Aokaparangi loop and Maungahuka Hut – my ‘why’ of tramping

Maungahuka Hut above the clouds in the Tararua Range

Aokaparangi Loop and Maungahuka Hut A 4 day hiking loop trip around the Aokaparanki Loop to Maungahuka Hut – the hut in the Tararua Range that started me on my tramping journey. The hut that started it all for me … Years ago, when I got my first Tararua Forest Park map for a school … Read more

Sunny Trip to Snowy Hut – Tararua Forest Park

We decided on a day trip to Snowy Hut, after a changing weather forecast swept away our plans for a 6-day expedition. Starting out from Otaki Forks just after 8am, we walked for about an hour on the road until we reached the start of the Waiotauru Hut track. In the first few kms of … Read more

Te Tatau-Pounamu – the other Tongariro wilderness

Mangahouhounui Stream

Te Tatau-Pounamu – the other Tongariro wilderness Te Tatau-Pounamu. A guide to the seldom visited wilderness area on the eastern side of Mt Tongariro in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park Tongariro National Park holds a prestigious position in the list of the world’s protected natural areas—the park is one of only 29 sites in … Read more

Mt Tongariro – and the lava lake

The Red Crater Mt Tongariro - Mt Ngāuruhoe behind

Mt Tongariro and the ancient molten lava lake at North Crater A 2 day hiking loop trip over Mt Tongariro and past the once molten lava lake that occupied the North Crater before cooling and solidifying.     When the warrior gods Tongariro and Taranaki fought over the lovely Pihanga flames lit up the sky, … Read more

Otaki and Ohau bush-bash – Tararua Forest Park

Day 1: Friday 12 January – Poads Road to Waiopehu HutThis trip was planned as a Medium-Fit trip in and out of Mid Otaki Hut via Poads Road. However, when it became clear a few other people couldn’t make the trip, and Mon and I wanted to visit South and North Ohau Huts as well, … Read more

Lake Monowai Circuit – Fiordland National Park

Paddling down Lake Monowai from Monowai Hut

Lake Monowai Circuit – Fiordland National Park A 4 day tramp/ packraft circuit including Green Lake and Lake Monowai in Fiordland National Park We declared this trip to be one of New Zealand’s ’11 Great Packrafts’ (like the Great Walks). The trip started with my dad dropping us off at the road end by Borland Bivy … Read more

Lake Manapouri – Hope Arm packraft

Hope Arm Lake Manapouri

Lake Manapouri – Hope Arm packraft A 2 day tramp/ packraft at Hope Arm, Lake Manamouri, including a climb to the top of the Monument. For a Mt Lake Monowai packraft story go to The Monowai Circuit. For a Mt Titiroa story go to The snows of Titiroa.

Ball Pass – a nice alpine day walk

A day hike over Ball Pass from the Hooker Valley to the Tasman Valley

Ball Pass – Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Park A transalpine crossing from the Hooker Valley to the Tasman Valley via Ball Pass For another alpine tramping trip go to Cameron to Ashburton Circuit – an alpine tramping trip For a further alpine tramping trip go to Stumpy Stream

Queen Charlotte Track – Marlborough Sounds

A group of 5 trampers did the Queen Charlotte Track to ring in the new year. As we were on our summer break, we decided to take the easy option and have a sea shuttle transport our overnight packs (with tents) to the campsite we’d be staying at each day – and we just walked … Read more