Fungi Foray, Waimarino: Wed 2 Apr 2025. Leader/scribe Esther Williams

  Heading north at 8am, we encountered four sets of traffic lights on the Parapapa road. Two hours later we arrived at Mountain House near the Sash and Door Track. Not far over a mown track we saw our first collection of fungi. This find encouraged the thrill of the chase when the trampers got their eye in. Soon we discovered the blue-pink gill fungi featured on the $50 note, the Holy Grail of fungi enthusiasts. Further up, we found more in the broadleaf - conifer forest under warm wet conditions. Perfect!!

Tongariro National Park: 18 Apr 2025. Leader/scribe Esther Williams

  Swords of rain obliterated the moon, stars and Tongariro National Park. Five ventured as far as Mangatepopo hut with no change in the storm. Fern birds called en-route.We returned to Whakapapa and the luxurious Forest and Bird Lodge purpose built for all conditions: drying room, fully equipped kitchen and warm lounge. The rain kept up the next day. Back on the road we passed Peter W's childhood territory of Ketetahi driving on to Rotopounamu car park. Visitors' cars lined the parking space. Over the road, bird calls welcomed us: kaka and titipounamu/ rifleperson and toutouwai/ robin. Trees dripped and fungi had emerged in perfect growing conditions. The locals and overseas visitors enjoyed the ethereal misty lake from the south, east and northern sides: a refreshing walk.

Riverbank Walk: Sat 19 July 2025. Leader Dave Scoullar scribe Jill the Jack Russell

  Eight trampers and me, the Jack Russell, had a crisp, cold but sunny day for our walk from Landguard Rd, opposite Corliss Island along to the south mole, back along the beach and then on the riverbank again to our vehicles.
  It was a lovely walk on which I explored all sorts of interesting smells, (dead animals which came down the river). Piles of debris along the shore made it a bit difficult at times but I was happy to show the trampers the best way to go.
  My master Peter Waugh can be a bit annoying at times but overall he’s not a bad bloke and he did give me snacks at morning tea. This walk has lots of history which seemed to interest the trampers but I had other things on my mind.
  I heard Peter joke that like him I’m not properly trained. I’m working on training him which is an uphill struggle. I got home dog tired, ha ha. This was a fun outing which will be repeated as part of the twilight walks in November. Don’t forget to bring your doggy chums. They’ll love it.

Mangaturuturu Hut: Wed 6 Aug 2025. Leader/scribe Bruce Thomas

  A perfect day for a trip to the club hut. We bypassed the cascades and had morning tea on the knob just above the entrance into the bush.  The views were endless and Taranaki Maunga as clear as a bell.
  Arriving at the hut there were two packs of wood to be put away, which takes very little time with a group.  The Lake Surprise option would have been a bit rushed, so it was down to the falls near the Horopito Track below the hut.  The trip back was also via the alternative route. The group was Bruce, Viv, Toby, Denise, Kathy, Esther, and Peter Waugh.

Rangiwahia Reserve: Thursday August 14 2025. Leaders: Linda Johnstone/Adrian Pike. Scribe Linda.

  Ten trampers headed off. The Snow lined distant ranges were stunning.
  The track  is well labeled and is a sign of the hard work by the locals and others who oversee the reserve’s care. Two tracks are both formed to allow trapping of pests. Two of our number took the flatter, shorter track which allowed them to discover they were actually third cousins and had a great deal to discuss.   The ancient native bush was awesome. The track was  muddy and at times quite steep but the hand dug steps and natural handhold supports (vines and roots) made it very accessible. The steeper areas were equipped with rope holds which were particularly useful when descending. The scenic outlooks were worth stopping for so we did not rush. Most trees were labeled and there were information stops at the aptly named cafes that initially had at least one of us fooled. 
  A stop at Hunterville for refreshments. A day ‘out of the box’.

Te Ara Mangawhero Trail: Thursday 21 August 2025. Leaders Terry Kennedy and Julie Kearse. scribe Julie Kearse.

  A delightful walk for 18 walkers on a fine winter’s day along the new Te Ara Mangawhero Trail, Ohakune. Opened in November 2024 this first section to open is a 13 km loop track. This trail begins at the base of the Ohakune Mountain Road, and connects with the Mountains to Sea - Nga Ara Tuhono Great Ride.
  The well formed easy track climbs gently through the forest, before crossing the Mountain Rd to rejoin the historic Bennett and Punch historic tramway. The Mangawhero stream runs alongside much of the track.
  A compulsory stop at the famed Chocolate Éclair shop in Ohakune topped off a great day out. 

The Old Timers annual afternoon tea: Sun 24 Aug 2025 Organiser and scribe Dorothy Symes

  Forty past and present trampers risked the weather and enjoyed a lovely spring day’s outing to the country. A trip out to Cupsville, very cordially hosted by Humphrey and Fiona O’Leary, Ruatangata Road, Whangaehu. The trips features, apart from the cookies and tea, were several mini tours to see some of the 30 horses and stables. Fiona intrigued others with tales of her recent safari trip experience to South Africa. Most special though was the opportunity for the old-timers to catch up and share their own tales.
  Special thanks to Barbara for minding the phone list from past years and to Ronis Chapman for making contact. Take it Easy Tours loaned a bus to simplify the whole event. Thanks also to Shane, Johnny, Cherry, Sue and Chris - a great support team. All worth it for the camaraderie.

New Pouakai Hut: Wed 3 Sep 2025. Co-leader/scribe Dave Scoullar

  Two full vans of trampers keen to see the new $2.4 million Pouakai Hut set off at 6.30am on a beautiful day. The car park was busy when we left at 9.15 to tackle the board walk to the hut, which was reached by most in around 2 hours.
  After lunch at the tarn we found that clouds had shrouded Taranaki’s head, rather spoiling photo ops. The party split with nine returning via the board walk and 11 down Maude Track. The top half of this track is not maintained and soon we were slipping, sliding and falling as we navigated the deep ruts and muddy holes.
  It was a relief to hit the maintained lower track and wander through to the farmland and tiny car park. The Maude team, who covered 12.6km in their six hour day, waited for half an hour before being picked up.
  Everyone was impressed with the new Pouakai facilities. There will be a chance to experience over-nighting there in February (see trips list).

Arapuke Forest Park: Wed 10 Sep 2025. Leaders Lindsay Forrest/Peter McDowall, scribe Peter 

  We expected Arapuke to be an appropriate venue given the concerning windy rainy forecast, and it didn't disappoint.  We crossed the Black Bridge and ascended the broad Back Track through regenerating bush then open pine country to the summit on Arapuke Rd, where there was a convenient shelter from the intermittent rain showers for morning tea.  Then along Scotts Rd and down an adjoining forestry road to Burtton's Shelter for lunch.  There was seating for all inside this quirky hut, and our timing was perfect, with heavy showers arriving too.  We retraced and split into two groups for our descent to the carpark.  Group 1 returned via the familiar and friendly Back Track.  Group 2 ventured down the middle of the MTB Park on trails that are designated for walking too. 
  An obligatory icecream stop at Waireka Honey. A pleasant day.

Te Ahu a Turanga, cross over: Thurs 11 Sep 2025. Leaders Suzanne Roberts/ Peter Waugh, scribe Heather Mackenzie

  Two males and twelve females on this trip. Suzanne said the drivers would be the blokes, Robert wondered if this was a sexist decision, but nah, not at all. One started the walk from Ashhurst and the other headed to Woodville.   Very windy and cold, quite a bit steeper from the Woodville end, well that's how it seemed. Head wind all the way up. Met Van one group, about halfway, swapped keys and chatted. Peter commented “These Thursday ladies move fast. I’m having trouble keeping up.”
  It’s a very enjoyable walk. The engineering that has gone into building this road is tremendous. Something you notice more when you walk it rather than driving. Coffee stop at The Village Coffee and Co - highly recommend. All in all a fantastic day.

Lismore Forest: Wed 17 September 2025. Leaders Rozy Rawlinson/Virginia Baillie, scribe Virginia

   Our plan was to explore the network of mountain bike trails in Lismore Forest. Permission to enter the forest was obtained from Forest360 and each tramper completed an on-line safety induction.   We negotiated the Gully track.  Parts of the boardwalk were in a state of disrepair which made the going a bit precarious until we joined the Koru Track.  The Koru Track winds its way uphill through stands of redwood, eucalyptus and tree ferns.  We then joined Humpty Track to Airstrip Road and to the Fire Watchtower  for superb views and morning tea. Staying on the forestry roads we headed downhill to near the Matatara Stream for lunch.  After lunch we followed a newly bulldozed track back up to Mangaone Road, a round walk of 21.5kms. in total. Delightful bush, sweeping views and informative commentary from Rozy.

Eastern Ruahine Circuit: Sep 21-23 2025. Leader Adrian Pike, scribe Laurel Stowell

  Six from the club made a three hour van trip to the north eastern base of the Ruahine Range during three spring days of variable weather. Arriving, we had a brief look at the occupied Triplex Hut, then climbed steadily up to the top of the range on a well formed zigzag track. Two veered off part way, for a side trip to Waipawa Forks Hut, down on the gravelly Waipawa River. It was a quick trip and we rejoined the others at the large and busy Sunrise Hut before dark. Other occupants included a family with a not-quite two year old, and a mother and daughter from Auckland.
  Next day we were away early into the glorious tops to walk the two hours to Top Maropea Hut. It was very windy, with snow remnants in places. We arrived at the tidy little hut for morning tea. It was a good place but didn’t have onward options, so we returned to Sunrise. Walking back the wind was so strong that it was prudent to crawl at times. Back at Sunrise it was lunch and rest time - the high wind made an attempt by two to proceed along the next ridge too risky.
  The hut was completely full that night, with a lovely combined family group of cousins. Next day we were away and down the range pretty early. We made a side trip near the bottom, on the Swamp Track - highly recommended for its gentle gradient and mature valley forest. Driving home we hit heavy rain in Woodville, and were back in Whanganui about 4pm.

Grants’ Forest and Possible Hut: Sat Sep 27 2025. Leader Esther Williams, scribe Laurel Stowell

  Five of us clubbies made a day trip to Peter and Ella Grant’s 230ha regenerating bush block on Kauarapaoa Rd. We were lucky to be accompanied by Scotty Moore who has been co-ordinating management there. Peter, an avid conservationist, had been shooting goats and trapping predators on the block since 1995. Parts of it are virgin bush, with the rest regenerating vigorously. All is steep and rugged. Scotty took us up some paths on the 28ha that now has predator traps. We hugged the ridgeline beyond to a high point for lunch then returned on another ridge with some grand views. A good prowl around some typical Whanganui hill country.

Fern Walk, Totara Reserve Pohangina Valley: Thursday October 9 2025. Leader: Bruce. Drivers Bruce, Adrian, Margaret, scribe Sally Gale

  Seventeen of us walked nearly 6 km on the Fern Walk, part of the Totara Reserve. It was boggy underfoot but DOC has laid lots of new boardwalks to keep us out of the mud and protect the track. There was birdsong, Rata trees, and generally attractive vegetation. Sadly, one huge Rata had fallen during recent winds and needed some tricky navigation skills to get past. We then drove to Luttrells White Pine Gardens and Museum for lunch and to explore their wetlands. The weather was good. A great day out. OH!!  And of course ice creams at Bulls.

Rangiwahia Hut – Ruahine Forest Park: Wednesday 15 October 2025. Leaders Cherry and Johnny, scribe Cherry

  Despite the miserable forecast 14 intrepid trampers were keen to head to Rangiwahia Hut. The Beech forest was dripping with raindrops, the fog and mist making the surroundings other worldly.   As Annabel Streets writes in '52 Ways to Walk' …. walking in rain awakens our sense of smell.   Rain releases scents from trees, plants and the soil.  As Trampers we know this and we love it!
  An hour up the track one of our regulars was showing signs of distress so a decision was made for 4 to return to Whanganui leaving 10 trampers to continue to Rangi Hut.  The hut was reached amid smatterings of brief sunshine and views.   Rain and hail accompanied the group as they left the hut.  On the descent the lucky lead tramper saw two deer on the track before they disappeared. The early Whanganui returnees were safely home.