This was the third time I’ve gone to the Kaweka Hot Pools, or the Mangatainoka Hot Springs as they are more properly known. My introduction to the Hot Pools was back in 2005, doing an Easy tramp with Helen McDermott. Then two years ago I led a Medium tramp to Ballard Hut and the Hot … Read more
“Hey Justin, doesn’t the fuel gauge say we’re on empty?” “No, the fuel indicator needle is just having a little rest below the ‘E’. We’ll be fine”. “Are you sure about that?” “Um, not really, but you weren’t supposed to ask that question. I’m sure we’ll be, um, fine. Maybe we’ll make it back. . … Read more
I dreamed about Daphne, her spur, her ridge and her hut. After a couple of months filled with studies and deskwork it was time to get out and meet Daphne in the Ruahine’s. I choose to be a novice leader on this trip, the 3 -5 of July. It would be great! There were 16, then … Read more
It’s winter, the Tararuas lie waiting to be visited, the WTMC trip list indicates several tramps for the weekend but the rain gods might have something up their sleeve. In fact, one of the club’s best known rain gods earlier declined an offer to lead the trip because of the lousy forecast. Thinking back after … Read more
Slip, slap slop was certainly the order of the day; “are you drinking heaps?” the constant mantra. Not only was it hot, but perhaps unusually for Wellington, it was also humid as 7 of us gathered outside the railway station and gradually zigzagged our way along the 12 kms of the City to Sea Walkway, … Read more
Fri (evening): Otaki Forks – Kime Sat: Kime – Mangahuka via Tararua Peaks & Ladder – Anderson’s Sun: Andersons – Waitewaiwai – Otaki Forks FRIDAY: After negotiating a tedious traffic jam we finally arrived at Otaki Forks at dusk. We were lucky to have a clear starry night. We marched up to Field in a … Read more
When you’re still glowing from the trip of a lifetime in South Westland just a few days ago you don’t really need to go tramping. But if Ann is away and the Tararuas are fine and Nigel calls from mid Waiohine and says he and Graham are going up to Aokaparangi you might just have … Read more
We went to Paua Hut on the 28th of December. It took two hours to walk through the beautiful bush to the Hut. We had to cross the river. Our shoes and socks got wet and the current pushed us but we loved it. There was no power, but there was gas to cook with … Read more
Back to Part 2 We made it to Bluff! One bright, sunny April morning – just when cycling was for us, becoming a daily routine and the mind was used to drifting off in its own direction – Alice stopped ahead and I snapped into reality. There it was – a signpost informing us of … Read more
Back to Part 1 A rest in Tauranga allowed us to reflect on our Coromandel Peninsula adventures. Excellent memories of relaxing beaches and coves, deserted gravel roads, humungous hills, spectacular views, art galleries, cafés and hot bread shops, swims and siestas. A phone call to Harry in Wellington and he was inspired with all this … Read more