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]
Far above the fog, we ride the serpent to Mackintosh Hut
Mackintosh Hut, Kaweka FP, Saturday 31 July 2021. Map: BJ37 Banner Photo: Morning tea time at Mackintosh Hut Eleven keen trampers gathered at Park Island which was cloaked in a chilly fog. Luckily for us, as we neared the Lakes car park, that fog had lifted and there was no wind. The day promised to… [Read More]
A full house at Kiritaki Hut
Kiritaki Hut, Ruahine FP, Sat-Sun 30-31 January 2021 Banner Photo: A panorama photo taken from the front of the hut by Rob (son of Mike) How quickly the memory fades of the nasty bits of a tramp. It was 2015 when three of us did this tramp, and Juliet and I recalled the climb we… [Read More]
Views west and then east, on the Southern Ruahine Crossing
Southern Ruahine Crossing, Ruahine FP, Saturday 30 January 2021. Map: BM35 Banner Photo: A panoramic picture of the views Kelvin kindly dropped us off at the end of Opawe Road, Pohangina Valley at 10am, having dropped a few others off first to explore the Manawatu Gorge walk. We followed the tall white posts, climbing up… [Read More]
Hypothermia caused by cool winds and water
Cameron Hut, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 20 January 2021. Map: BJ37 Banner Photo: Don’t they look chilled Eleven keen trampers headed off from Park Island in the van driven by John Dobbs. Our destination: Cameron Hut car park on the Gentle Annie Road. We experienced an unexpected bit of “sightseeing” on the way as we passed… [Read More]
Tussock Tops are alluring
Overnight trip to Hinerua Hut, Ruahine FP, Saturday/Sunday 22-23 August 2020 Banner Pix: Ohuinga on the left and Broken Ridge on the right We left Napier bang on 0700 and travelled to Mill Road, behind Ongaonga. Arrangements had been made with the farmer to access the Tukituki across his land, which reduced the tramp time… [Read More]
A tramp down Memory Lane, Episode 6: Mitre Peak was conquered
Tararuas, Easter 1988 Banner Pix: The author, Dyan Coombes, on the Tararua tops It didn’t take more than a few last-minute phone calls to have Murray, Cathy, Carl and myself heading off to the Tararuas in my old ‘Trusty Rusty’ Escort van. We left Napier at 8am on Friday and half an hour this side… [Read More]
