Mt Taranaki Circuit: Tue-Thu 7-9 Jan 2025. Leader/scribe Dave Scoullar

  On trip: Viv Dawson, Denise Gordon, Peter Waugh, Anne Caseley, Pam Phease and Dee Ess.

  The weather leading up to this trip was anything but summer-like but we won the lottery. We arrived at Dawson Falls on a brilliant bluebird day with the maunga clear and wandered up to Stratford Plateau and across the new bridge to the ski field for lunch.

  Then it was a steadily rising track to Tahurangi Lodge and down the knee-crunching Puffer Track to reach Maketawa hut in 5.5h. On the way we met a number of people
(all young) who had just climbed to the summit. The 16-bunk hut had our six and six others that night, so there was plenty of room. A quiz produced lots of hilarity with the Cuzzy Bros team declared the winner.

  Day 2 also was a beauty and we took the lower track to Stratford Mountain House in 4h. We met only one other person and the going was good as the track had had a recent haircut. After having coffee/tea from the lodge and lunching, the weather clagged in for the under 2h leg to Waingongoro hut but the drizzle was very light. Again we shared the 16-bunk hut with six others. The entertainment that night was jokes, riddles and Uno.

  Day 3 was another stunner for the short walk to Dawson Falls where we viewed the falls (a must for Viv since she and the falls share a name) and the lodge’s power station. Stops on the way home at the possum fur factory, Hollard Gardens, the Yarrow’s shop in Manaia and, of course, Patea’s famous ice cream shop completed a successful multi-day trip.

Tama Lakes Circuit: Wed 15 Jan 2025. Leaders Bruce Thomas/Marilyn McGlone, scribe Marilyn.

   A beautiful day for 16 keen trampers to a popular destination.  The lovely Taranaki Falls provided a perfect morning tea stop before moving on to Tama Lakes. We paused briefly overlooking the lower lake, regrouped and steadily trudged up the steep shingle slope to Upper Tama where a lunch stop was welcome.

   Our next challenge was onto a ridge with expansive views as far as the eye could see. Another ridgeline brought us down to the lower lake and we walked through an interesting gully which joined up with the Around-the-Mountain track.  The way back to Whakapapa Village offered wonderful scenery, and although it seemed a long way at 22km, all arrived at the vans in good spirits.  An ice cream at National Park revived the troops and we were home by 7pm.  A fabulous day to remember!

Twilight Walks Report
By Dave Scoullar

  The 2025 twilight public walks attracted a total of 44 people including a number of non-members and the weather behaved for all four walks. The first, to Corliss Island led by Dave Scoullar and guided by Rozy Rawlinson, had 17 participants. We saw three spoonbills and picked up rubbish.

  The second walk in pine forest to Harry Stimpson’s tea house attracted 13 and in the words of leader Brian Doughty “went great”. The third walk across farm land from Westmere to Castlecliff had to be cancelled because of unforeseen circumstances. The fourth walk around St John’s Hill had 14 people including four members of the public and leader Julie Kearse said it was a “good walk”.

  Although the walks don’t attract many members of the public they are still good PR for the club.

Kapiti Island: Sat 8 Feb 2025. Leader/scribe Esther Williams

   Two participants plus leader.

   From the first step off the Kapiti Nature Tours vessel all you could hear was birds!  An amazing collection of riotous calls: tui, bellbird, tieke, hihi, kakariki, kokako, weka, kaka, long-tail cuckoo, rifleman/titipounamu, and the "whoo " bird which turns out to be kereru.

   Erwin took over driving north, arriving at the Waireka Ice-cream shop ten minutes before closure. Excellent!

Rangiwahia – Mania: 11-12 Feb 2025. Leaders Sally Gray/Toby Ani, scribe Sally

   The excitement started on the way as we passed a scrub fire that had just started.  No cellphone coverage, so had to drive to the nearest farmhouse and get them to call it in.  The Rangiwahia fire truck passed us as we were heading into the village.  On the way home we saw that the fire had burned trees on both sides of the road but had been well contained – we were relieved.

   All eight of us made good time to the hut, reaching there at 6pm.  We had a great evening, with a quiz courtesy of Dave Scoullar – much hilarity and vying for top place.  The sunset was spectacular and the full moon meant we didn’t need our torches when we got up in the night.

   Wednesday morning dawned bright and clear so six of us set off on the round trip to Mania, while Denise and Pam headed back down to take the van around to Mania.  It was an absolutely perfect day – clear skies, a very light breeze and amazing 360o views including all four mountains.  We went off-piste for a while, climbing up to the high point of 1635m. Then it was more or less downhill from there on in.  We met up with the Wednesday group near the top of the Mania track, had lunch together and then headed down the rather steep track through beautiful bush. The last three kms were tough as we were all tired and some of us had run out of water but we all made it to the waiting van.

   This was a fantastic trip, a great group of people and perfect tramping conditions.

On trip: Sally, Toby, Dave, Terry, Kathy, Viv and the drivers Denise and Pam.

Stony River Impassable: Wed 19 Feb 2025. Leaders Dave Taylor/Michelle Mellow, scribe Dave

   Nine headed up Puniho Track to join the Round the Mountain track and complete a circuit down the Stony River. A year ago the clockwise option was chosen. Tramp involves one stream crossing and then heading down a tributary to Stony River.  Decided anti-clockwise to better assess flows.

   We climbed Puniho Track in gentle rain. The first and second streams were just a trickle.  Four hundred metres down Stony we came to where the river swings into the base of a small cliff, an hour’s tramp. Previously there had been a medium SUV-size rock, which, with help from others, we had scrambled over. The rock was now sitting in the river further down. Stony River was running high and swift to cross.

   Using saplings and roots John Mellsop impressively hauled himself up a vertical face but most of us believed this was a little bit above our abilities, let alone know if we could drop down another slope back to the river. We hastily retraced our steps, finishing at 6 pm in the sun.  A great circuit - will just have to wait for river to change its course again.

Rangiwahia Scenic Reserve: Sat 22 Feb 2025. Leaders Vivienne Dawson/Denise Gordon, scribe Chris Rothman

   Twelve set off on the 95 min drive to Rangiwahia village. After reading the information board at Rangiwahia hall we drove a short distance to Kaikawaka Reserve by the cemetery, walked a 30 min loop before morning tea, then on a short distance to Rangiwahia Reserve, 130 acres of untouched native bush.

   We saw a wide variety of magnificent specimen trees: rimu, matai, miro, maire, totara, rewarewa, northern rata and kahikatea, well labelled by the group who look after the reserve. Bird life was evident too - starting out, we spotted a karearea.

   The track was slow going for some with tree roots and climbs, steps cut into banks and rope rails on steep sections. The ‘bush café’ clearings were interesting diversions. We lunched at the top with a view over Rangiwahia village. A great day out, topped off by ice-cream at Hunterville.  Thank you to leaders and drivers Peter and Brigitte.

That Place (Oskams): Sat 8 Mar 2025. Leader/scribe Bruce Thomas

   On a warm overcast morning a group of five visitors from the New Plymouth club and six of us visited “That Place”, a well-known area of mountain bike tracks beside the Whanganui River.  Our plan was to follow the riverbank tracks through the trees, some age-old, some recent plantings along with native plants, then round to the pyramid house for the lunch stop.

   While the visitors were fascinated with the pyramid house, two of our members gave some history of the immediate area which was also very interesting.  The return trip of the same route had us back to the van mid-afternoon. 

Waitahinga Trails: Sun 9 Mar 2025.  Leader/scribe Adrian Pike

   With an azure sky, dappled shade and considering the previous day’s rain, the leafy track was dry under foot and easy to navigate. The weather was flawless. Our visitors from New Plymouth Tramping Club thoroughly enjoyed this popular lovely piece of bush, often commenting on excellent signage and good level of track maintenance.

   Perhaps the highlight was meeting and making friends with a pair of adorable, lively and very alert Basenji dogs (they do not bark, but yodel instead). The owner had them on a tight lead, had he let them go they would have vanished into the bush in a flash.

   The dam looked like it always looks, very peaceful with the familiar sound of water babbling down the face of the old dam wall. An enjoyable day all round. 

Lake Dive Circuit: Wed 12 Mar 2025. Leaders Trish/Sally, scribe Sally

   Three did the complete circuit and one went up to the Kaponga Hut and back down.  Many, many steps – both up and down the mountain, making for aching calf muscles afterwards.  The weather was good for a start but wind and rain met us as we sidled around the mountain and down to Lake Dive. This track is not well maintained and the overhanging tussocks along with the rain made for three very wet trampers.

   Lunch at the Lake Dive Hut site – fortunately the rain had stopped.  Then back to Dawson Falls on the Lower Lake Dive Track.  We were expecting this to be unmaintained but were pleasantly surprised to find that DOC has been working on the track and it was relatively easy walking.  Six and a half hours to complete the circuit.  A great day out. 

Mangapurua Trig: Thurs 13 Mar 2025. Leader Helen Atkinson/scribe Dave Scoullar

   + Depart 8am and back 8.15pm  /   + A 25km walk  /   + 7½ hours

   Can this be a Thursday walk? Can it what! Ten set off for what some thought was just a stroll to McIntyre’s Hut in the Mangapurua Valley. But after a lazy lunch in the sun with magnificent mountain views leader Helen marched us to the Kaiwhakauka Valley intersection. Then she marched us to the Mangapurua trig. We went like lambs.

   And why not? The day was wonderful, the road was dry and the company was great. Some had never been up the old road line to the trig. We had a good look around and admired the relatively new memorial to post-WW1 settlers and the panel with photos of them all.

   It was a fast mostly downhill return to the van but rather late when we got back. However, Helen was so laid back that when we were approaching Ruatiti Domain she suggested we go in and have a look around. So we did, and again this was new to some people.

   A long day but our leader certainly made sure we got the most out of it.

Tauanui Hut: Mon-Tue 17–18 Mar 2025. Leader Graham Sutcliffe/scribe Dave Scoullar

   The team: Graham Sutcliffe, Alan Loader, Adrian Pike, Garry McElwain, Terry Kennedy, Dave Scoullar.

   This six-bunk hut is in Aorangi Forest Park in south Wairarapa. The day began with a long (247km) drive nearly to Lake Ferry, then through a forestry block on a windy and rough road, ending up beside the Tauanui River.

   We walked up the river, which was running low, with much of the time on a four wheel drive track, to reach the orange coloured hut (built in 1966) in only 1hr 15min. Outside was a quad bike and inside was its owner, Alex, a local who likes to visit and hunt the area. Tauanui may be nearly 60 years old but it is in good shape, having received some much-needed attention by Backcountry Trust volunteers in 2022.

   Alex proved an interesting companion for the night after we had rigged up an extra bed for Alan. Shut-eye followed cards. It rained gently overnight, not enough to raise the river level, and next day there was no precipitation as we strolled out in 1hr 10min. This may seem a long way to  for such a short tramp but we felt it was worth it to visit a hut which was new to to all of us.

Owhango Water Supply Dam: Wed 26 Mar 2025. Leaders Peter Panton/Peter Waugh, scribe Margaret Wright

   The day started with rain and a lost fuel card. The walk, mainly off-track bush tramping, took us toward the Owhango water supply dam in the Tongariro Forest Park. The rain eased as we passed an eight metre waterfall on the way to a lookout point, walking through tawa forest. Could not find the viewpoint to the 70m Owhango falls (this is for another day).

   Rain was setting in so we headed for the dam. There was a river crossing before the dam and some chose not to get wetter at this time. This is a very interesting little dam with history supplied by Peter P. The tracks back were on rough slippery 4WD tracks and the rain was relentless. We finished very wet but found the fuel card. We will try this one again on a dry day.

Rotokare: Sat 29 Mar 2025. Leader/scribe Denise Gordon

   Twelve happy trampers, including four international students, had a picture-perfect day at Rotokare Scenic Reserve.  We walked the predator fence for three kms then down into the bush and around the lake.  Taranaki Maunga was at its best and a wonderful advert of NZ countryside for our visitors.

  Lunch by the lake and home again. Not a long day but an extremely enjoyable outing.  Thanks to Terry and Bill for driving     

Wairere Stream: Wed 2 Apr 2025. Leaders Tobi Ani/Margaret Wright, scribe Margaret

   Nine on the trip.  We walked the lower track to Taranaki Falls from Whakapapa Village and then followed the Wairere stream from the top of the falls up the mountain side. We crossed the stream, scrambled up a long, LONG steep slope to the top of a ridge and followed the ridge back down to the Chateau. Ruapehu was putting on a show - cloudy, windy, a bit cool and magnificent views.

   The vegetation and general terrain were awesome.

Viv summed it up: “Tramps are always good. But some just hit the spot. This one was a bullseye.”

   Approximately 11km walked. National Park store for snacks on the way home.

Sunrise Hut: 6-8 Apr 2025. Leader Terry Kennedy/scribe Denise Gordon

   Nine happy trampers headed to Sunrise Hut in the sun. Being Sunday afternoon, a nice steady incline to the hut. We settled into the hut and had a pleasant evening before the weather came in. The wind was so strong no-one could stand on the ridge leading to Top Moropea hut, our Day 2 goal. Subsequently, Day 2 was spent in the hut with the fire going.  Dave S provided lots of quizzes and many games of cards were played, while the hut rocked.  We walked out in the wind but with clear skies until two minutes from the van.  A “must-try-again” trip!

Kaiwhaiki Crossover: Wed 9 Apr 2025. Leaders JohnM & Graham, scribe VirginiaB

   Fourteen trampers headed out to Kaiwhaiki in unexpected heavy rain. The plan was for Team B to start at Horrick’s farm and finish at Oskam’s That Place. Team A would do the reverse.

   We set off along the river on what could be described as a road suitable for robust 4WDs. Soon we were climbing an incline good enough to have us ditching our raincoats and woolly hats. Just as well the rain had stopped by then.

   On the way up the ridge we enjoyed stunning views of bush-clad hills, Hipango Park, the Oskam’s pyramid structure and the river.  From the top of the ridge we followed the ‘undulating’ road as far as Horrick’s farm. There was much discussion on the definition of ‘undulating’. A gentle stroll down through Horrick’s farm completed the day.

 Kokowai Circuit: Sat 12 Apr 2025. Leaders Sally Gray/Trish Hopkins, scribe Sally

   The weather got the better of us when we tried to do this track last year, but this time for the eight who signed up the day dawned fine and the mountain was clear as we drove towards it.  We parked at the Nth Taranaki Visitor Centre and walked 2km down to the start of the track.  It wasn’t as muddy as we thought it might be.  Climbing the ridge up to the Holly Hut Track was sweat-producing for us oldies – we let the two young exchange students go ahead and wait at the intersection.

   The Holly Hut track is like a main highway now with all the work DOC has done, so it was fast going for us all on this section.  Just over five hours to complete the circuit, which was a good time.

Pine pulling on Mt Ruapehu: Sat-Sun 8-9 Mar 2025. Leader Esther Williams/ scribe Dave Scoullar

   Eight from Hutt Valley Tramping Club joined seven from WTC for the weekend. We were:
Esther Williams (leader), Jill Burton, Lyneke Onderwater, John Mellsop, Shane Wilson, Lindsay Forrest & Dee Ess.

   The weather was perfect for the team of 15 trampers and two DOC rangers for the annual pine pulling weekend on the south-east slopes of Mt Ruapehu —our 60th year on this campaign. On the Saturday we headed through Karioi forest into an area we have not visited for some years and marched up and down the mountain side in lines. Because of a fire ban in the forest we didn’t camp in the beech trees as we have in the past but returned to Ohakune and put up our tents at the DOC field centre.

   That was unusual but even more so was the dinner that night which instead of a barbecue consisted of take aways funded by DOC. We went into town and were allowed to make individual orders which came to a total of $290. The take aways were supplemented by delicious cakes supplied by Esther, watermelon and sundry other shared treats.

   On the Sunday it was back to the same area and this time we split into two groups. One was the standard line of trampers and the other group was of foragers roaming randomly in pairs for the pesky pines. The weekend tally of 2379 trees was the biggest for years. It was another stunning outing and rather sad to have to leave the magical maunga to rejoin the real world.

   Esther adds these observations: Tui sang from the alpine beech as we walked up Round Bush Road. Wax eyes in the higher forest twittered, small alpine grasshoppers observed and large spiders awaited prey in tough webs.

Mangaturuturu: 29/30 Mar 2025. Leader, John Mellsop, scribe Mark Duckworth

   Nine set off from Waitonga Falls carpark heading on a 310° bearing, intending to walk across to Horopito track up to Mangaturuturu hut - not a route I would recommend unless you wish to remove dead skin. We ran out of track markers somewhere near half-way. The track became so dense, we were putting markers every 5m and, in one case, twice on one tree. But simple things can give much pleasure and so we were happy to find the Horopito track and quickly walked the remaining few km to the hut - 5hrs/7.5km. Four walked up to Lake Suprise and basked aimlessly for 30mins in lovely afternoon sun while others patched themselves up and unwound.  We filled the hut, and with a couple arriving later there were two mattresses in the alcove and one in a tent.

   Crossing Turoa carpark, we walked up scree slopes on the eastern side and, with some delightfully unstructured wandering, found the track to the Old Blyth Hut where we had lunch.

    Then things got weird. Not really, but we blundered around for a bit before we found the link to the new Blyth hut track. Some pink ribbons high on a tree marked the entrance. The track was muddy and tough so we were grateful to arrive at the new Blyth Hut track. Some easy walking to the carpark through sun-filtered beech, stop for coffee, ice-cream and eclairs at Ohakune - and home to wash rather muddy gear.

Taranaki Maunga: Wed 30 Apr 2025. Leader/scribe Bruce Thomas

   We were hoping for a cross-over but the small group meant five trampers started at York Road and two went up to the Stratford Mountain House with the van.  The day was wet both underfoot and overhead but we came prepared for that.

   The two groups met at the intersection of York Road and Curtis Falls tracks, a spot marked with a piece of ribbon – nothing else.  The York Road track was overgrown at this point.  The whole group then headed down Curtis Falls Track with deep puddles, staircases, ladders and stream crossings.  It was a real eye-opener to see how fast those streams were rising but we all crossed safely to complete a challenging but satisfying day.

   The seven were: Bruce, Esther, Terry K, Margaret W, Laurel, Michelle and Peter W.

Tour of Taihape:  Sat 3 May 2025. Leader/scribe Erwin Scott

    Having caught up with Taihape clubbie and guide, Jane Bell, we headed off on a leisurely walk through the timelessly bird-named streets to get an insight into the early days of the town.

   We then drove up SH1 to “Longridge Farm” which has been in Gayna Setter’s family for 93 years.  From the development of the farm to the evolution of the main trunk railway, SHI and Hautapu River - all of which intersect the farm - change is the only constant.

   After lunch and situated adjacent to the town, Jane took us to the Hautapu River Parks – walkways and mountain bike trails - administered by Taihape Charitable Society, built and funded by the community.   Consisting of a number of trails, swing bridges, bush and the river, this is extremely well done.

   Huge thanks to Jane for inviting us and putting together a tour that made for a full and thoroughly enjoyable day.

Mt Bruce plane site: Wed 7 May 2025. Co-leader and scribe Dee Ess

  With two vans, 13 punters and an early start on a lovely day, what could possibly go wrong? It happened just past Eketahuna when a van driven by co-leader Suzanne Roberts heard a bang and she lost air in her driver’s front tyre. Putting on the spare set us back a half an hour as we were stopped on an awkward place on the highway but the problem was eventually remedied.

  A few kilometres on we turned into Kaiparoro Rd and followed it to the Tararua foothills. Shane McCulloch had led a Saturday trip 10 days earlier to the same place and warned us of the pitfalls following extensive forestry operations.   

   We climbed steep forestry roads into the bush and eventually came out on a plateau and then on to the Kaiparoro trig where we had lunch. Backtracking a wee way, we followed informal markings to the remains of the RNZAF twin-engine Airspeed Oxford which went down on 5 July 1952, killing the sole occupant 27-year-old David Leary.
The crash wasn’t found for more than a year. The seven who made it to the plane agreed that it’s a gloomy spot for a grave as Leary is buried at the site.

  We returned to the van along a different track to complete a circuit in about five hours. The club first visited the plane site with the South Wairarapa Tramping Club in 2005 and has revisited on a number of occasions.

Te Ara Mangawhero Trail: Thurs 8 May 2025. Leaders Barbara Gordon/Terry Kennedy, scribe Brenda Baxter

   What a fantastic walk it was for 21 TT1 walkers on a beautifully crisp autumn morning along the new Te Ara Mangawhero trail, Ohakune.  The offroad trail of 11.4 km starts north of the Junction and connects with the Mountains to Sea – Nga Ara Tuhono Great Ride.  Opened in November 2024, the first 8.8 km (phase 1) of the Grade 2 shared walking and cycling trail passes through the bush-clad southern slopes of Mt Ruapehu.

   We started our walk on the eastern side and were soon delighted with the play of dappled light through the native bush.  However, the day wasn’t clear enough to catch the stunning beauty of Mt Ruapehu.  The track is well-formed, clearly signposted and includes bridges over the stream, a colourful crossing of the Mountain Road and parts of the historic Bennett and Punch tramway.

   Ice-creams and/or chocolate eclairs topped off an excellent day.

Castle Rock: Sat 10 May 2025. Leader/scribe Dave Taylor

   A perfect day for ten trampers, including two overseas students, to enjoy stunning views of the Central Plateau mountains and the rolling tussock lands leading to the Kaimanawas.  Track entrance is just north and opposite the road to Tukino Ski Field.
The track runs close to the northern boundary of defence force land.

   The first rise is a little rough but worth the effort, rewarded by a grand panoramic view during morning tea.  The remainder is mostly easily managed, just a little boggy in odd places (halfway up the boots, that's all). The middle section is through a splendid stand of beeches. A jumble of giant rocks sits on a rise which from a distance could be mistaken for a tumbled down medieval castle (maybe?). Ideal lunch spot with again spectacular views.

   We drove up Fields Track to add to the scenic day and returned via SH1.  Some were a little uncomfortable on twisting Fields Track - sorry!

Taranaki Weekend: Sat-Sun 17–18 May 2025. Leader/scribe Dave Scoullar

   The crew: Esther Williams, Juliet Kojis, Ross McBeth, Jane Bell, Pam Phease, Dorothy Symes, Adrian Pike and Dee Ess.

   This was a trip of two halves — Day 1 very pleasant and Day 2 not so much. We got off to a leisurely start with coffee in Stratford before proceeding to Inglewood where we walked around the 5km Kurapete Windsor Walkway and ate lunch in the sun on a park bench in the town.

   Heading up to North Egmont, we put our gear in the Camphouse and then did the Veronica Walk. Like the walk in Inglewood, it took about 90 minutes. We got back to the Camphouse, which we had to ourselves, just as the weather was deteriorating and soon it was raining.

   But our spirits were high as we put on our silly hats, decorated a table and set out our offerings for a shared gourmet dinner. What a feast! After that the fun evening continued with card-playing. Meanwhile the weather worsened and it was teeming down and blowing a gale. This continued all night.

   Sunday was still abysmal and it was too horrible to do any walks. We loaded the van — difficult to do without getting soaked or blown away — and retreated from the Taranaki Maunga, had coffee in Stratford, lunch in Hawera and reached Whanganui
mid-afternoon.

   A takeaway from the trip is that the Camphouse is an ideal place for a weekend trip, with great facilities and value for money at only $28 per person. We shall return!

Manawatu Gorge Track: Thu 22 May 2025. Leaders Anne Casely/Margaret Wright,  scribe Anne

   Sixteen on the trip but the planned crossover was not an option.  The Ashhurst carpark was closed, possibly because of the imminent opening of the new Manawatu highway. So, over the Saddle to the Woodville end of the track.

   Overcast, but not too cold as we started out at 9.40am. The track was in good order and all quickly remembered that walking from the eastern end entailed climbing and steps. The bush was wonderful and we did hear some birdcall. We reached the half way point for lunch - a picnic table and a view over surrounding countryside and wind turbines in all directions.

   Returning, we took a detour to a viewpoint with views over the Manawatu river, and further on we found the track that took us to the old gorge road. Approximately 11 km walked and another enjoyable day with the customary ice-cream stop at Ashhurst.

Mangawhio Lakes: Wed 28 May. Leaders Dave Taylor/Pam Phease, scribe Dave

   Heavy afternoon rain in our region necessitated scheduling a trip closer to Whanganui, inland to Ngutuwera. As tree felling was in progress, we could not include the usual loop through the pines.

   Thirteen tramped up the steady climb of the old road that connected the upper Waitotara Valley with the coast. Morning tea was enjoyed in the sun watching forestry operations across a gully. Following smoko, we had to scramble around a massive digger well buried in the mud, then through a younger plantation before tramping along the old road just below a ridge leading to Waitotara Valley. The track ran alongside massive drop-offs into very deep gullies covered in mature native forest 

   We unsuccessfully searched for an early settler’s cottage site on a side track, had lunch and headed back. Just a gentle shower the last few km's to the van. An enjoyable day. Thanks for the suggestion, Dave Scoullar.

Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Hut/Tunupo Ridge Track/Ruahine Ranges: Wed 4 Jun 2025.
Leaders Lindsay Forrest/Peter McDowall, scribe Peter

   The stormy weather forecast was concerning but we stuck to Plan A where the ANMH Hut would provide us a sheltered basecamp and some optionality.  As it turned out, the rain didn’t arrive and the chosen Tunupo Ridge Track was relatively sheltered from the wind. 

   Was relaxing walking through beautiful mature beech forest, soft leaf carpet underfoot.  We heard plenty of birdsong, including falcon.  Eagle-eyed Esther spotted some interesting blue-green fungi on the track.  We climbed gently and steadily but relentlessly upwards.  After stopping for lunch and a rest, four descended to the hut for a brew, while Margaret, Sally and I continued onwards and more steeply upwards for a while, past majestic mountain cedars, hoping to reach the bushline before having to turn around.  We did enjoy increasingly elevated views to the west, Cone below us now but, disappointingly, Tunupo Peak remained out of sight beyond tall leatherwood scrub.

Maewa: Wed 11 Jun 2025. Leader/scribe, Sally Gray

    This was a new tramp over three farms and up a ridge to a high point that Rozy and Laurel sussed out a few weeks ago.  The forecast wasn’t great but 11 hardy trampers signed up.  We started off along farm tracks, passing some lovely little lakes and arriving (after battling the slippery mud in places) at a bridge across a stunning wee gorge.  Then it was up, up and up the ridge, with a few downs thrown in. 

   At lunch time the rain arrived and we decided not to head to the summit. We therefore headed back down and eventually arrived at the stock yards and got back onto the road.  We stopped at the old school which still had some student work scattered on the floor along with a paper wasp nest.  Linda Johnston, who used to live in the schoolhouse, gave us a very interesting history lesson. 

Knights-Shorts Loop: Sun 23 Jun 2025. Leaders Trish and Sally/scribe Sally

   Of the eight on this trip it was new for five.  The tops were in cloud when we arrived at the car park but we hoped it would clear as per the forecast.  We negotiated the two stream crossings and then it was up the steep Knights Track ridge through the lovely bush.

   As we climbed it got colder and the cloud didn’t go away, but above the bush line the tussocks and leatherwoods all had icicle edges – this was stunningly beautiful.  We arrived at the saddle along with a blast of icy wind dropping the temperature to well below zero, so it was decided to head straight back down Knights Track.  The temperature rose once we were back in the bush and numb fingers slowly thawed out. The sun came out as we arrived back at the van but the tops were still clagged in.

Tararua Crossover: Sun-Tue 6-8 Jul 2025.  Co-leader/scribe Dave Scoullar

   On trip: Terry Kennedy and Dee Ess (co-leaders), Peter Waugh, Adrian Pike, Gary McElwain, Brigitte Hund, Mike Cole, Marie O’Leary and Justine Booth.

   Day 1: An 8am start as it’s a big drive to Mt Holdsworth, near Masterton, arriving just before 11am. Terry’s team of five is dropped off and the other four drive around to the Waiohine Gorge end, near Greytown, which takes close to an hour. The Holdsworths reach Totara Flats Hut in five and a half hours and the Gorges take five, so we arrive at almost the same time. The hut is a welcome sight, particularly as it turns out we are the only residents.

   Day 2: A rest and recreation day. We collect a lot of firewood, cross over the impressive swing bridge and wander down to the open fields of Totara Flats. We look at the previous hut site there and Mike finds an old sign pointing the way to the cage which crossed the river before the swing bridge was installed. The plan to wade the Waiohine to visit Sayers Hut is abandoned because the river height makes a crossing dodgy. That night we are joined by two young hunters with two dogs.

   Day 3: Both teams head off at 8am with Terry’s team tasked to drive back and collect the Gorge group at Mt Holdsworth. Again we synchronise perfectly as the Gorges reach Holdsworth just as the van hoves into sight. Terry and company have really hoofed it! A great three days with no rain, just gnarly, muddy and steep tracks -  but we all know that awaits us in the Tararua, don’t we?

Harakeke Forest: Thur 17 Jul 2025. Leaders Gail Cato/Errol Christiansen, scribe Hannah McIntyre

   A dull, still, grey day welcomed 17 trampers to the 9am departure from the racecourse. Twenty minutes later we arrived at the start of our 13.5k walk. The sun refused to shine. However we were soon warm, walking on the well-formed forestry road that all agreed would be great for biking. Leaving the forest we arrived at a grassy area and were faced with a high sandhiil. This we climbed, our reward amazing views of the Whangaehu River mouth, a perfect spot for our early lunch. The return walk was via the same roads, returning to the racecourse at 2pm. Early bath as Phil Spencer (Location, Location, Location) would say, and time to whip up a chocolate pav!