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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