Transport logistics with driving up Tukino Road put a damper on our original plan to walk to Rangipō Hut and climb the east ridge of Ringatoto (a peak on Mt Ruapehu). But a lack of snow at Nelson Lakes National Park came to our rescue… Anne and Megan’s group diverted to Mt Ruapehu, so we … Read more
Highlights– The breathtaking summit of Mt Hikurangi and its cultural significance– Winter Solstice fire ritual – letting go and inviting in– Sunrise at Hikurangi Hut – with views that lingered, then 360-degree views of the East Cape and Raukūmara Ranges from the top of the Maunga– Whāngārā Beach, bach, and blissful atmosphere– Hot soak at … Read more
I was originally inspired to start bagging plane wrecks in the Tararuas at a club talk back in 2021, so I am happy to report that four years later I have now ticked off two plane wrecks. The first was near Mick, on the western side of the range, so it is appropriate that this … Read more
After 6 months of casual day trips and regular wine and cheese tasting overseas, I wondered what the best way would be to get back into tramping in NZ… and the answer appeared on the trip schedule listed as a Emily’s MF trip “Waiohine Pack Float via Jacs Biv”: good company, some tops travel, another … Read more
It was timely that the Wilderness magazine had an article on negotiating scree, given that our descent from Te Atuaoparapara peak involved just that! We left Wellington train station at 5.30 pm on Friday and arrived at the road end (North Block road) at around 9.30 pm. It was then a 10 min walk to … Read more
I saw this trip on the schedule and thought ‘that could be fun’. I know of several people who have done this trip before – both heading up High Ridge and going down High Ridge – and I was keen to give it a go too. The following report outlines Saturday’s adventure, as Sunday was … Read more
I wanted to lead this trip because there was a big empty space on the Tararua Forest Park map on my dining room wall, where I haven’t yet stepped foot. It was going to be a navigation challenge with few marked tracks in the area. Four keen beans signed up. I like to reflect on … Read more
You would be forgiven for thinking this is simply a well-trodden run-of-the-mill loop in the Tararuas – the usual open tops, goblin bush and cute huts. This loop is fantastic and has a bit of everything, but this weekend it was spectacular. There was a dusting of snow on the tops, which made going over … Read more
Day 1: Friday What started as a planned group adventure, turned into a spontaneous duo escapade when a last-minute COVID-related cancellation left just the two of us to tackle the Tararua Northern Crossing. Undeterred, we met at the train station as planned at 5pm, ready to hit the road. We made a quick pit stop … Read more
I am not a fan of the Barra Track. It is my least favourite part of the Tararuas. So as we started off from The Pines, I was wondering why I had planned a trip to visit The Three Kings. I still don’t really know the answer, but I’m happy I did because it made … Read more