The Hogget, Saturday 6 May 2023 Banner Photo: The group at ‘the yards’, with distinctive ‘Aorangi’ in the centre Why is it called the Hogget? And why is a patch of it called ‘the yards’? It’s something of a mystery, but the lie of the land that our trampers explored gives a few clues. We… [Read More]
Sneaky winds thwart our attempt at Top Maropea
Sunrise Hut, Ruahine Forest Park, Wednesday, 24 August 2022 Banner Photo: The view east from Sunrise Hut As eight keen trampers headed towards the Ruahines, the still, low-lying cloud which clung to the ranges indicated no wind. However, we were badly wrong! Once we arrived at the car park, we realised that our target, Top… [Read More]
It was a wonderland, happy place!
Sunrise Hut, Ruahine FP, Wednesday 22 June 2022. Banner Photo: Sunrise Hut The original target: Parks Peak. The problem: the longest walk on the shortest day and with the Makarora River up. We happily changed the plan to Sunrise Hut and the hope of seeing some snow. We forget just how beautiful that walk is…. [Read More]
Revels at Robson’s: Our solstice food-fest goes green
Robson’s Lodge, Kuripapango, Saturday/Sunday 18/19 June 2022 Banner Photo: In our ‘green’ costumes After five hours of pulling up or chopping down wilding pines of all sizes (see the report on that under News), our team made its way to the historic Robson’s Lodge on the Napier-Taihape Road for the club’s annual solstice celebration. Because… [Read More]
Loop trampers lumbered by loggers
Lake Tutira, local, 8 June 2022 Banner Photo: The view of the lakes from above Lake Tutira was sparkling in the sun when we arrived at the camp ground. The morning drizzle had disappeared, leaving a blue sky day, the late autumn colours mirrored in the calm water. Walking back along the road, we picked… [Read More]
Following the trail of a smart mountain biker…
Mackintosh car park to Lawrence Road, Kaweka Forest Park, Wednesday 25 May 2022. Map: BJ37 Banner Photo: The DoC track sign for a track which is not on Topo50 NZ Ten club members left Mackintosh car park and had a leisurely stroll down to the bridge across the Tutaekuri River. Sue M, Ted and Tony… [Read More]
We visit an historic rabbiter’s rest – and a funny bunny came too!
Shute’s Hut, from Comet Road-end, Northern Ruahine Ranges, Saturday 23 April 2022. Map: BK37 Banner Photo: The group, including Ricky (circled) We are back into tramping again, after many cancellations during March and early April due to heavy rainfall. With a full van, and an assurance from another club member that Comet Road was OK,… [Read More]
At last, Longview lives up to its name
Longview Hut, Rocky Knob, Ruahine FP, Saturday 9 April 2022 Map: BL36 Banner Photo: Rocky Knob When I went to write this report, I noticed in my files a story about a similar trip, written in March 2017. We’d had no views at all. I also distinctly remember the trip we did in August 2020… [Read More]
Oh, such a perfect day… well, almost
Te Puia Lodge, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 2 February 2022. Map : BJ37 Banner Photo: The Mohaka River Just a perfect day… I’m glad I spent it with you Oh, such a perfect day You just keep me hangin’ on You just keep me hangin’ on… – Lou Reed First, the paperwork – and then… [Read More]
The hills are alive with birds, bees, butterflies, bunnies – and a snoozing sheep
Middle Hill, Whetu, Makino Hut, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 8 December 2021. Map: BJ37 Banner montage: What we saw, L to R, Spotted Orchid, fungi, Celmesia (Mountain Daisy) It was a beautiful day and very hot, although we had a little rain on the windscreen on the way in. The team comprised of five; three went… [Read More]
Whirinaki wonderland
Whirinaki FP, Wednesday 10 November 2021 After about a week of poor weather, finally it was a nice-looking day for the large group of 17 trampers keen to get into the Whirinaki area once again. It was also the first chance we have had to enter the Whirinaki Forest for a year or two as… [Read More]
Wilding Pines less 1000
The Lakes area, Kuripapango, Kaweka FP. Tuesday 9 November 2021 The pioneer Kuripaponga wilding pine group had a great day up at The Lakes on Tuesday 9 November. DoC’s Alan Lee gave everyone some thorough training and information – and the Pine Patrol is raring to go! Our group of ten reckon they nailed about… [Read More]
