 6 turned up. The clouds cleared and we had comfortable evening beside the Taringamutu Stream which was higher than usual due to the afternoon rain. I like the venue as it is private and has a nice quiet bush setting beside a rocky stream. Those present were Jill, Jenny, Sue, Jan, Mike and myself Peter

 

​WHANGANUI WEEKEND TIP 24 – 27 JANUARY 2025. We had the privilege of being hosted by the Whanganui Tramping to explore their tramping area. We all meet up at the Boys and Girls Gym Centre on Friday afternoon where there was bunk room accommodation. Saturday 8.30am we set off in two Whanganui Tramping Club vans for 1hour 40minute drive on NZs longest no exit road up the remote Waitotara Valley north east of Whanganui.   We had a variety of scenery as we followed the river with bush and farmland. At our destination, we started our tramp on an old road that was built in 1894. It was a steady climb passing farmland into beech forest then back into a pine plantation as we made our way down to Lake Mangawhio. Graeme from the Whanganui Tramping Club had arrived in his vehicle using another access road to meet us for lunch. We had a pleasant surprise as he had a BBQ set up with sausages and buttered bread supplied for us. It was so unexpected. The lake just a few hundred metres further down the road, was in a very scenic bush setting. Graeme explained that in 2015 after a major flood, the lake burst its bank and now it is now 8M lower. Graeme also talked about the history of the area and had old photos to show how things had changed. After lunch we returned to our vehicles by the same track taking us to a total tramping distance of 19.3 Km. Dorothy put a star 5star dinner at her home for our two clubs. Sunday morning 8am we again set off in two vans to visit the Manawatu Gorge Track. The weather was unsettled with drizzle. After arriving at the car park, we admired the construction of the new road bridge and the work surrounding it. There were new toilets and information boards for the walkers on the tracks. The gorge bush walk was a steady climb much harder than the previous day with steps to negotiate. The thick canopy of the bush protected us from the rain and the track remained dry throughout the day. The bush had a wide variety of trees and vegetation including numerous Nikau Palms. As we drew closer to the top of the ridge, we could hear the Wind Turbines and from viewpoints we could catch a glimpse. 12-30pm was our lunch stop near a wind turbine and picnic table. We made good time returning to our vans giving a total tramping distance of 11Km. Dinner was at the St Johns Club. Monday morning 8-30am we visited the Durie hill tower via the tunnel and elevator. From there we did an easy walk along the Whanganui River Walkway followed by watching glass blowing at NZ Glassworks and looking at displays, then it was off to the Sarjeant Art Gallery and a Cafe.  Thanks go to the Whanganui Tramping Club for hosting a well organised weekend. Special thanks go to Dorothy and Shane who looked after us throughout the weekend. Also, Graeme who supplied us with the surprise lunch and his talk, the trip leaders and drivers for the Vans. A great weekend enjoyed by Sharyn, Mark, Jill, Annie, Sue, Barbara and myself Peter.   PP

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TANGARAKAU 11-12 JANUARY 2025. We set off with overnight packs from the Bushlands Motor Camp at Tangarakau at 8-30am with fine weather. The first Km was on the Okahukura Stratford Railway line to a tunnel. From here we turned off and climbed up a bush covered gully to a ridge that led us to a high point. From here we picked up an old NZ Electricity Department Power Pylon access track that led us into forest following shady moss-covered creeks then up a to the Red Hut built by the Ohura High School where we had lunch at 12pm. After lunch we started a descent back down the track to creeks where we topped up our water bottles. Most of us carried 3 to 4 litres of water because we were going to be on ridge tops until mid-afternoon the next day. We had to use the precious water sparingly for dinner, breakfast and lunch. From the creek it was another Km of uphill climbing to our overnight campsite with our extra load. We arrived at the hill top campsite at 4-30pm, an 8hour tramp.  The campsite was a grassy knob with amazing 360degree views. It was partially cloudy but we could see the Taranaki and the Tongariro mountains. Surrounding us, were ridges of native bush with spots of farmland seen on the horizon. After dinner Mark ran a Yoga session to ease some of our aches and pains. During the night moreporks were very vocal, calling out to their mates from both sides of the valleys. Bell birds made a beautiful and melodious chorus before sunrise.  We set off the next morning at 8-30am following untracked ridges that would eventually take us back the track near the Red Hut. The undulating ridge tops were over grown with ferns and windfall and so progress was slow. We relied on using local knowledge, map, compass, GPS and a smart phone app to get us in the right direction. There were very few landmarks. Spurs coming off the high points were confusing. A few errors were made which caused us to retreat. We missed the main ridge leading back to the Red Hut which meant sidling and climbing around steep terrain until we were back onto the ridge where we had a late lunch at 1pm. After lunch we followed the ridge until we spotted a power pylon which was our target to get back onto the main track. We arrived back at the Red Hut at 2-30pm where we had a break and finished off the last of our water until we could get down to the creek below, about 1 hour tramp away. We returned to the Bushlands Motor camp at 5-30pm following the same route that we had taken the previous day. It has been a while since our club has done an overnight tramping trip off track. This one provided everyone with challenges. It took us 18 hours to tramp 16Km over the two days. It was an experience to navigate the rugged terrain. It was a team effort to find our way.  For me it is a special place with its remoteness and quiet solitude. The hardy souls on this trip were Mark, Jill, Sue, Barbara and myself Peter.  PP

Lairdvale Farm Walk 7 December 2024. TTC & WTC combined club tramp set off from the woolshed at the top end of the Lairdvale Road at 9-45am. The weather was fine but overcast with cloud obscuring the distant views of the Tongariro Mountains. The first half hour of the walk was a steady climb up farmland through many paddock gates. When we reached the Whatawhata trig we stopped for morning tea to admire the views with some of the group sheltering further down out of the cool wind. From the trig it was easier walking with views of the golf course and the edge of Taumarunui emerging. Before lunch we had one final steep climb that put us above the Taringamutu valley looking down in the direction of the airport. After lunch it was a gentle downhill walk with panoramic views in front of us. Rough ground and boundary fences slowed our progress. We had no option but to climb over the fences topped off with sharp barb wire. We completed our loop walk when we set foot on Simmons Road at 3pm. It was a challenging 5hour 8Km walk. Those on the walk were: 9 members from the Whanganui Tramping Club and from our club: Mark, Barbara, Sue, Annie, Michael, and Peter. PP

 Saturday Evening. The end of year BBQ with the Whanganui Tramping Club was held at MiCamp at Kakahi. This is the first time we have used this venue which was the old Youth Haven Christian Camp so the Whanganui Club made good use of the excellent cabin accommodation. A warm fine evening meant we had dinner outdoors on picnic tables and the shared salads and desserts were laid out on a serving table. Members supplied their own meat which was cooked on the BBQ.  A very special thanks goes to Annie who made all the arrangements for the hire of the venue. Also, a very special thanks to Sandra who arrived early to set the venue up with a Xmas theme. After sunset some of the members visited the glow worm railway cutting for an amazing display of twinkling lights.

Sunday Morning.  At 8-30am, Annie led a walk down the road to view some very old cars in a paddock. We were very fortunate that the owner was at home and we had a guided tour around the many old wreaks of cars in all states of conditions. Some in the open paddock had trees growing up through the bodies, others in sheds were in working condition. It was a car collectors dream with the older vehicles in the 1930 – 40s. Next it was a visit to the iconic Kakahi Store and had the privilege to meet the owner a well-known elderly gentleman, Manu Lala. It was like visiting a museum with old grocery products on display. BluO, Coronation corn plasters, Liberty Sand soap, Bliss soap, Lido Ballroom Powder, Renco Junket etc.

Then a visit to the restored Kakahi Hall with its historic photo display. After a quick sightseeing drive we had a lazy morning tea at the Kakahi swimming hole picnic area.

 Sunday Afternoon. From Kakahi we drove to Owhango and onto the 42 Traverse Road. About 3Km from the Whakapapa Bridge we did an easy walk along an old logging track into the native bush leading to the Whakapapa River. We tried to get to the river on an unmarked bush track. When we lost the track, we decided to sit down and have lunch.  We back tracked to our starting point where some of us followed an old tram-way to farmland - a 1km return walk.

It was 3pm when we got back to vehicles where we said farewell to the Whanganui members. Those on the walk were 9 members of the Whanganui Club with Mark and Peter from TTC. PP

Thanks go to the Landowners around the Lairdvale Valley for allowing farm access. Thanks to the committee members who supplied food for the BBQ. Thanks to Annie for organising the venue and doing the clean up afterwards.   Thanks to Sandra for setting up the venue and doing the cleaning on Sunday. PP

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MARTON SASH & DOOR TRAMWAY 24 November 2024. This trail was named after the Marton Sash and Door Logging Company which was built for the locomotives to take logs from the forest and transport them through to the town of Marton. The Company operated in the National Park and Erua from 1925 until 1957. Taumarunui Tramping Club joined with the Wanganui Tramping Club for a wander back in history through pumice cuttings where the trams once ran and looked at the various relics of rusty rails and the remains of old log bridges could be seen. TTC members who enjoyed todays walk were: Michael, Renata, Sharyn and Mark. MG

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 STANTON MEMORIAL MT RUAPEHU 17 NOVEMBER 2024.  This was a hard 8Km 7hour tramp over very rough terrain with loose footing. It involved 465 metres of climbing with 440M of descents. Seven of us arrived at the start of the Around The Mountain Track just up from Scoria Flat at 9am with a lovely blue sky and cool temperatures. We set off in a southerly direction off track towards a high rocky landmark. We had some steep climbs picking our way amongst rocks to a sheltered morning tea stop. From there we climbed up around the base of the rocky landmark to our highest point of the day of 1750M. Then it was steep drops in and out of streams which most of us managed to rock hop across without getting our feet wet. Finally - we arrived at a ridge top that looked down onto the Stanton Memorial Rock 60M below. In 1931 fourteen Auckland University students set out from the Chateau to climb Ruapehu. The weather was fine that day but blizzard conditions struck while the party was at the summit and visibility was nil. While descending the Whakapapa glacier, the students drifted across to the left and became hopelessly lost. The party split into several groups and spent between one and three nights on the mountain, still in blizzard conditions. All survived apart from Warwick Stanton, aged 18, who set off on the third day, in an effort, to get help. His body was found after three weeks, in the forest on a tributary of the Makatote. The large rock, with the plaque, was where the party spent the first night and is where we had lunch. After lunch we set off down a steep slippery gully crossing a stream that had waterfalls coming down from bluffs above us with 16M and 30M waterfalls cascading down below. We made one more steep-climb to get to a ridge that lead down to the around the mountain track back to our car park at 4pm.   PP

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KURURAU HILL WALK 9 NOVEMBER 2024. This trip was originally going to be the Wairere Stream Walk but Peter cancelled this due to forecasted high winds.  A quick decision and agreement to do the Kururau Hill Walk was made, and four of us set off on an overcast but warm day.  We had a leisurely walk to the top and Greg rescued a billy goat who had got his horns caught in the wire netting, and was in some distress, trying to untangle himself and getting nowhere, A few short minutes later Greg managed to manoeuvre his horns out of the netting, and away the billy ran for his life to freedom.  Not even a thankyou to his human rescuer.  There are literally thousands of goats grazing on the surrounding hills, in good condition, and grazing to their hearts content.  At the Apex with a Radio Mast, we sat in the usual spot for refreshments, and I learned about how super phosphate was piled up in this spot so the aerial dressing planes could pick of their load to scatter over the hills and valleys.  A short break later Greg retrieved his hat from Peter who had stolen it, and we set off for our return trip stopping occasionally to admire the views and locate buildings and roads in the yonder.  It was a much quicker journey back and the air was filled with birdsong, and pleasant whiffs from the surrounding bush. Our trampers for the day were Peter, Sharyn, Greg, and Helen. SMc

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KURURAU HILL ROAD WALK 26 OCTOBER 2024. Weather forecasts!!! This trip was originally to be a full day bush walk (scamble) from the top of the Kururau Hill to the forgotten highway at Te Whakarae. However, the wet weather forecast caused some worry, as to deciding what to do? Finally on Friday afternoon I made the safer decision to do a leisurely road walk from Carters Road to the top of the Kururau. We set off at 9am with overcast skies and a “strong” warm breeze which made it comfortable walking. 15 minutes into our walk we encountered a large popular tree branch that had broken off and was blocking the road for vehicle traffic. Barbara immediately phoned the council reporting the incident. Another 10 minutes’ walk up the road and we were all spread out going in all directions. Mark heading up a farmers drive to warn them of the tree, Jill turning back because she lost her cell phone somewhere? (Found later - on the bonnet of her car) and the rest of our group disappeared into the distance. As usual, we got great rural views of the surrounding landscape. Hikurangi, Tuhua and Taumarunui Township. We had a quick morning tea and made our way back to the cars. The council had just finished clearing the tree off the road. Jill was happy finding her phone and everyone else was happy not having to use their rain gear. We were back at the cars at 11-30am. Those on the trip were Mark, Sue, Melanie, Barbara, Jill, Greg and Helen, Michael and Renate and myself Peter

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Ongarue Back Road 12 October 2024

Annie and Sue met Jill and Barbara at Okahukura and joined in with some vintage cars on the back road.  Overcast day with 360 degrees views at the top. On the way back we had to stop and let a member see the train go by. SP

 

An afternoon Ramble around the Golf Road area. Sunday 15th September, 2024.   After all the rain over the previous days, six members enjoyed a walk in the sunshine. Starting off at the High School we followed the Lairdvale, Rosalyn Street circuit. Then we took the short cut on a new pathway to the A&P show grounds and onto Golf Road. Back at the High School we did a circuit of the boundary returning to Hall Crescent for afternoon tea. We did 5.8Km in 1 hour 30 minutes. It is good to have these street walks on the programme that enable members of all grades of fitness to meet socially and get some exercise. Those on the walk were Graeme, Jenny, Sharyn, Greg, Helen, and Peter. PP 

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KIRIKAU ROAD WALK 7 SEPTEMBER 2024. I picked up Jenny in town and we drove out to Kirikau and met up with Helen and Greg.  We parked the cars by the FENZ training site and crossed the road and there was Rogan and Dora so after lots of greetings and turning down cups of tea we did a short walk to the river to see the old landing where the river boats came in to unload, this was as close to Taumarunui the boats could get.  We returned to the cars and drove further into the valley, and let the landowner know we had arrived and proceeded up the road further before parking up.  We then descended a steepish hill down to the Wanganui River and private campsite for our morning tea break, it was very relaxing and we started to hear some of the local history as the owners joined us for today’s walk. Slogging back up the hill to the road we removed layers of clothing and left them in the cars as it was a very warm almost humid day.  We started the road walk following the direction of the river and seeing so much more than you would if you were driving past in the car like the fern flats the early Māori’s cleared of scrub so they could cultivate the fern roots to dry and pound for flour. The road travels thru native bush and the bird life were very noticeable, there had been a lot of recent rain and the drains and culverts were all flowing fast and dropping off in waterfalls to the river far below us.  We carried on for about 3.5kms then turned into a farm gate on another property and walked down under two very old pines to view an old grave site, this is the grave of Captain Marshall who drove the river boats up and down from Wanganui to Kirikau for many years.  When he finally retired, he settled with his family in this spot and his original house has been renovated and is still lived in. Another grassy benched track led us to the river again where we sat and had lunch and as soon as we sat down a fine misty rain arrived so it was coats on for lunch and a slightly shortened relax on the river’s edge.  We were then toured past the house and past the commercial organic kiwifruit block, it was a surprise to find kiwifruit growing out there in the valley. Back on the road the plan had been to continue another couple of kms to a waterfall but they all decided they had enough so we started to head back along the road, and of course the rain had now stopped and the sun came out so we had to undress again packing away those raincoats.  Walking back, we saw things from the opposite angle and noticed a few things we hadn’t noticed coming in. Back at the cars we said our goodbyes then I drove Jenny along to the end of the road to see what the rest of the valley was like. A very relaxed and cruisy day, weather stayed mostly fine and warm and we all saw lots of new things and learnt a bit more local history.  Those on the trip: Jenny, Helen, Greg, and visitors Lynn and Graham, Barbara. BMc

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TONGARIRO FOREST PARK RAMBLE 27 JULY 2024.

At 9am we set off from the Owhango Domain in cool sunny weather walking down the Whakapapa Road to the recently opened section of the Ohinetonga track.  We had morning tea at the picnic table by the Whakapapa Bridge. Then it was a 2Km walk up the 42Traverse road to a side track that led us to farmland. It was a flat soft mossy track to walk on with the occasional overhanging blackberry vine.  We returned to the 42Traverse Road and had lunch before turning off to explore another grassy track that took us into a beautiful Tawa Forest. It was very easy walking.  We were tempted to carry on but time was against us and we left it for another day. We went back to the 42Traverse Road and returned to the Whakapapa Bridge.   From there we completed the Ohinetonga loop and then a bush track back to the Domain. Our unplanned 14Km 5-hour walk was one of many options of tracks that we could have done for the day. It has highlighted the potential for many walks that can be done in the area that our club can do. Those on the tramp were Hana, Jill, Barbara, Jenny, Sharyn, and Peter. PP

 

​RIVER ROAD FARM WALK 24 JULY 2024. Elsie, from the Taupo Tramping club put forward an invitation for us to join them on this local farm tramp. We set off from the PO car park in fog that remained with us until it started to lift at lunch time. We turned off just before Herlihy’s bluff and drove up a metal drive to a newly developed lodge and were welcomed by Stuart the owner of the property.  After a quick morning tea, we set off onto a track that Stuart had dug by hand over a couple of years. It zig-zagged downward. If the thick fog had not been present, we would have had views of the Whanganui River, Mania Road, and distant landmarks of Hikurangi and beyond. Stuart’s track took us to a well-defined ridge on farm land leading upwards into fog. We had no landmarks to tell when we were or how far it was to the top. The ridge undulated with steep sections and then easier grades. As our lunch hour drew near, the fog started lifting revealing the tops of distant hills. During lunch the visibility cleared high lighting the farmlands and river below. After lunch we climbed up into Tawa bush to a high point at 260 metres. Then it was a steep downward descent on a farm ridge that was across a valley from the ridge we came up. The ridge ended up at the top of Herlihy’s bluff where we could look down onto River Road.  After another steep a muddy climb, we arrived back at the Lodge. We are much indebted to Stuart who guided us on this great farm tramp. I did not measure the distant travelled but it would have been about 8Km, took 5 hours and we climbed 250 metres. Those on the tramp were Annie, Barbara, Jill and Peter. There were 8 from the Taupo Club. PP

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RIVER WALK 13 JULY 2024. A chilly start to the day at -2C as we met 10am for the start of our walk. The track meanders past flaxes before ducking under Victory bridge then up onto the stop bank for a short way then drops down beside the river again. The metaled track is wide and bordered with new fences either side to keep grazing stock contained. Our local Council has spent much time and energy to create a wonderful asset for our town featuring the lovely rocky Whanganui River as it flows past on its way to the sea. Back up on the stop bank we could view the wide slow water before it channels into white water rapids where large rocks added to the ambiance. As we walked, we could appreciate the massive amount of vegetative plantings of flaxes and native trees which will grow and enhance the area for future enjoyment. By this stage the sun had come out and warmed the day for a comfortable 5 km stroll to the Matapuna highway bridge. We stopped for morning tea at one of the new picnic tables, so near the water we could almost touch it. The 10km return journey back to Cherry Grove was enjoyed by Annie, Sandra, Sharyn, Jenny, Barbara, Graeme and Darryn. SC

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TONGARIRO RIVER WALK 22 JUNE 2024. One carload of 5 trampers set off from Taumarunui at 9am on a crisp morning with no frost and no black ice to worry about on our drive over the Punga. We started our walk at 10am and found the track in excellent condition with a lot of recent work been carried out. It was a very busy track with walkers and bikers going in both directions. We had our morning tea at the first bridge then carried on to have lunch above the trout hatchery. The walk was enjoyed by all finishing by 2pm.  We stopped by the coffee cart for our treat then headed for home. It took us 4 hours to walk the loop and the walkers today were: Sue, Jan, Jenny, Wallace and Jill.

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REWA’S RIDGE NATIONAL PARK 17 APRIL 2024. Just a couple of weeks ago the Saturday walkers from our tramping clubs did this trip, but this time the weather was partly cloudy and at times there was a light drizzle. We left the Fisher’s Road car park at 9-10am and many members helped carry the buckets of gravel to the pick-up and drop off stations. We had morning tea at the ‘Taranaki Lookout’ but Mt Taranaki was hiding in cloud. We arrived at the Tupapakurua Falls lookout at 11-00am for a quick look at the waterfall and then started our steep off track climb up onto Rewa’s Ridge. The wet conditions highlighted the green mosses and ferns as we made a slow steady climb looking out for blue markers. At 12-02pm we sat down on the wet ground for our lunch with a limited view across to the top of an adjacent bush ridge.  After lunch we carried on enjoying our own world, following bush instincts without DOC signs, steps, or notices. It was the reason for us to come and enjoy the ridge walk untouched by tourism. At the final stage of our off track walk we encountered wind-fall trees forcing us to detour several times. At 2-30pm we got back onto the formed Tupapakurua fall’s track back to the carpark. It was well timed, for as we drove off from the carpark at 3pm heavy rain came in. Those, on the trip were: 15 members of the Whanganui Tramping Club and from our Taumarunui Club, Barbara, and Peter. PP

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REWA’S RIDGE NATIONAL PARK 6 APRIL 2024. This is the first time our Tramping Clubs have attempted this trip. We left the Fisher’s Road car park at 9am and went onto the well formed Tupapakurua Falls track. Spaced evenly along the track were nine bucket pickup & drop-off stations. Some of our group helped carry half full buckets of metal for track maintenance. The most outstanding effort went to Earl, who carried one bucket the full 3Km to the falls. We had morning tea at the Taranaki Lookout with views of, would you believe… Mt Taranaki. We arrived at the Tupapakurua Falls lookout at 10.50am where one half of our group made the steep descent to the bottom of the waterfall while the others relaxed in the sun. We all had lunch together then at 12-30pm we started our steep off track climb up onto Rewa’s Ridge where it levelled out to an easier grade. It became a slow comfortable bush walk. Everyone helped spotting old plastic markers which ensured we were going in the right direction. We came across some blue fungi (Werewere-kokako) which encouraged photos to be taken. Views of surrounding area were limited by the thick bush. As we got the top end of Rewa’s ridge we came across some old logging skids. At 3pm we got back onto the formed track back to the carpark. This 8Km six-hour trip, I feel, will become a favourite as it provides a loop circuit with the easy formed track leading to two lookouts and a return off track of a moderate grade.  Those on the trip from the Wanganui Club were: Viv, Denise, Erwin, Mark, David, Mike and from the Taumarunui Club:  Hamish, and Peter. PP

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MANGATEPOPO 16 MARCH 2024 1100M. Four trampers travelled in one car to the start of the Tongariro Crossing arriving at Mangatepopo at 9.20 am. We were met with of bus-loads of people ready to start the track like us. As we progressed up the trail the wind started and it turned out bitterly cold and we had to put on hats, gloves, and coats, to ward off the cold. There were long lines of people and queues for the toilets. There were a variety of nationalities and clothing. We had lunch at Mount Ngauruhoe saddle at 11.30am 1700. The track was in excellent condition considering the sheer numbers of people using it. After lunch, we headed towards the central crater for a look, then at 12.20 we headed back. We arrived back at Mangatepopo at 2.40pm. Total walking distance 14ks. Really enjoyed by all walkers Michael & Renata, Peter, Jenny. JD

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HUKAROA 10 MARCH 2024. Hukaroa is high hill overlooking Raetihi where from the top there are views extending to the horizon in every direction. The climb to the top was our objective for the day. We set off on a well-formed metal farm road passing green paddocks and though a tunnel of leafy popular trees. It started off as an easy grade but then became a steep assent giving our lungs a good work out. Every step taken gave us a more extensive view of the local farmland. Under the circumstances we made good time and our morning tea stop at 10am was just 25 minutes short of our destination. It was warm and sunny making our rest break very comfortable with clear views to the west with Mt Taranaki in the distance. With one more steep climb up the road, we arrived at the Hukaroa Trig (792M) at 11am with the 360degree views as promised.   We had climbed 350M from our starting point far below, the distance of 4.5Km. Near the trig, tall radio masts and radio equipment buildings were scattered around the flat plateau.  A man-made landmark.  Flying ants encouraged us to make our way down for a less invasive lunch spot under the shade of some trees. We had a peaceful scene looking across to a rusty corrugated iron shed and close by, grazing cattle. The downhill walk to our cars was made in good time. We set off in our vehicles back to Raetihi where we did a short local loop walk off Ameku Road to a hill top picnic table. From there we had views of Hukaroa and the radio masts where had been a few hours earlier.  Our return route took us passed a working sawmill back to our vehicles. The suggestion of doing the Raetihi River Trail was quickly squashed in favour of having an ice cream. Fine sunny weather and walks with a variety of interests made it an enjoyable day for everyone. Those on the trip were seven from the Whanganui Tramping Club and from the Taumarunui Tramping Club - Jenny, Barbara, Sharyn, Hamish, Michael, Renata and Peter. PP

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URCHIN TRIG 1392M, KAIMANAWA FOREST PARK 2 MARCH 2024.  From the Urchin car park 9.30am in perfect walking conditions, we made a steady climb on a well-formed track through a beautiful beech forest. We passed large beech trees towering above us while at ground level there were carpets of ferns, mosses and fungi. The leafy track provided easy walking until we came to tree roots and some high-step-ups requiring the use of our walking poles for stability. We had morning tea in a bush setting with soft ledges to sit on. A steady pace progressed us upwards and at 11.40am we emerged above the bush line to be greeted with unique views looking towards the ridges above the Waipakahi River. Below we could see power pylons beside the desert road with cars and trucks, and in the distance the mountains of the Tongariro National Park, Lake Rotoaira and Lake Taupo. Distance haze and cloud obscured the views in the direction of Mt Taranaki. At 12 noon we arrived at the Urchin Trig 1392M.  It was a 560M climb from the car park. A great achievement for our group. It was the first time for 4 of our members. Apart from the flying ants it was a comfortable lunch in warm temperatures and a gentle wind. We set off at 12-45pm arriving back at the cars just after 2pm. A much faster trip going down. We called in and walked over the Pillars of Hercules Swing Bridge then headed home. Those on the trip were: Jill, Annie, Wallis, Michael and Renate, Sue, Jenny, Barbara, Hamish, and Peter. PP

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TE MARIE 24 FEBRUARY 2024. We started off with 4 trampers leaving town at 9am. It was quite warm walking and we were soon taking layers off. The stream was low, due to very little rain, and we did not get our feet wet, as we rock hopped. We walked the track anti clockwise so we could all experience the track going a different way around which was well worth it. The track was in excellent condition as it was completely dry - thanks to the locals with the trimming back of ferns, it is a beautiful walk. We broke the walk up by stopping at the top for a drink then headed off down the other side. Enjoyed by all.  Walkers were Sue, Sharyn, Peter, and Jenny (leader) JD

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HAUHANGATAHI FROM ERUA 17 FEBRUARY 2024. The fine sunny weather provided a perfect day for this attempt to climb to the top of Hauhangatahi from Erua. At 9-10am we set off from a car park off SH4 and followed the railway line for to the start of the bush track. We had 200m of gorse, flax and tea tree to negotiate before entering the bush and onto the ridge leading to the top of the bush line. We had a difficult job trying to find the old track and what was left of the markers. Members tied red and pink tape to mark our track as we progressed up. At 10-30am we had morning tea and we were only just over half way the top of the bush line. The slow steady climb was comfortable through beautiful beech forest with the occasional wind fall and bush lawyer to negotiate.  At 12noon we were above the bush line and had a rough track to follow marked in places with poles. At 12-45pm we made it to a high point at 1220M and had lunch with clear views looking west. A decision was made to turn around at this point as we still had at least one hour to reach the Hauhangatahi Summit. At 1-30pm we made the return tramp with Lydia and Heather doing a great job of being track and marker spotters. On the way down they found part of the main track which we had missed coming up. Even with the track marked it took us 3 hours to get back to the car park. Those on the trip were 11 members of the Whanganui Tramping Club and from the Taumarunui club Jill, Hana, Annie, Barbara, and Peter. PP

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SIGLEY FALLS 10 FEBRUARY 2024. The wet forecast for the day never eventuated. Instead, we had sunny skies and perfect walking conditions under the canopy of the beech forest in the Rangataua Conservation area on the south side of Mt Ruapehu. After driving our vehicles as far as we could go up the forestry Road from the Karioi Station Road, we started our walk toward the Sigley Falls. At first it was a metal road on a steady uphill grade. Once off the metal road and onto a trap line track, we had a thick layer of beech leaves making walking comfortable. The sunlight highlighted the beech forest with old tree stumps covered in green moss and beside the track fungi and ferns of many varieties were spotted. We left the trap line and made an untracked heading towards to Sigley Falls 800m away. The going was slow but steady climbing over moss covered fallen trees, avoiding bush lawyer and the odd hook grass seeds. When we could hear the falls, we followed the edge of a steep 25m drop off that ended in the Mangaehuehu stream below the 20m Sigley Falls. Our first glimpse of the falls was an obscured view in between the branches of overhanging trees. As we made our along, the views improved and the falls revealed themselves framed with rocks and beech forest. Finally, we turned a corner and were above the falls on smooth rocks with the stream swirling around before making the plunge below. This was our well-deserved 12.40pm lunch stop. For me it was the thrill of getting to the falls that I had for a long time only seen it as a name on a map. After lunch we returned to the trap line and followed it back to the metal road that continued for a few more Kms and then turned off onto another trap line for a change of scenery. The trap line returned us to the metal road which was a short distance from our vehicles. It was a long day - we did 25.1Km in 7 hours 43 minutes.  Those on the walk were Peter Finucane (trip leader/guide) Shane, Bridget, Mark, Adrian, and Lydia from the Whanganui Tramping Club and from the Taumarunui Club: Sue, Barbara and Peter. PP

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TANGARAKAU WEEKEND 26,27,28,29 January 2024. This was a combined club trip with the Whanganui Tramping using the “Bushlands” motor camp as our base. Everyone arrived at the motor camp Friday evening where Jo the camp owner gave us a warm welcome and gave us an interesting account of the Tangarakau history. At 8-15am on Saturday morning we set off in light rain to do the walk to the Red Hut. It was a 1.5Km walk along the railway line to the first tunnel where we started our slippery muddy bush tramp beside a stream past an old railway water supply dam. It was slow going, climbing up over and under fallen trees. A rope had to be used to help climb down a slippery bank and across a papa rock face.     Once back on the track, conditions improved and we eventually got onto the main ridge where we had morning tea looking down onto the railway line that ran between two tunnels. At 10-30am we reached the 4W drive track leading to the hut.  We had a downhill section that levelled out then after crossing a stream a couple of times made a steady climb getting us to the Red Hut at 12 noon. We had short lunch in the light rain before returning the way we came, arriving at the camp at 4pm after a 13km tramp.

Thankfully, the weather cleared overnight and at 8-45am the following morning we walked along the railway line to do Macs 6Km loop track. At the start of the track steps lead up a hill through “ditches” dug out to reduce the grade. All the track work was done by a 90+ year old man who lived there about 15 years ago. It was an amazing feat for someone of that age. The track levelled out and sidled around the contours of the hills in lovely native bush. After reaching farmland we had a short climb to the highest point where we had morning tea. It was then downhill all the way back to the motor camp on a farm track. As we approached the camp at 11-30am the rain started to fall. During lunch the heavy rain encouraged all but 4 trampers to stay at the camp for a restful afternoon in the dining area and in front of a campfire. The 4 keen trampers did a 5Km return walk up a farm valley towards a high hill called Pouatu. Down the right-hand side of the valley meandered a small stream with dense native bush growing up  the other side. At the end of the valley, we stopped and turned back at a boundary fence where bush on the other side led up to Pouatu. At this stage the heavens opened and it never stopped raining as we blindly made our way back to camp drenched and happy to be back.

Thankfully, the rained cleared overnight, we set off at 8-32am for an easy 3Km walk to the canyon. The farm track followed the Tangarakau River which was still high after the torrential rain yesterday which formed amazing waterfalls for great photo opportunities. At the Canyon the high colourful bluffs leading down to green pasture with 10 semi-wild horses make a spectacular scene of remoteness and a feeling of peace and a special place. After returning to the camp for lunch, we packed up our gear for the return trip home, taking many memories of an enjoyable weekend. Those taking part from the Whanganui Tramping Club were: Dorothy, Denise, Kay, David, John, Edwin, Lyndsay, Linda, Shane, Johnny and Cherry. From the Taumarunui Club were Sue, Jan, Sharyn, Jill, Barbara, Annie, Mark and Peter. PP

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