Stanfield Hut

Wed 3 Jan 2024. Leaders Adrian Pike & Margaret Chainey, scribe John Mellsop

For our first Wednesday tramp of the new year, Adrian and Margaret led us on this fine day.  After crossing the Tamaki River West Branch near a well-maintained picnic area we followed the Homes Ridge track which took us to the river again, within a kilometre of the hut.

Stanfield hut was in good condition with a recent paint job, new water tank and wood shed. After a pleasant lunch stop in the sun outside the hut we ventured back the way we had come. For some reason the putaputaweta trees, which were in flower, were more noticeable on the return journey (probably because we were not heads-down climbing!)

Tama Lakes

Sun 14 Jan 2024.   Leader Bruce Thomas/scribe Margaret Wright

Thirteen trampers walked to Tama Lakes/Lower Lake via Taranaki Falls. Four WTC members stopped for lunch here and made their way back to the vans at the Chateau while the remaining nine carried on to the upper lake for lunch, then ventured on to loop back to the Round the Mountain Track. We dropped down onto the lower lake water level, crossed the basin floor in front of the lake and followed a stream course up out of the basin along a frequently used path. Walked back to the Chateau on the alternative track, bypassing the falls. Ice-cream stop at National Park on the way home - thanks drivers.

Weather was sunny, warm and windy.  20.1km covered. Altitude covered 700m, seven hours on the track.

Meanders in Foxton

Wed 17 Jan 2024. Leaders Allan Loader/Linda Hart, scribe Linda

Seventeen booked in for this trip.  We started with Piriharakeke Walkway along a grassy track and through private farmland, taking in the Moutoa Floodway stop banks, then a wee detour to check out Off the Loop Cable Wakeboard and Water Park. Watching these activities was exhausting so we stopped at the windmill for refreshments before taking a wander around the River Loop Amble and Flax Walkway.

We jumped back in the van and went to Foxton Beach, walking Sunset Pathway along the edge of the Manawatu River Estuary, where we found a shady spot for lunch. We continued through Flagstaff Reserve, then to the welcome shade of pines through Ferry Reserve. Next it was a bit of a march of mad Englishmen out in the midday sun following Palmer Road Pathway, then straight back to the van and on to the beach - where many of us enjoyed a refreshing swim or paddle!

Hipango Park

Wed 24 Jan 2024. Co-leader/scribe Dave Scoullar

This overland trip to Hipango Park is one that we have done many times and we were blessed with good weather and dry ground for the latest outing. We strolled over the farm tracks and after a bit of hesitation and map studying at one point, we eventually reached the Whanganui Rriver.

A swim had been suggested but the river was high, dirty and rather swift at the jetty so this was flagged. Most of the group went around the nature walk cutting the odd overhanging branch but the track needs major work with one big windfall and a lack of marking making it hard to follow in places.

After lunch we headed up the ridge behind the park, down through the pine forest and along the farm road to the vans for an outing of 5hrs 40m. Fourteen on the trip.

Tangarakau weekend

26-29 Jan 2024. Leader Dorothy Symes, scribe Peter Panton TTC

Eight from Taumarunui and 11 from WTC were welcomed to Bushlands motor camp and given an interesting overview of local history by the owner. We set off Saturday morning in light rain and followed the railway line to the first tunnel and on to a muddy stream-side tramp, passing a railway water supply dam. It was slow going amongst fallen trees and a rope was helpful for negotiating a slippery bank and across a papa rock face.  Conditions improved as we reached the main ridge, from where we could look down to the rail-line between two tunnels. A 4WD track led downhill, taking in two stream crossings and a steady climb to reach the hut by 12 noon.  After a short lunch stop in light rain, we retraced our steps and arrived at the camp by 4pm – 13km.

Rain cleared overnight and Sunday we followed the rail-line to Mac’s Track, a 6km loop created by a local 90+ year old man about 15 years ago. The track sidled around the contours of the hills in lovely native bush and farmland, our morning tea stop at the high point, then downhill back to the camp on a farm track. The rain had returned, encouraging most to stay indoors for a restful afternoon in front of a fire. A more hardy four took a 5km return walk up a farm valley towards a high hill ‘Pouatu’ but the weather meant distant views were limited.

By Monday the rain had stopped and we set out for the canyon along a farm track beside Tangarakau River, still high after the rain and the waterfalls across the river giving great photo opportunities. At the canyon high colourful bluffs led down to green pasture where ten semi-wild horses made a spectacular scene. The remoteness gave a feeling of peace in a special place.

After lunch at the camp we packed up and returned home, taking with us memories of another enjoyable Tangarakau weekend

WTC: Dorothy, Denise, Kay, David, John, Edwin, Lyndsay, Linda, Shane, Cherry and Johnny.
TTC:  Jan, Sharyn, Jill, Barbara, Annie, Mark and Peter.

Mana Exploration

Sun 28 Jan 2024.  Leader/scribe Brenda Baxter

Twenty set out to explore the bridges, beaches and boathouses of Mana on a fine cool Sunday morning.  This was new territory for most who have driven through the village when it was part of SH1, and the ramble revealed a few surprises. 

After parking at Mana railway station, we walked along several hidden pathways and crossed a pocket of native bush to reach Cambourne Walkway, which follows Pauatahanui inlet from Grays Road to Mana Esplanade.  The forty boathouses on the walkway were a delightful surprise, with all their colour and quirkiness – and one of the owners was very happy to show us inside his newly purchased boathouse. 

Dolly Varden beach was our destination for morning tea and there we learnt that Wendy Humphries’ great-great uncle owned the first Dolly Varden racing skiff. 

Our cruisy trip continued over the pedestrian walkway, through Mana Marina and Ngati Toa Domain, concluding at the cafes of Plimmerton.

Five days in the Tararua

Sat-Wed 3-7 Feb 2024. Leader/scribe Dave Scoullar

Imagine if you read this on Trip Advisor: “An epic adventure and very memorable … my most exciting multi-day trip ever … interesting and challenging … an amazing trip … I was scared at times but that added to the depth of the experience.”

Those are some reflections of the nine trampers who walked from the top of Mangahao dam to Otaki Forks over five days. They were: Cherry Channon, John Mellsop, Erwin Scott, Jill Burton, Laurel Stowell, Lyneke Onderwater, Rozy Rawlinson, Sally Gray and Dee Ess.

Day 1: We went to the dam with the day trippers and had the odd rain shower and a bit of sleet in an 8½ hour walk alongside Mangahao River to Mangahao Flats Hut.
The track was gnarly and muddy and resulted in some falls, luckily not serious.
We shared the hut with two others.

Day 2: Sunny weather for the 6½ hours to Te Matawai Hut, mainly following the river. Track still gnarly, muddy and demanding. The front walkers saw a stag in a clearing.
We shared the hut with four others.

Day 3: Another good weather day. A short distance along the track we plunged over the side and bush-bashed, following the occasional marker for an hour to reach the Otaki River which we walked down for 6h with many crossings. The plan was to reach Waitewaewae Hut but we only got halfway and stopped at a two-bunk hut on an attractive grassy terrace. Four crammed inside and five slept under a fly rigged up from part of a parachute. Some went for a swim and we had a great campfire. Saw four other people along the river including a fisherman.

Day 4: Our longest and most interesting day at just under 10 hours. The many crossings became more demanding with water up to our waists at times. Three had an inadvertent swim. By the afternoon our navigators John and Rozy were able to lead the party along some terraces and eventually on an old track. A bonus was to have YTYY hut to ourselves. Another good weather day.

Day 5: After crossing the river for a shortcut, a 9h day on the track got us to Otaki Forks and then up Otaki Gorge Rd to link with the Wednesday Wanderers who had been on the Pukeatua Track. We had planned to meet them there but had got a day behind on the river. Good weather? Of course.

Along the way there were various casualties from ongaonga and insect stings, bush lawyer, bruises, a skinned elbow, a cut finger and a sore ankle. But these were minor compared with the excitement of going off track plus the chance to see the “beauties of moving water on a jewel-like two days on the exquisite Otaki River” and the “spectacular forest luxuriously draped in spongy moss” — as reflected by the Tararua nine.

This is just a brief rundown on the trip. You really had to be there.

Pukeatua

Wed 7 Feb 2024.  Leaders Marilyn McGlone/Bruce Thomas, scribe Marilyn

Two vans with six trampers in each set off at 7am, providing seating for the nine multi day trampers who joined us at the end of the day.

Weatherwise the day was perfect, as we chuckled and chugged our way up towards the summit of a reasonably challenging ascent. After 30 minutes in the open it was pleasant to reach the bushline and enter the coolness of the forest canopy. The track was easy to follow and we reached the top in 3.5 hours, and stopped for lunch.
The views out to the coast were great.  After picking our way carefully down some steep sections we arrived weary but in good spirits to the vans. The multi day trampers were collected at Otaki Forks and we arrived home at 7.30pm.

Sigley Falls

Sat 10 Feb 2024.  Leader Peter Finucane, scribe Peter Panton (both TTC)

Sunny skies and perfect walking conditions for nine under beech forest in Rangataua conservation area on the south side of Mt Ruapehu. We started from Karioi Station Rd then into beech forest with moss-covered tree stumps, fungi and ferns.  Off-track, we encountered fallen trees, bush lawyer and hook grass.

A steep 25m drop-off ended in Mangaehuehu stream.  The 20m falls revealed themselves framed with rocks and beech forest.  From above we could see smooth rocks and a swirling stream before its plunge below.  I was happy to reach Sigley Falls, previously just a name on a map.

After lunch we followed a trap line back to the road for a few kms and onto another trap line for a change of scenery.  This line led us to a short distance from our vehicles.

A long day with 25.1km and 7h 43m. There were four from Taumarunui club and five from Whanganui.

Climb to Hukaroa

Sat 10 Mar 2024. Leader/scribe Shane Wilson

Hukaroa hill overlooks Raetihi with views in every direction. Our walk began as ‘easy’ but became a steep ascent giving lungs a good workout plus extensive farmland views. Making good time, we stopped for morning tea just 25 minutes short of our destination – a warm and sunny rest break with views to Mt Taranaki.

With a steep climb up the road, we arrived at Hukaroa Trig (792m) at 11am, with
360 degree views as promised. We had climbed 350m, with a distance of 4.5km. Near the trig were tall radio masts and radio equipment buildings. Flying ants encouraged us to seek a less invasive lunch spot under some trees, with a peaceful scene of rusting shed and grazing cattle.

The descent was made in good time and we returned to Raetihi for a short local loop walk off Ameku Road, with views of Hukaroa and the radio masts. Raetihi River Trail was quickly squashed in favour of ice cream. Sunny weather and a variety of interests made this an enjoyable day for the Whanganui seven and seven from Taumarunui.

Pine Pulling TNP

2-3 Mar 2024. Leader Esther Williams, scribe Laurel Stowell

Only four stepped up despite inducements of free trip, barbecue and camping at Ohakune DOC HQ. We left in the dark and arrived Ohakune 8.30am. Waiting were seven from Hutt Valley club plus three DOC staff with Danial van der Lubbe in charge - the perfect supervisor, keen on getting results. Hutt Valley club has a more environmental focus than ours, and some we knew from previous exchanges.

It was quite a drive to the work-place on eastern Ruapehu.  From Tukino Skifield road, 14 spread out 30m apart to walk in a human chain across Rangipo Desert and upwards, with our high-vis vests and saws. It was sunny and clear, with magnificent views of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and the Kaimanawas. The slope was bare and sandy, with rocks, water courses and intriguing dashes of desert vegetation. Danial said Pinus contorta would blanket the place if it had a chance.

We had to cross Whangaehu River to reach our lunch spot at the foot of a vertical lava flow. You could smell the river before you saw it. The water was a filmy white that hid stones on the bottom. After lunch we worked in another swathe of country, with outbreaks of dense vegetation and more rogue pines. The final tally was 161 destroyed, after a tiring but thoroughly good day with perhaps 8km walked.

Then back to Ohakune for a barbecue as the sky began to cloud over. The Hutt Valley team had tents on the grass around the office. Esther put hers up, but Dave Scoullar, Lyneke Onderwater and I slept under DOC roofs. We chatted with the Hutt Valley group, then took to our sleeping bags. There was light rain overnight and Danial decided Sunday’s weather would be too poor to carry on, returning 8am to say goodbye.

Stanton Memorial 

Wed 20 Mar 2024. Leader Trish Hopkins, scribe Bruce Thomas

What could be better than a perfect autumn day on Mt Ruapehu?  For this is what we had for this tramp into the Stanton Memorial, which is a huge rock with a plaque on it in memory of a young tramper who perished on the mountain in 1931.

This time it was a round trip, thanks to guide Toby Arni. We went south off the poled track soon after leaving the Scoria Flat carpark and traversed ridges and gullies – not much flat - before descending to the rock in time for lunch.  After lunch it was out via our normal route. Not an easy day but a good one.

On the trip were Toby Arni, Esther Williams, Pippa McLay, Terry Kennedy, Erwin Scott, Peter McDowall, Bruce Thomas, Kathy O’Donnell, Dave Scoullar, and leaders Trish Hopkins and Viv Dawson.

Waipakihi Hut

9-10 Mar 2024. Leader John Mellsop, scribe Jane Lowe

plus Jill Burton, Brigitte Hund, Laurel Stowell, Grant Solly and Mark Duckworth.

We travelled to Waiouru via Field’s Track, then to the start off Kaimanawa Rd.  At 9.30 we began a long climb on Umukarikari Track, the first 2.5h through beech forest. At bush-line the track reverted to poles and the views were stunning - Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, Lakes Rotoaira and Taupo.

After lunch on a heather outcrop, we carried on upwards to Shape Cone to the Urchin Trig/Waipakihi Hut signpost. The track became steeper to Umukarikari summit (1591m). To the east, Kaimanawa Ranges were dominant. The ridgeline from Umukarikari was initially gentle, with just one small tarn over the next 3km. Waipakihi Hut, at the head of the valley, appeared tantalisingly close for the last hour. The ridgeline dropped off dramatically, and we scrambled down a steep rocky path, through beech forest and then forded (keeping dry feet) a picturesque tributary of Waipakihi River, before the final short distance to the hut.

The 12-bunk hut is popular and with just one bunk available, six set up camp. We enjoyed our dinner outside on the heather and some ventured into the river to refresh. At the hut, there were dogs, hunters with bow and arrows, and even a deer head with an impressive set of antlers. 

Next morning was chilly and clear. We set off at 8.30 to tackle the steep ascent out of the valley.  Laurel commented she would delete all her scenic pictures from Saturday, as the views were even better on Sunday.

Thanks to John for leadership and John and Brigitte for driving. Trip to hut – 6.5 hours, return trip –  6 hours.

Manawatu Wairarapa Crossover

Wed 27 Mar 2024. Leaders Cherry & Johnny Channon, scribe Cherry

Eleven signed on to this crossover tramp. Johnny drove his team to the Wairarapa via Pahiatua Track where they started from Naenae Road end, crossing a stream before ascending a long, steep, muddy incline. Cherry's team headed to Sledge Track Manawatu as the silver van began losing power and inching the last two kilometres. Luckily there was cellphone coverage so the Vehicle Maestro, Adrian, was advised of the problem and we set off.

We followed Kahuterawa Stream to the swing bridge then in light drizzle started climbing endless steps through lush native bush and towering trees to Toe Toe Junction and the Otangane Loop Track. Views were limited due to the overcast day. The radios kept the teams in touch and we met up for lunch and key swap. Strong winds accompanied us along the tops before the steep descent to Naenae Road. Adrian and Bruce delivered the old Toyota to Sledge Track carpark for the Wairarapa team. The silver van started immediately and they drove it back to town – no problem!

Tongariro Night Crossing

Fri 29 Mar 2024. Leader Esther Williams, scribe Alix Rogers

Our group of eight were anxious about weather but it was beautiful and pristine, with a temperature of 5º and lower wind chill. We grouped at Mangatepopo Hut for a hot cuppa and lunch before setting off for the big climb.  The views at Red Crater were spectacular, Taranaki even. My gosh it was very windy and very cold!  We linked arms to descend - if we were going to fly we may as well do it together in style. We found a sheltered spot for our dinner, while admiring toned male species wearing only shorts!

Descending, we were greeted with spectacular views of the sunset behind Taranaki and sparkling jewels in the sky - stars.  Only as we travelled to the holiday camp did the moon make its appearance. Hot cuppa and shower. One room was warm but the other's heat pump didn’t work – very cold. 

Next morning we set off after porridge and scrambled eggs. We made a brief vege stop, another hot drink at Raetihi.  This was an amazing trip with a great group.  

Same adventure, another perspective:

Tongariro Night Crossing

Scribe Vivienne Dawson

Dubious weather warnings, however from Mangatepopo the mountain vista was clear with few clouds.  With much confidence we marked our plan in the warden’s book. At the top of the steps an ominous snow cloud surged into view and then disappeared.  At Red Crater ridge we talked with two SAR staff, there monitoring those doing the crossing. Some were inadequately clad. They had just descended from the ridge-top and enthusiastically endorsed our plan to see the sunset and moonrise from the top, noting it was calm and conditions ideal. Alas!  half an hour later as we reached the crater and the magnificent 360 vistas, the wind was gale force.  We linked arms and made it down without a wobble. We had supper in the lee of a rocky escarpment half way down the ridge.  While we missed the late moonrise, we observed a magnificent sunset over Taranaki Maunga. Simply stunning. A most successful jaunt, worth repeating.  

Rerekapa Hut

Mon-Tue 8-9 Apr 2024. Scribe Dave Scoullar

This overnight trip in the Moki Conservation Area near Uruti in north Taranaki was new for all the six who took part. It was a long (220km) drive to get to our destination, much longer than the 1hr 50min to walk into Rerekapa Hut along a well-marked often muddy track through terrific lowland bush with banks of spectacular parataniwha and many native seedlings, particularly pukatea.

Run by volunteers, the hut is on DOC land but was built in 1969-71 by the Waitara Boys Brigade with a major refurbishment in 2009. It sleeps 16 with a large community area and sits in an attractive setting surrounded by bush.

After lunch the party walked an hour further beside the Waitara River, just a stream here, to view the 13m Rerekapa Falls. We had the hut to ourselves and the evening was marked by a boisterous card game. Next day walking out we met three DOC men who were passing through on a track-clearing mission, not that there was much to do as there were few windfalls.

Fine weather and good company made for a great two days with the area well worth the journey.

On trip: Graham Sutcliffe (leader), Terry Kennedy, Allan Loader, Adrian Pike, Juliet Kojis and Dee Ess.

Rewa’s Ridge, National Park

Sat 6 Apr 2024. Leader Mike Cole, scribe Peter Panton TTC

A first attempt for our two clubs, with eight starting at Fisher’s Road carpark on the well-formed Tupapakurua Falls track. Spaced along the track were nine bucket drop-off/pick-up stations. Some carried half-buckets of metal for track maintenance – Earl carried one bucket the full 3km to the falls.

We had morning tea at Taranaki Lookout (would you believe it, with Mt Taranaki in view) and arrived at Tupapakurua Falls lookout where half our group made the steep descent to the bottom of the waterfall.

Lunch preceded the steep off-track climb up to Rewa’s Ridge where it levelled out and became a slow comfortable bush walk with old plastic markers ensuring we were going in the right direction. We came across blue fungi, while views of the surrounding area were limited by thick bush. At the top end of Rewa’s ridge we came across old logging skids and by 3pm we had rejoined the formed track back to the carpark.

This 8km six-hour trip might become a favourite, providing a loop circuit with an easy formed track leading to two lookouts and a moderate grade return. 

Maharahara Crossover

Sun 14 Apr 2024. Leader & scribe Cherry Channon

Kereru wingbeat ‘thrum-thrums’ accompanied the ascent to the top of Maharahara (1095m) on the Pohangina side of the Ruahine Ranges. The kereru were as inquisitive as piwakawaka and delightful companions as they monitored our progress on a dreary day.

'Jeepers Creepers' said Mark, descending a steep muddy drop-off, while most took the easy way … sliding down slippery slopes on rear ends.  'Oooooh oooww' from Sally, pushing through thickly-growing leatherwood and flax.  She hadn't worn putties and the foliage was like sandpaper on wet legs.Nearing lunchtime we were delighted to see Laurel who had walked up the Woodville side to meet us, leaving Johnny and Dave fifty metres below enjoying a cuppa, having had enough bush-bashing for today.

Criss-crossing the stream at the end washed clinging mud off boots and legs. Despite the hard going, all agreed it was a great tramp and we'd book in to do it again – preferably in the summer!