Skiing and Hiking at Mt Ruapehu | Staying on the Mountain at the WTMC Lodge Skiing, hiking and family day walks at Mt Ruapehu — including the Tongariro National Park and particularly the Whakapapa area, including route guides and photos — with practical information on staying at the WTMC Lodge in Iwikau Village. WTMC Mt Ruapehu Lodge … Read more
Avalanche-Lyell-Bealey Loop The ‘Triple Crown’ in Arthur’s Pass National Park The story of a winter traverse along the Avalanche Peak Mt Bealey Ridge in Arthur’s Pass, including a route map. The Avalanche-Lyell-Bealey Loop had been something I had wanted to do for ages and there had once even been a race over Avalanche Peak but … Read more
The Broken Axe Pinnacles Loop in the Tararua Range A two=day hike around the Broken Axe Pinnacles Loop in the Tararua Forest Park including a map of the route. The Broken Axe Pinnacles Loop is a fun trip in the Tararua Range. It is usually completed as a faster day trip, but sometimes as a slower … Read more
Mt Tongariro – a day walk from the WTMC Ruapehu Lodge A loop day hike via the South Ridge to the summit of Mt Tongariro from the WTMC Lodge in the Tongariro National Park including a map of the route. Having done a fair bit of exploring around Tongariro National Park using the WTMC lodge … Read more
The Craigieburn and Torlesse Ranges – two quite nice FE (fairly easy) day walks Two easy walks near Arthurs Pass – the first to the Broken River ski-field and Nervous Knob in the Craigieburn Range, the second to the iconic ‘Gap’ in the Torlesse Range. Craigieburn Range: Nervous Knob and Hamilton Peak Drive … Read more
An ascent of Pukekaikiore – Ruapehu day walks from the WTMC Lodge A guide for a hike from the WTMC Ruapehu Lodge to the summit of Pukekaikiore the fourth highest volcanic peak in the World Dual Heritage Tongariro National Park Summer continues at Ruapehu. Until the snow arrives it’s a great time for daytrips from … Read more
Holdsworth Day Walks – Gentle Annie Saddle, Pinnacle, and the Summit. Three hikes in the Holdsworth area of the Tararua Range – Gentle Annie Saddle, Pinnacle, and the summit of Mt Holdsworth – including route guides, photos and a video. Gentle Annie Saddle Inspired by a TTC day trip of many years ago Tony and … Read more
Paekākāriki Escarpment Track – a hiker’s point of view of the “Stairway to Heaven”. The hiker’s point of view of a 9.5km hike along the Escarpment Track from Pukerua Bay to Paekākāriki taking in wonderful coastal views and a golden sunset. The Escarpment Track is a spectacular 10km trail that runs between Pukerua Bay and … Read more
Gunsight Pass – a nice daywalk from the North to the South Temple, Ruataniwha Conservation Park A day loop hike over Gunsight Pass from the North Temple to the South Temple starting and ending at the DOC Temple Campsite. Matt and I had been thinking about Gunsight Pass for over a year after our trip … Read more
Brass Monkeys, a Devil’s Den and Lucretia – all from Lewis Pass A 7 day hiking loop trip through scenery in the Lewis Pass mountains Old mouldy monkeys were out and new monkeys were in! I was on a week’s solo tramp in Lewis Pass and I had been dropped off by the East by … Read more