Te Iringa, Kaweka FP, Saturday 29 July 2023
Banner Photo: Snow had penetrated the beech tree forested section of the walk
On quite a cold but clear day, 17 trampers in the van and one private vehicle set off for a tramp on private Māori-owned land off Taihape Road.
All gathered at the Te Iringa Trig
It was a moderate climb initially, not too steep or long but enough to get a good warm-up. Once we started getting near the top, there was a cold but light breeze, just enough to need an extra layer, plus hat and gloves.
Being private land, the track was unmarked and overgrown, but not particularly difficult except in a few areas amongst the beech, and no one got lost. We were spread out but not so much as to make it difficult to keep up.
We had a morning tea break at the top, and then a short break at the trig, which is about 1300m. Great views from the top, quite a bit of light snow around which made it scenic. There was some lovely walking through various areas of beech, with snow on the branches.
Ngauruhoe seen to the west
Just before lunch, we could see towards Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu (which was partly obscured); it was nice to get a good view of Ngauruhoe which was well covered in snow, as were the surrounding areas.
The return trip was back the same way, and generally easy going until the downhill section, where walking poles came in very handy, as it was pretty slippery in places, with several minor slip-ups happening.
Overall it was an excellent day, and being my first trip for about nine months it was good to get out again, with great company and views.
Looking NNE to the main Kaweka Range
Trampers: Campbell Living, Marie Deroles, Su Nugent, Shona Tupe, Sue Martin, Rosemary Jeffery, Anne Mountfort, Craig Mountfort, Di Reid, Alison Greer, Bruce Hodgson, Julian Phillips, Juliet Gillick, John Dobbs, Geoff Donkin, Carla Voigt and reporter John Russell
A great report and wonderful photos. Good to see you back out tramping John R.