Oroua River

Riddles in the Ruahines and Crackle Conundrums: an eventful weekend trip to Iron Gate Hut!

Date: 23 - 25 May 2025.
Trip type: Tramp(EM).
Location: Western Ruahine Ranges.
Author: Jo Lonsdale.
Trampers: Elizabeth A (Leader), Ashleigh M, India E, Kirsten G, Karen F, Tony B, Claire D, Jo L.

Our group of 8 kicked things off as usual by departing Wellington Train Station at 5pm on Friday – piling into the van with 3 Medium-Fit (MF) trampers. Day 1 After a 3 hour drive, we were up past Feilding and winding around the back-roads heading towards Petersons Road end. One of the crew had … Read more

The Haunting of Iron Gate Hut

Date: 30 October-1 November 2020.
Trip type: Easy-Medium.
Location: Iron Gate Hut, Ruahine Forest Park.
Author: Ren.
Trampers: Tash (leader), Anna, Natasha, Ren and Sean.

Picturesque Iron Gate Hut

I am not a superstitious man, but even I am loath to tempt fate by venturing out, away from civilization, on All Hallow’s Eve. On the night of Samhain, when the veil between the worlds is thinnest and the spirits of the dead are free to roam the earth, anything is possible, and good, sensible … Read more