The forecast was for a weekend of light winds and sun as we left Welly Railway Station at 4pm Friday. Following a dinner stop in Masterton, it was a further 15 minute drive to The Pines carpark on Upper Waingawa Road. Arriving at 6 pm, the waning crescent moon provided no light as we followed … Read more
WTMC Ruapehu Lodge – the aurora and the honey mead At the WTMC Ruapehu Lodge the Teddy Bears Tramping Club enjoyed viewing the aurora and then also the tasty honey mead Today was an exciting time for us teddy bears at the WTMC Ruapehu Lodge. First there was an activation of the lahar warning system … Read more
The six of us met at Wellington Train Station at 7.30 am, with the intention of bagging a few huts that weekend: Te Whare o Moturimu, Punga Hut, and North Mangahao Biv. I had come to the area less than a year before with the same plan, but had yet to bag the Biv. On … Read more
Mt Owen – and some thoughts on trundling* A 3 day hike to the summit of Mt Owen via Bulmer Lake in Kahurangi National Park. *Ref “The Art, History And Ethics Of Trundling” Below me, Tony jumped as a rock went whizzing past him at head height, missing him by a few inches. He looked up … Read more
Maitland Pass –with a llama and bananas A 4 day hiking loop trip crossing over Maitland Pass in the Ruataniwha Conservation Park passing a llama and bananas Listen: “We thought the llama would be carrying your packs!” I laughed at what seemed like a good joke from some mountain bikers we had bumped into in the … Read more
The Bounds of Hades – Lees, Misery and Hellfire A 5 day hiking loop trip through spectacular mountain scenery from Lees Creek to Misery Stream and Hellfire Stream in the Raglan Range – an area once called The Bounds of Hades Carrying two tents. Spaniards on steroids. Endless tree-fall. Slow bushbash through dense beech forest. … Read more
Summary: Friday 12 April: Saturday 13 April: Sunday 14 April:
This trip required strength and experience. What some members of the group lacked in experience, they made up for in strength and will. We were met with weather challenges, difficult terrain and chilling cold that could have ripped your pants right off your legs, but the group persevered through it all on route to the … Read more
Summary: Thursday 28 March: Friday 28 March (Day 1): 19.36 km Highlights: Walking times: Saturday 29 March (Day 2) – 19.43km Highlights: Walking times: Sunday 30 March (Day 3) – 22.72km Highlights: Walking times: Monday 1 April (Day 4) – 29.86 kms Highlights: Walking times:
Makara Walkway – an after dark delight An easy walk around the Makara Walkway for spectacular views after the sun has set. Starting at Makara Beach, follow the coast to Opau Bay, then up the road to the gun emplacements, and finally down the track back to Makara. Distance 7 km – about 3 hrs.