January 2023 News

Aranga Hut

On Saturday 14 January the tramp was changed to a loop in the Northern Ruahine Range. Sentry Box, to the ridgeline, to Golden Crown Ridge, and to Master’s Shelter.  Lynette, Campbell and Geoff also included the side trip to Aranga Hut.

They were surprised at the state of the hut, as signage at the start of the tracks indicated that it was ‘dilapidated’ and not suitable for habitation. This signage is out of date, and the editor is attaching a post on the Ruahine User Group Facebook page which explains the current Aranga Hut situation.

Post on the Ruahine User Group Facebook Page: 23 April 2022 Author, Peter Tribe.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/481888953257892

Aranga hut, at 1340m in the Ruahines is “closed…dilapidated” according to the sign at Master’s Shelter and the turn-off from the track at the top of the Golden Crown Ridge and indeed on the front door. But two kind DoC workers from Palmie did some repairs July 2021 and installed a new hut book with a dozen entries so far. . It does not leak, the floor boards are intact, it has 2 perspex windows and skylight, the bottom 2 bunks have slats (but no mattress). We have camped previously in the bog outside the hut but spent Good Friday in it and very grateful. It needs more work. It is in a great place for a walk across the main ridge to the Ruahine Corner Hut. Trapping over there would be much better served were it repaired. Birds would then be more plentiful, very few at present.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/…/things-to-do/huts/aranga-hut/

Mokai access

A message from Dan Tuohy, Senior Ranger, DoC Manawatu. Posted 24 December 2022.

Kia ora koutou,

I just wanted to update you all on the exciting news to end what has been a massive year. You may have seen the press releaase on stuff today released by FMC, so this may not be a huge surprise to some of you.

After many months (and years) of having no access across Mokai Station to the Ruahine Forest Park, we have successfully negotiated to reinstate public access over the 1976 agreed route. This is massive breakthrough and shows real progress in the relationship between DOC and the landowner. I will not lie, it has not been an easy ride, but with determination and some great work done by so many people, we have got there. There is still some work to do in order to fufill the requests of both parties, but access is open and the DOC website has been changed to reflect this. The public can now access Otukota hut and the Ruahine Forest Park (North Western section).

All we ask, is that people respect the private land and stick to the marked route. It is marked with orange triangles and signs from the Mokai road end to the carpark, posts from the carpark to the top of Mokai Patea range and waratahs to the Ruahine Forest Park, Otukota hut access.

I thank you all for your patience as we have worked through this access issue and in particular, I would like to send a huge thanks to David Bishop from the Statutory Land team, Dell OConner and Kevin Smith from the legal team, Moana Smith-Dunlop, Operations Manager Manawatu, Kelly Hancock who did an amazing job acting for Moana while she was on leave and to all my fellow DOC team members and the access working group for your continued support.

Attached is a map that details the route and how it is marked with signs from the Mokai road end to the carpark. Myself and Carl (Supervisor here at DOC) completed this today.

Over the next 2 months, we would love to repaint the posts and place orange caps on the waratahs to make them even more visible that make up the rest of the route, so if you are keen to help out, drop me an email and I will let you know when this is going to happen.

I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a great New year. Ensure you all have a good break and I look forward to working with you all in 2023.

Tramp List January to July 2023
Attached is the list, however we still looking for some Tramp Organisers. Please have a look and let Sue Martin/Di Reid know if you would like to put yourself forward for this role.Trip List Jan to July 2023 V1