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A few selected walks from the Taupo Tramping Club:

 

The walks or tramps described in this section have been compiled since 2004, and can be downloaded in PDF format. While every effort has been made to ensure the data is accurate, tramping conditions and facilities change over the years and it is the responsibility of the user of this information to check that it is still relevant and up-to-date.

 

The majority of the tramps listed have been compiled by club member Austin Hutcheon. Austin has donated this information for the use of all club members and other users. The club acknowledges this generous gesture and records its sincere thanks and appreciation. Many of these tramps also have a GPX file which is not available through the club site. If you wish to access any GPX file, go to austinhutcheon.com/walks and the files with instructions for downloading will be found.

 

Ahu Ahu Ohu 260 Series -S26                   

Topo50 - BK33   May 2009  A fairly relaxed 2 day tour with two short tramps, the main purpose being to tramp into the site of the commune at Ahu Ahu where the parents of one of the trampers used to live. The other tramp was very short up to a viewpoint to overlook one of the previous channels of the Wanganui River. Besides that, historic sites that were passed on the road were studied – including the church at Jerusalem and the Kawana Mill

 

Angelus Hut  Topo50 BR24 Kawatiri & BS24 Mount Robert      

Topo50 Sheet 18

March 2012 A moderate to fit tramp covering 33km in a walking time of almost 17 hours, ascending 1,515m and descending 1,673m. A pretty grunty start up the Pinchgut track, a long hard semi-technical slog along and up Robert Ridge before a descent to the hut. The exit route down the Cascade Track is very steep and technical but the sandflies are a delight when the Coldwater Hut is reached. Coldwater back to St Arnaud is straightforward on forest track with some gnarly, rooty sections. 

 

Bell Rock and other walks 260 Series- V19 Te Haroto         

Topo50 - BH39 Putorino

Sept 2007

Oct 2016

A long time is spent traveling to the start of these short walks but on clear days the views from Bell Rock are well worthwhile – only 7km total in 3 hours.  The forest walk on the Tumanako Loop is in wonderful forest with very informative notice boards and a Kaka station. Also available is the Bell Bird Loop then 5km away by road there is the Pan Pac Kiwi Creche.

 

Black Dunny Topo50 - BH36 Motutere        

260 Series - U19 Kaimanawa

Jul 2010 NOT RECOMMENDED WITHOUT SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN BEFORE:This was a GPS exercise more than a tramp in that a party of 11 attempted to reach the Black Dunny mainly via GPS use and very vague memories of having been there before. The originally plotted GPS waypoints were entered on a GPSMap 60 and navigation was from waypoint to waypoint whilst other trampers had copies of the map and the write-up from the previous outing – a real team effort.

 

Blyth Hut 260 Series - S20 Ohakune        

Topo50 - BJ34 Mnt Ruapehu

June 2007 Easy to moderate walk of 5 hours, 12km from Turoa skifield down past Blyth Hut and Old Blyth Track to Ohakune Mountain Road.

 

Bog Inn to Waihora 260 Series -T17 Whakamaru       

Topo50 - BG34 Piropiro & BG35 Tihoi

Jul 2007 A long (15 – 18km), hard slog o through some of the wettest forest imaginable which takes 6 – 7 hours with a choice to include Bog Inn Hut to give the full 18km.  No really fierce inclines though there is the odd grunt and there are several tricky slippery areas.  Altitude ranges from 654 – 1096 metres.  No views as such but some of the moss coverings on the trees are fantastic.

 

Boyd Hut 260-U19 Kaimanawa       

Topo50 Maps: BH36 Motutere & BH37 Rangitaiki

Dec 2012 A three day outing walking from Boyd, after flying in, to Oamaru Hut then out to Clements Mill Road on the Te Iringa track via Tikitiki Stream. Local walk up to the Boyd Rocks on Day 1. 

 

Bridge to Nowhere 260 Series -R19 and R20     

Topo50 - BH32 Tokirima, BH33 Retaruke, BJ32 Pipiriki, BJ332 Raetihi

Topo250 - Sheet 9

Feb 2007

A thought-provoking tramp of two nights and three days through the area settled after World War 1 by returning soldiers who were allocated the land as a reward for their efforts.  The route encompasses the Wanganui and Mangapurua River valleys with the settlements being in the latter from 1917 until 1942 when the last settler left the area.The drive from Taupo to Whakahoro takes about 2:30 minutes, the jet-boat trip down the Wanganui River to Mangapurua Landing takes 1:30 minutes and the walk back to Whakahoro is comfortably done in three days with the sites of the original holdings marked by signboards with family names and the odd artifact such as gates and ploughs. Some remnants of the houses still exist on the sites designated as campsites. The track up to the actual bridge from the Mangapurua Landing is well manicured and heavily used by day trippers, after this it is still good but less well maintained.  Day 2 track gets a bit muddy in wet weather, offers no hazards but there is a climb of about 1:30 – 2hrs to reach Mangapurua Trig. The track on day 3 is not so good due to some parts being carved up by quad bikes (hunters) and there are some “shelf-like” sections through some very steep hilly terrain as well.  The final part of the walk is on undulating gravel road where the feet burn up on hot days.

 

Cape Runaway  Topo50 BD43 Raukokere

Although only 11km long in 5 – 7 hours, this tramp should be considered as being in the fit category with tricky walking in places due to

very steep slopes – especially descending – and the overall ascent of 700 metres often through thick vegetation on a barely discernible track. Most of the descending is on open grassy slopes which can be slippery. The entire tramp is on private land and

permission must be sought before entering the area. The vegetation includes dense native bush with manuka, kanuka, nikau palms and open grassland which is grazed. There are amazing shoreline views plus ocean views which include White

and Whale Islands. One section of boulder hopping is involved so note the tide times.

 

Cascade Track and Hut 260 Series - U19 Kaimanawa      

Topo50 - BH36 Motutere

Photos via the photo links page

Aug 2014

July 2009

This is a moderate overnight tramp of about 12km each way which offers endless opportunities to have out and back day tramps to suit time and fitness level.  There some pretty steep slopes and an overall altitude range of over 525m through dense native forest. The track is quite well marked with orange-coloured reflectives though largely unmaintained and care has to be taken, especially on wet days, as the many exposed roots can be lethal to the unwary.  Views are not a big feature though there is a good waterfall within a gorge plus a glimpse of Lake Taupo for the observant.  Total walk time into Cascade Hut including breaks is 5 - 6 hours though for the young and fit this can be reduced somewhat. The hut has 6 bunks, internal sink and water supply plus a wood / coal burner. The return trip is no quicker than inwards as it is a pretty hefty grunt back up from the Tauranga Taupo River.

 

Castle Hill Rock 260 Series -T20 - Ruapehu     

Topo50 - BJ35Waiouru

NB Avoid army training ground

Apr 2009

Fairly easy five hour round trip with coffee / tea and lunch stop on fairly good footpaths, slightly overgrown in places with moderate slopes to summit walk with good views.  Care needs to be taken not to stray from the path as the walk borders the army training ground.

 

Centre North Island, Titiraupenga to YMCA Hut 260 Series -T17 Whakamaru 

Topo50 - BF35 Whakamaru

Oct 08 An easy to moderate, muddy in places, slightly tricky tramp of 3:45 hours over 8km with altitude range of about 600metres with lots of roots and “anti-hobbit” sized steps. A way-marked path is used which passes the beacon for the Centre of the North Island, goes close to the top of Titiraupenga and then down to the YMCA Hut on Arataki Road all in the Pureora Forest.

 

Chateau to Desert Road 260-T19 Tongariro and T20 Ruapehu    

Topo50 Maps: BH34-Raurimu, BJ34-Mnt Ruapehu, BJ35-Waiouru

Oct 2007 A long, over 20km, rather boring walk which can turn into a bit of a route march, especially on poor weather days. Ascend almost 200m within 4km from the start then rolling to undulating terrain for 4km before descending from about 1310m to 978m at the Desert Highway.  In good weather good views of both Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe plus glimpses of Lower Tama Lake and passing close to the new and old Waihohonu huts. Drive to the start (and return) takes 1 hour 15 minutes from Taupo GPX

 

Cobb Valley Topo50 - BP24 Takaka  and BQ24 Tapawera      

Topo250 Map: Sheet 12 (250,000 scale)

March 2010

A fairly hard three day two nights tramp with the option to “knock-off” Mount Arthur  ( 799masl) on the way. The huts are all different with Balloon being newer, Flora rather past its sell-by date* and Mount Arthur Hut delightful for its position and views.

(*Flora hut was given a makeover by Nelson Tramping Club in 2016).

 

Craters of the Moon 260 Series Wairakei U17 and Taupo U18     

Topo 50 - BG36 Taupo

Membership of Taupo Bike Club required for access

Jul 2011

A tramp that can be tackled in almost any weather conditions as there is excellent cover offered by the forest trees – though several areas are being logged. The tramp is on bike tracks which are all named and used in the text.  Walks of various length can be found but what is described is about as much as can be done in a sensible day. As described just over 5 hours were required, almost 19km were covered, overall altitude difference was almost 200m and an estimated 415m of ascent made.

 

Crosbies Hut 260-T12 Thames    

Topo50 Maps: BB34 Thames & BB35 Hikuai

Photos via the photo links page

May 2013

Oct 2015

May 2013 was the groundwork for a possible overnighter in the Coromandel. What was done was based on overnight stays in Thames in 2013 and 2015. The 2015 trip was an overnighter via Boom's Flats in the Kauaeranga Valley with Day 1 comprising 10km, 886m ascent in 5:30 to Crosbies Hut.  Day 2 was 15km mainly downhill ending up on the Karaka Track - again about 5hours. Some big grunts are encountered and quite a lot of mud but all in superb forest with a few views over Table Mountain and others.

Dalys Clearing via Tui Mine Waitawheta Hut 260 Series Map:  Paeroa T13   

Topo50 Series Map: BC35 Paeroa

Nov 2009  A circular 3-day tramp of around 37km with about 1500 metres of ascent and descent with most of the hard work on days 1 and 3 whilst day 2 is a pleasant stroll down the old tramway in the Waitawheta valley visiting all the artifacts of the previous logging industry plus a side trip to admire some Kauri trees GPX

 

Dooley's Hut 2015 Series19 - Kaimanawa        

Topo50 - BH36 Motutere, BH37 Rangitaiki

Photos via the photo links page

Oct 2006

Nov 2015

NOT RECOMMENDED WITHOUT SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN BEFORE: A moderate walk of about 5 to 5:30 hours which is best attempted in the company of someone who knows the area and tracks. No amazing views but a great forest walk and a look at a piece of local history – Dooley’s Hut with a plaque in memory of old Joe Dooley, a “batten splitter” who lived and worked in the area for many years and actually died with his axe in his hand. The tramp is mainly on underused, old or uncharted hunters’ tracks through regrowth of logged forest. The tracks are marked by paint splashes (reddish, green and yellow) on the trees whilst many of the older, unused sections are quite heavily overgrown in places. Windfalls can be a slight hazard or inconveniences on the walk.. There is a fair amount of ascending and descending through the rolling terrain of the tramp, but there is only one taxing ascent after about an hour's walking when a climb is made up onto the SW / NE trending ridge where the bulk of the walk is done.

A short in and out done in 2015 shows how the track alignment has changed whilst the target hut looks much the same. Well marked track, impossible to lose the marks as so many but tricky due to windfalls etc

 

Foxglove Clearing 260 Series Map: Kaimanawa, U19    

Topo50 Map: BH36 Motutere

NOT RECOMMENDED WITHOUT SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN BEFORE: A moderate walk of about 4 hours including rest and refreshment stops which is best attempted in the company of someone who knows the area and tracks. No amazing views but a great forest walk, several clearings filled with foxgloves in season and a look at a piece of local history.

 

Franz Josef Glacier 260 Series -C43 and D43      

Topo50 - BX15 Fox Glacier

Mar 2008 This tramp was done as a guided three quarter day walk starting about 11:00am and aiming to get back to town about 5pm. Due to the party being held-up on the descent by a crevasse rescue return to town was after 6pm – more or less a full day. Boots, socks, crampons, over trousers and jackets were all supplied by the guiding company though you can wear your own. The access walk in through the woods takes just over an hour is, in places, made frustrating by the guides taking up-and-over detours away from the river when it is in flood – safety comes first . Once on the ice, after crampon fitting and technique briefing, progress is governed by the pace of the least confident / slowest member of the party as the guide makes this person follow immediately behind them. The walk was then an uphill struggle, until the crampon style was mastered, for about 2 hours using pre-cut steps until the ice-fall zone was entered. Lunch was eaten just below this zone. The exit off the ice took about the same time since well over 30 minutes was spent “holding” till a rescue was performed.

 

Gull Colony Loop 260- Ohakune S20 and Ruapehu T20     

Topo50 Maps: BH34-Ruarimu & BJ34-Mnt Ruapehu

Photos via the photo links page

May 2014

April 2008

A 16km circular walk in the moderate category lasting five to six hours including breaks. Starts and ends at the Chateau in Whakapapa and can be done in either direction, uses the track to Tama Lakes and follows the Wairere Wairere Stream. There is an overall altitude gain and loss of about 700 metres. Can be lengthened by taking in the Taranaki Falls and or Lower Tama Lake.

 

Haggis Cruncher 260 Series Map: S20 Ohakune and T20 Ruapehu     

Topo 50 Map: BJ34 Mnt Ruapehu

September 2013 A fairly strenuous circular walk in the moderate plus category lasting up to five or six hours including breaks. It starts and ends at the Chateau (011135masl) in Whakapapa and can be lengthened or shortened at will. Three routes can be followed and they are presented in the walk “Whakapapa Ridge and Silica Rapids”. The present walk describes the most adventurous and scenically rewarding outing. The route goes up the Whakapapa ridge to the NE of the Whakapapanui Stream. The stream is crossed, the ridge line followed to overlook Happy Valley ski area then back down to the Bruce Road after crossing the Waipuna Stream. From here it is 30min walk down the road with the option is to slip off on to the track (16 1258masl) for Silica Rapids and get back to Whakapapa via the Silica and Golden Rapids

 

Halfway Hut Opureke Topo50 Map: BG38 Wairapukao & BH38 Te Haroto April 2015     

A walk that is pushing moderate plus on a good but neglected track in very heavy vegetation. Also a lot of ascending and descending in getting in and out past Opureke 1107m from Waipunga Road to a hunters' bivvy called Halfway Hut

 

Hauhungatahi  260-S20 Ohakune        

Topo50 Map: BH35 Turangi

Nov 08 A moderate walk which, if any longer, might be described as falling in the fit category. The start is at Erua near National Park and the route uses a very overgrown,** underused track which has a brutal first section in that it goes steeply uphill through dense forest. Once the bush-line is reached the going is easier but still tough as the slope is still significant as it passes through rough tussock type vegetation and bog. The final ascent is easier as it is rocky to firstly reach the Trig point then the outlying conical summit in about 3 hours.  The descent can be done in about 2 hours.  Care must be taken throughout as there are many trip-up type roots on the forest section and deep, often water-filled, hidden holes in the bog area.

** This tramp is located in the Hauhungatahi Wilderness Area which means that DoC no longer maintains the tracks.

Hauhungatahi to Mangahuia 260-S20 Ohakune    

Topo50 Map: BH35 Turangi

April 2015 A fit walk from Erua up Hauhungatahi, then off-track through very testing bush to meet the Whakapapa to Mangahuia Track and down to the Mangahui campsite. About 13.5km requiring almost 8 hours and a lot of will-power and tramping skill.

 

Heaphy Track                         

Topo 50 MAPS: BP22 Heaphy Beach and BP23 Gouland Downs

Photos via the photo links page

March 2015 A record of the "hobbits" 5 day tramp of the Heaphy using Bush & Beyond as organisers and guides - well worth it! Track quoted at 75km but is in fact 82km with Day 1 a long relentless ascent but nothing to break the legs or lungs. After that is it mainly downhill or level with only the odd grunt required. Super quality new huts and amazing coastline to walk along.

 

Henderson Tram to the Te Weraiti Radar Dome 260 Series T14 Morrinsville     

Topo50 BD36 Lower Kaimai

Photos via the photo links page

Jan 2011

August 2014

A moderate hard in and out walk of just over 15km requiring about 7 hours but with a longish drive of 1:30 minutes to the start. The target is a huge blue dome or ball on the end of Te Weraiti Ridge. The tramp starts at a fair altitude and starts off losing height to cross the Rataroa Stream. The rest of the walk is, at worst, undulating and starts on good track though there are muddy sections, a few stream crossings and some of the dreaded red slippery clays on the way down. The latter part is on more of a ribboned route than track and is hard going at times. The 500odd metres of altitude gain is mainly on the second half after crossing the North – South track. The profile shows the tramline is fairly gentle then the slopes increase – with the inwards plus outwards walk and the altitude this tramp cover the equivalent of almost 17km mainly in lush, wet broadleaf regrowth forest.

 

Henderson Tramline and Hurunui Hut 260 Series - T14 Morrinsville and T15 Putaruru      

Topo50 BD36 Lower Kaimai

Photos via the photo links page

Jun 2013

August 2014

Dec 2015

A moderate A to B walk of just over 15km requiring about 5 - 6 hours but with a longish drive of 1:30 minutes to the start. The tramp starts at a fair altitude but there is still a fair grunt though that is over within the first hour if the more southerly access point is used. It can also be accessed via the track for the Te Weraiti Dome. The walk is mostly, at worst, undulating and generally on good track though there are muddy sections, some root infested bits and a few stream crossings with some of the dreaded red slippery clays on the way down. As this can be an A to B walk a van mover is required and since there are several exits from this tramp ensure all parties are clear as to where the van should meet you

 

Hikurangi (Galatea)            

Permisssion required

Photos via the photo links page

Topo50 Map: BF39 Galatea

Photos via the photolinks page

Nov 2015 A fairly short but fairly hard tramp with leg bursting efforts required. The track starts on the edge of farmland with the first hour of ascent being the steepest then easing off a little. This is an open bush area with great views overlooking Galatea, Lake Aniwhenua and the coast. Further afield to Mt Tauhara and Mounts Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongaririo. Once at the trig there are views out to Mt Edgecombe and a lovely spot to enjoy lunch.

 

Hikurangi (Taumarunui)                         

Permission required

Photos via the photo links page

260 S18 Taumarunui

Topo50 BG33 Ongarue

Photos via the photolinks page

Feb 2014 A fairly strenuous walk of just under 7km but involving an ascent of 561metres taking about 2 hours upwards and one hour back down. There is a mapped track but this is often not discernable much of the time, keep the eyes open for fairly wide tracks in the grass where quad or motor bikes have been used. There is a failsafe way of getting there and that would be to follow the overhead power-line which feeds the communications station on the crest beside the trig. Inwards and outwards traces are shown on the map.

Contacts: Dan & Tonia Richardson Phone: 07 896 7804

 

Hinemaiaia Cave Topo50 Map: BH36 Motutere Sep 2016   

This is a short tramp distance-wise but it can take 5 – 6 hours since there is no marked track so keen eyes and rough walking abilities are required as are log walking skills since there are two log bridges to cross – there are wet feet alternatives. Careful study of the GPS trace (red line) will show the track was lost once or twice but was soon relocated. The entrance to the cave is more of a land bridge since daylight can be seen through it, on this visit little or no cave exploration was done so carry a torch if exploration is planned.

 

Holdsworth and Waiohine Topo50 Maps: BP33 & 34 Featherstone & Masterton Nov 2015      

Started at Holdsworth Lodge and tramping into Totara Flats Hut (five hours) for a very, very windy night. With the wind and a forecast of impending rain, a decision was made to abandon plans to go to Tutuwai Hut, and tramped out a day early via the Waiohine track, then home to Taupo. A very wise decision as our last day would have been very taxing, with the terrain, the inclement weather, and more wet feet!

 

Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit 260 Series - S26 Carterton and 260-S25 Levin     

Topo50 BP33 Featherston & BP34 Masterton

April 2009 A fairly hard 2 day circular tramp that can be shortened at several points with escape routes down off the high ridges. Day 1 can be up to the Powell Hut or extended to reach Jumbo Hut

ascending Mount Holdsworth and Jumbo on the way. The descent via the Atiwhakatu Hut from Jumbo takes between 3 – 4 hours. Overall tramp distance is 23km with an altitude range increase of 1249 metres on Day 1 and 917 metres overall loss on Day 2. The route includes manicured tourist track to rather poorly poled routes on the narrow ridges between the Powell and Jumbo Huts.

 

Horomanga Valley 260 Series - Murapara V17     

Topo50 BF39 Galatea BF39 Galatea

Jan 2010 A moderate tramp of 5 – 6 hours up the Horomanga Valley to the Midway Hut. Wet feet are guaranteed as there are 46 river crossings to get there – the same for the return trip. There are track markers but they are not always easy to spot though the track route is easily located as long as the eyes keep working to spot the exits across the river when the track dies on one side. However, GPS is not particularly helpful on this tramp since poor signals are received much of the time due to the deeply incised very narrow valleys. In addition, due to the topography – steep slopes and narrow valleys – this is not a tramp to undertake when it has, is or is expected to rain.

 

Horopito                                       

Permit for Access

260 Series -S20 - Okahune

Topo50 BJ34 Mnt Ruapehu

Oct 2006 A walk of two distinct halves of about 5 hours to 5:30 minutes on a pretty rough track in places, especially near the start of the tramp down into the first valley. The first half offers fantastic views of Ruapehu etc plus the cascades down which you traverse on a steep, tricky rock ladder – but even the less agile fitted with bionic parts can negotiate this section with patience from other trampers. For more on this see the Lake Surprise description. The second half can be a bit daunting as it is all within darkish, wet forest or on wet boggy tussock land where feet wetting is almost guaranteed. The Mangaturuturu Hut is reached within 1:30 to 2 hours; this makes a good lunch spot and there are foot-wetting possibilities crossing some of the streams getting this far. The notice board at the hut advises that the walk out to Horopito is 2 – 3 hours – this is true! It is essential that transport with a driver is available as the drop-off is on the Okahune Mountain Road whilst the pickup is in the forest NE of Horopito – a permit for access to the pick-up can be obtained from DOC in Okahune. Refer to the map for detail.

 

Huka Falls Track 260 Series -U17 Taupo and U18 Wairakei      

Topo50 BG36-Taupo

Jun 08 A moderate walk of about 5 hours starting in or near Spa Thermal Park out past Huka Falls to Aratiatia (if time permits) which avoids use of most of the tourist track – however, be aware that much of this is on bike tracks so caution and respect for the cyclists must be observed. There are good views of the Waikato River, Huka Lodge, parts of Wairakei and the Prawn Farm. On the return a riverside track is followed instead of walking back up the steep slope into Spa Park after crossing hot-water bridge.

 

Iron Bark & Colenso Huts                    

Permission required for shortcut

260 Series - U21

Topo50 - BK36 Taoroa Junction

Nov 2007 A hard 4 days 3 nights tramp in very steeply sloping terrain of the Ruahine Ranges some 2:30 minutes south of Taupo. Access to the start from Taihape via Mokai passes what might be the world’s largest Flying Fox, with attendant bungy jump, in the Mokai Gravity Canyon. Contacting the local landowner for permission gives a shortcut over the hill avoids hours on the poled track. Day one comprises a 3 hour plus slog up very steep grazing land as a shortcut (assuming permission has been obtained) followed by a 2+ hour grind on poor path over steep slopes in thick forest to Iron Bark Hut – a mere total of 7+ km, 600m ascent in 5 hours 15 minutes. Day 2 is just as much fun taking about 5 hours for the 6+ km, ascending about 400m with some knee trembling slopes to the Colenso Hut from where a river-walk exploring the route to Ruahine Corner can be undertaken. There is superb forest and very active birdlife throughout. with fantastic views of Ruapehu to the north and the local tops and farmland of the area. Exit route more or less the same as entry.

 

Junction Top           

Permission required

260 Series Map: Tongariro, T19

Topo50 Map: BH36 Motutere

April 2013 Junction Top itself is on private land and a permit has to be obtained before setting off. The walk up and down takes 4 to 5 hours depending on the ability to tackle a steep climb on a very rough back country track. The first part is in thick bush but most of the walk is on open ridge from where there are fantastic views. There can be slight confusion at the top where one can imagine one has gone past Junction top towards Te Raketuangiangi

 

Just a hut in the forest 260 Series -U19 Kaimanawa     

Topo50 BH36 Motutere

Photos via the photo links page

Nov 2014

May 2007

A heavy walk to the Just Family memorial and Hut via the Black Dunny bivvy. NOT RECOMMENDED WITHOUT SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN BEFORE:A moderate to fit walk of about 5 hours on uncharted hunters’ tracks passing a couple of bivvies, a minimum of three river crossings either on tree bridges or knee to waist deep wet stuff all adding to the fun. GPS with data and the relevant GPS, map and compass skills well advised. New routes, and shortcuts found every outing!!

 

Kapiti Coast Topo50 BP32 Paraparaumu       

Photos via the photo links page

Nov 2016 A fairly hard wet 10km walk on the Paekakariki Escarpment high above SH1 and the North Island Trunk Line from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay with hundred of steps up and down - great views though. Return trip gratis thanks to Gold Card on the train.

One day trip to Kapiti Island gave a good walk plus saw the tremendous benefit of a pest free environment with birds everywhere - and so tame

 

Kawakawa Bay 260 Series -T18 Kuratau     

Topo50 BG35-Tihoi & BG36-Taupo

May 2009

A tramp that can be tackled in almost any weather conditions and that takes two hours each way. The track, which is shared with cyclists, is fairly good though it can be slippery in wet weather and there are a few slopes which take a bit of an effort and require care. Good views over Lake Taupo can be had and there is a DoC toilet on the shore edge when Kawakawa Bay is reached. The only other way to get to this bay is by boat.

 

Kaweka Extravaganza Topo 50 Maps    

BH37 Rangitaiki & BJ37 Kuripapango

Photos via the photo links page

Feb 2015 A "very fit" grade of tramp from Tussock Hut passing through Tira Lodge (Kelvinator), Back Ridge Biv via Rocks Ahead Hut and a three-wire bridge, Kiwi Saddle Hut via Kiwi Creek and out to the Lakes Road car park in the Kaweka Forest Park. Covering just on 60km whilst ascending about 4,000 metres. NOT for the "faint hearted" or "weak of leg".

 

Kaweka J and Kaweka Flats Topo50 BJ37 Kuripapango      

Photos via the photo links page

Nov 2014 Two walks over in Hawkes Bay. Kaweka J being short (10km) but very steep with 800+ m of ascent over the 5km ascent with vicious drop-offs, so good weather strongly advised. The walk to the Flats is not flat but is at lower altitude but does have several stream crossings, one river crossing plus a very steep challenging ascent on the way in.

 

Kepler Track South Island C43 and D43     

Topo50 CD07 Manapouri & CD08 Te Anau

Mar 2008 Given good weather this is a fantastic, moderate 3 day 2 night tramp from Brod Bay to Rainbow Reach and using the boat trip across the lake for access with pick-up at Rainbow Reach. Day 1

is an easy 3 hours, mainly uphill walking on manicured track of just over 9km ascending some 800 metres to the Luxmore Hut. Day 2 requires a fair length of time (over 6 hours) just to take in the scenery and cover the 15 kilometres including Mount Luxmore (1478m) and the shelter huts - Forest Burn and Hanging Valley – en-route. There is a fair amount of exposed walking on pretty narrow ridges so good weather is a requirement and the final descent of 700 metres down to Iris Burn Hut is real toe and knee torture. Once at Iris Burn the sand flies are tortuous! Day 3 from Iris Burn to Rainbow Reach is a long one at almost 23km but there is very little “grunting” involved as the altitude ranges only between 500 and 200 metres and the walk can be done in between 6 and 7 hours. However, there are stream lines on this section that do get washed out and parts of the track can suffer from landslip debris or collapse completely and involve steep up-and-overs – but these minor problems are always brought to the trampers attention by the wardens in the Great Walk Huts.

 

Kerosene Can Knob 260 Series -U19 - Kaimanawa      

Topo50 - BH36 Motutere, BH37 Rangitaiki

Dec 2012

June 20006

NOT RECOMMENDED WITHOUT SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN BEFORE or with a GPS: A moderate walk of about 5 hours "in the woods" with the highlight being a rusty kerosene can hanging from a tree on the top of a ridge in the Kaimanawas. On underused old, sometimes uncharted, tracks with paint splodges your guide - do not fall behind as playing catch-up not easy due to detours round windfalls. Rolling to hilly with almost a 500m altitude gain.

 

Kerosene Can Knob via Te Iringa 260 Series -U19 - Kaimanawa      

Topo50 - BH36 Motutere, BH37 Rangitaiki

May 2015 A variation on the route to get to the Kerosene Can starting off down the Te Iringa Track then doing a clockwise loop coming out on the inward track of the original route. Again there is a risk of getting displaced in this area so caution advised. About 10km and 5 hours.

 

Ketetahi Hut & Blue Lake             

260 Series -T19 Tongariro

Topo50 BH35Turangi

Sep 2011

This tramp is moderate to fit depending on the variation that is done. This day-tramp comprises the north end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing where one walks in to the Ketetahi Hut from close to SH 46 – this can be a bit tiring as there are, shall we say, a few “steps” on the otherwise very high grade track with long new section just below the hut. Once at the Ketetahi Hut one can then admire the views and come down again or continue up for another hour or so to the Blue Lake or even as far as the Emerald Lakes and junction to the Otutere Track. Lots of photos can be taken.

 

Lahar Gully 260 Series -T20 Ruapehu               

Topo50 BJ35 Waiouru

Nov 2006

NOT RECOMMENDED WITHOUT SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN BEFORE:This is an easy walk of 3 - 4 hours that can be tackled when conditions dictate that walking at altitude or in exposed places should be avoided. There is no path to follow but the poles marking the edge of the army area are a very good guide. The walking is on soft “Lahar” material with very few rough areas to traverse, unless excitement is being sought. The walk comprises a simple loop over to, into and up the valley of the Whangaehu River where the man made bund can be seen which is part of the interventions constructed to try and keep any Lahar flow from the mountain within this river valley. If time and conditions allow the “round-the-mountain” track can be reached along with the Rangipo Hut.

 

 

Lake Rotopounamu                   

260 Series Map: Tongariro T19

Topo50 Map: BH35 Turangi Oct 2011 A very easy, pleasant walk that can be undertaken by virtually any standard of walker. Two to three hours required depending on how much study is made of the vegetation and other natural features on the walk which is between 5 and 6km in length. Many of the tree species are named – male and female Rimu were located - there are “weta” houses to be found (some with hinged lids to allow study of the activities inside), a variety of duck use the lake and birdsong is heard most of the time indicating a relatively healthy environment.

 

Lake Surprise 260 Series Map S20 - Okahune          

Topo50 Map: BJ34 Mt Ruapehu

Photos via the photo links page

Nov 2009

Jan 2015

A moderately stiff walk of 5 hours to 5:30 minutes on a pretty rough track in places, especially near the start of the tramp down into the first valley. There are fantastic views of Ruapehu etc plus the cascades down which you traverse on a steep, tricky rock ladder – but even the less agile fitted with bionic parts can negotiate this section up and down with patience from other trampers. The path improves dramatically at the foot of the cascades / rock ladder and walking becomes easier. There are a couple of river crossings and feet wetting is not unknown but if the water level is not too high there are ample stepping stones. The Mangaturuturu Hut is reached within 1:30 to 2 hours. Then it is over the next river, for some “high-speed” boardwalk then some more slightly tricky ascending with sections of boardwalk and gravel path to the lake. The hut to the lake takes about 30 - 45 minutes each way.

 

Leitchs Hut day walk 260 Series - R17 Te Kuiti                

Topo50 BF31 Marokop & BF32b Piopio

Avoid the lambing season

Oct 2012

A moderately hard day tramp in the Te Kuiti area accessing via Piopio and exiting at Mahoenui. Not much in the way of views but good birdlife in parts, wood pigeon and paradise duck, and a “Frog Protection” area. The walk in is an easy 3 hours on good track. Much of the way out it on shelf width back-country track with steep cross-slopes and many stream crossings. However it is all through superb forest with several large grassy meadows some of which are covered in buttercups in season.

Total walk length is just over 21km with 562m of ascent and 660m of descent reaching a maximum altitude of 506m with the lowest point being 136m.

 

Leitchs Hut 260- R17 Te Kuiti                      

Topo50 Map: BF31Marokop & BF32 Piopio

Avoid the lambing season

Sept 2007 A moderately hard 2 day tramp in the Te Kuiti area over-nighting at Leitchs Hut. Not much in the way of views but good birdlife in parts, wood pigeon and paradise duck, and a “Frog Protection” area. Day 1 from the end of Leitchs Road, accessed from Piopio on SH3, comprises 3 hours to cover 10km with 235m ascent and descent on relatively well marked but poorly maintained trail made more difficult by the many saplings brought down across the muddy trail by browsing cattle. Leitchs Hut is well worth the visit being clean, well appointed and nicely situated. There is another route into the hut via Gribbons Road but access is restricted during the lambing season. Day 2 covers 16.5 taxing kilometres with an ascent of 140m in the first hour or so then a descent of 340m over a trail that is not well marked but relatively easy to follow and can take about 8 hours. The poorest marking is right at the start of Day 2 after the river crossing. The southern end of the trail is again badly pugged by browsing cattle and some muddy sections are knee deep! Windfalls are a constant trial on the trail so there are many up-and-overs, down-and-unders or round-abouts.

 

Mangahuia from Whakapapa 260 Series Map Ohakune S20 and Raurimu S19     

Topo50 Map BH34-Raurimu & BJ34 Mnt Ruapehu

Dec 2012 A fairly hard tramp of 14km over very wet tracks - like the Everglades in places; very good walk with low slopes but one tricky stream crossing GPX

Mahuia (Mangahuia)Campsite to Whakapapa 260-Ohakune S20 and

260-Raurimu S19

April 2009 An easy A to B walk of 4 to 5 hours, suitable also for a cross-over walk with one party heading north and the other south. The route uses the now hardly-used Whakapapaiti Hut track then branches north westwards to Whakapapa passing the track to Silica Rapids on the way. The first couple of hours are on fairly good, underused track which does have wet areas with boardwalk. After crossing the Mangahuia Stream there is a bit of a climb to the junction with the Whakapapa-Whakapapaiti Hut track – this junction can be quite badly flooded during wet periods. The track is then in fairly good state but does undulate a bit.

Mangaokewa Reserve Topo50 BF33 Te Kuiti     

Photos via the photo links page

Aug 2016 A short but fairly honest walk on the banks of the Mangaokewa Stream just north of Te Kuiti. This is actually on a short section of the Te Araroa Trail - seemingly not a favourite bit for Linda Pugh

 

Mangamate Hut and Kakanui Stream         

260- V18 Whirinaki

Topo50 BG38 Wairapukao

May 2011

A tramp that proves to be quite a challenge with ample off-track walking, a lot of wet work - both up and downstream – enough distance to show in the legs and a good hut for overnighting. Starts and ends at the River Road car park Minginui, uses sections of the Whirinaki Track, Upper Mangamate and Kakanui Streams. Day 1 requires 3 – 5:30min whilst Day 2 can need up to 8 hours – the young and fit / fast can do it much more quickly..

 

Marton Sash & Door Tramway Topo50 Maps: BH33 Retaruke, BH34 Raurimu, BJ33 Raetihi &

BJ34 Mt Ruapehu              

 Photos via the photo links page

Dec 2014

This tramp (22km) from National Park Station offers alternatives in that shorter walks can be organised and all are on bike tracks or roads which are mostly gravel. Out and back as far as desired plus a café at National Park StatiGo down the Western branch WP6 and come back from WP11 Get transport to wait at Erua WP15 for a pick-up.

 

Maungatautari 260-T15 Putaruru   

Oct 2007 Distance-wise this is not a long walk but the terrain makes it moderately demanding for most trampers and a fair amount of tramping skill is involved. This is an A to B walk a van mover is required to ensure you have transport waiting at the end and there is little chance of getting lost on this very well marked track. The distance is only about 10 kilometres but the terrain is very hilly with a great deal of unrelenting ascending and descending. Most of this is NOT on manicured tracks but involves steep root infested slopes, narrow rocky ridges as well as normal back-country type tracks. Altitude varies from 247masl at the start to just over 800masl at the summit trig point but, at a rough estimate, there are over 850 metres of ascent. However, there is an escape route for the weary since at about 7km distance the track crosses a new, gently sloping, wide, gravel track which takes about an hour to get through to the end  – some 20 to 30 minutes quicker than the old, rough track as described in this tramp.

 

Maungatautari Waterfall Topo50 map BE34 Kihikihi         GPX

260Series-T15 Putaruru

March 2013

Distance-wise this is not a long walk but the terrain makes it moderately demanding for most trampers and a fair amount of tramping skill is involved, not to mention navigational skills. On the day this should have taken possibly a bit over 6 hours but in the event, going walkabout, just on 9 hours were required to cover the 13 or 14km with the best part of a thousand metres ascending.

 

Merrilees Clearing             

260 - U19 Kaimanawa

Topo50 Series: BH37 Rangitaiki

Aug 2005

NOT RECOMMENDED WITHOUT SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN BEFORE:A moderate, adventurous outing in  this mainly uncharted tramp to slowly build up a circular walk passing through Merrilee's Clearing for the future. The only real ascent and descent is over the hill with the quarry at the top right at the start of the outing – and this is only about 150 metres ascent. The walking is tricky since it is mostly on uncharted, hunters’ tracks or where efforts were being made to establish tracks via bush-whacking - but it is nice soft going.  The first part is on old, heavily overgrown logging road  and the latter part is on Punchy’s road  which is an old, disused gravel road.  Total walking time, which included all the trail finding , was just less than 7 hours 30 minutes.  The return trip from the lunch spot back to the car park took just over 3 hours.

 

Mitre Flats and Peak 260 - Levin S25 and Carterton S26   

Topo50 Map: BN34Masterton & BP34 Shannon

April 2009 A pretty hard 2 – 3 day tramp with the ascent of Mitre being classified as falling into the “fit” category.  The walk into and out from Mitre Flats Hut is only 8.6km each way but does take 4 hours due to slope, real back-country grade of track with more roots than are usually seen. Mitre Flats Hut has 14 bunks, coal burner – but a wet wood supply when the coal runs out – gas cookers and gas the year round plus a roof-tank water supply. The walk in from the road end to Mitre Flats is 8.6km with an altitude range of 200 metres whilst it is 5.6km from Mitre Flats to the top of Mitre Peak with a gain of 1253 metres.

 

Moerangi Peak Helipad 260- V18 Whirinaki and

Topo50 Series Map: BG38 Wairapukao                         

August 2011

June 2015

A moderate, out-and-back walk of 16km total length requiring about 5 hours including refreshment breaks and breathers.  No real grunts but with an overall altitude gain of almost 700 metres and mainly on good quality track, much of it new / re-routed MTB level, through lovely native forest.

 

Moerangi MTB 260 Series - V18 Whirinaki                       

Topo50 Map: BG38 Wairapukao & BG39 Ruatahuna

August 2013 This long walk can be done in either direction and, as described below, was done starting at Okahu Road as this gives an easier first day of around 12km, however it does mean that the second day is longer and harder. Three huts are passed so there are ample stop-over opportunities.  If necessary the one-overnighter described can be extended by staying in say Rogers then Moerangi Hut – or vice versa if travelling in the opposite direction. The track is a shared MTB–walking track and is a relatively easy walk as it is well graded, wide and easy to follow as it passes through very lush forest with good birdlife.  Blue duck are often heard and seen, Kaka keep doing fly-overs and smaller birds such as Tom tits often come calling.

 

Mount Tama Topo50 Maps            

BH34&35 Raurimu & Turangi plus BJ34& 35 Mt Ruapehu & Waiouru

Photos via the photo links page

Jan 2015

Dec 2015

A fit tramp of 24km with over 1,000m of ascent from the Desert Road, past Waihohonu, up Tama Ridge to Tama summit then down via the Tama lakes - not for the faint hearted, easily tired but oldies love it. Over 7 hours but with scenery to die for.

 

Mount Tihia 260-T19 Tongariro          

Topo50 Map: BH35Turangi

Oct 2012

Aug 2015

A moderate walk with somewhat of a steep start from a car park at the side of SH47 only a few kilometres out of Turangi.  The lower part is steep up through thick broadleaf forest with very active birdlife – including Tui.  Further up one crosses the line of the Tokaanu Tunnel then emerges from forest into rather high bush – which is a struggle for the vertically challenged. From the summit bush-bash towards Lake Rotopounamu till a gully, incipient track is found down to rejoin the Tokaanu Tunnel track. A short walk that takes 5 hours due to windfalls, thick vegetation and tough track in parts.

 

Mount Tihia Circuit 260-T19 Tongariro        

Topo50 Map: BH35 Turangi

Sept 2006

A long walk not to be undertaken lightly or without having someone along who knows just where they are going and reliable navigation skills. Most of the walk is on uncharted tracks, there are some “paint splurges’” on trees or plastic ribbons tied on trees but there is a great deal of “bush bashing involved.  Much of the bush bashing is through very high, very thick virtually impenetrable shrubs which do a good job of skin removal and offer many trip-ups Allow 6 – 7 hours including tea and lunch stops plus some spare in case you have navigational irregularities.  Some of the descent is quite steep and seemingly relentless.

 

Mount Cook - Hooker Glacier and glacier lakes 260-C43 and D43       

Topo50 Maps: BX15 Fox Glacier

Mar 2008 The whole walk from the car park to the edge of the Hooker Glacial Lake and back takes less than 4 hours. On the way one passes the Mount Cook Memorial , the Mueller Glacial Lake and the Stocking Stream Shelter.  This is an easy walk but there are one or two slightly tricky bits over rock outcrops to negotiate.  A secondary walk of 20 minutes can later be taken to the edge of the Tasman Glacier lake.

 

Mount Tongariro via Hardman's Ridge 260-T19 Tongariro            

Topo50 BH35 Turangi  & BH34 Raurimu

Dec 2009 A fairly strenuous walk of 6-7 hours covering about 16km, with another 3-4km added for altitude gain and loss, in some of the wildest terrain in the Tongariro National Park. Starts on the tourist track from Mangatepopo car park towards the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and branches off  left (N) over the Mangatepopo Stream after about 40 minutes to gain Hardman’s Ridge. Three hours uphill grunt gets to the top of Mount Tongariro whilst offering splendid views of Tongariro and the New Alpine Crossing track. South Crater is then circled clockwise to meet the “crossing” track just below Red Crater from where it is 2:30 minutes back to Mangatepopo car park.

 

Mt Damper and Falls Topo50 -BG32 Oharu; BH32 Tokorima; BH31 Whangamomona      

Photos via the photo links page

Jan 2016 A hard overnighter on what used to be tracks but now routes. Day 1 mainly level on old tramway to un-mapped DoC hunter's hut then up and over to Rerepahupahu Falls to tent the night. Day 2 noted as 7 hours requires 11 hours to cover the 17-20km of bush bashing with GPS navigation through very hard country with numerous windfalls. Pass over Mt Damper and yet another unmapped hut (Mt Damper Hut). No water on most of the track and only for the fit and brave. For the tourist a nice easy 2km walk from the car park at the end of the track in and out on tourist track to Mt Damper Falls.

Ngapuketurua 260- T19 Tongariro and U19 Kaimanawa     

Topo50 Map: BH36 Motutere

Permission required for above the bushline

Photos via the photo links page

August 08

Sept 2016

A moderate tramp through mature beech forest in rolling to hilly terrain with a reasonable ascent starting from 844m, dipping through 740m then grunting all the way up to 1347m – giving an overall gain of 600m.  Between 5 – 7 hours required for this out and back walk which can be shortened by turning at any time. No views as such but a walk that can be undertaken during inclement weather. However it must be noted that permission is required from HelisikaTaupo to go all the way to the slopes of Ngapuketurua and this restriction must be observed, there is also a DOC warning notice board at the start of the track.

 

Ngauruhoe                     

260 Series Map: Tongariro T19

Topo50 Maps:     BH34 Raurimu BH35 Turangi

Photos via the photo links page

Nov 2013 One of the must-do walks on the North Island which takes 5–7 hours. Very strenuous effort is required on the 1.5km ascent of the actual cone – where 1177m are gained - with the descent being shorter and quicker but it involves “scree-skating” – not for the weak of leg or faint-hearted. There are many well placed warning notices about volcanic activity and of falling – or rolling – boulders on the actual cone. Full attention must be paid to the warnings as this is a fairly high risk outing. Careful planning and attention to the weather must be applied.

 

North Crater Crossing                 

(Nearly the Smugglers Route

260-T19 Tongariro

Topo50 Map:BH35 Turangi & BH34 Raurimu

Photos via the photo links page

April 2015

May 2014

A moderate plus to fit outing which is a combination of part of the Smugglers Route (up Hardman’s Ridge), off-track navigation over North Crater then some steep downhill to meet the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track above Ketetahi Shelter. The crossing track is then followed down past the shelter and out to the car park just off Lake Rotoira Road (SH46).  Be well aware that Hardman’s Ridge is aptly named and getting up on to it is a grunt. The terrain to the north of Mt Tongariro is quite taxing to traverse through and there are some unmapped bluffs once on the rim of North Crater and getting out-bluffed can happen. This outing can be done in summer or winter but in summer it can be very hot and severe weather can exist in the winter months.  As described the trip was undertaken at the start of winter with snow on the ground and eight hours were required. Summer outing needs an hour or two less.

 

Okataina Rata 260- V16 Tarawera       

Topo50 Map: BE37 Rotorua & BE38 Lake Rotoma

Apr 2013 Total driving time to the start is 1:30 min.  This is a moderate tramp with a lot of off-track ascending and descending through steeply sloping native forest on the east side of Lake Okataina. Overall altitude gain is 430 odd metres whilst the total ascent is nearer 530 metres. The descent is even steeper than the ascent.  The target of the tramp is visiting several giant Rata Trees (These are considered trees due to size with the largest seen having a circumference of over 45 feet – that is almost 14 metres). Overall time required was 7 hours but a long time was spent at each of the giants.

 

Okataina Walkway East 260-V16 Tarawera          

Topo50 Map: BE37 Rotorua & BE38 Lake Rot

Jul 2007

Depending on what you do this can be a long walk as it can take 3 to 3:30 minutes one way down Lake Okataina, hence you could be looking at 7 hours if you do full length in and out.  If this is the plan then leave Taupo by 7:30am. The walk is NOT strenuous as there are no real slopes to task you, the footpath is good and is well marked. The forest is basically re-growth so not too many large trees but there are many ferns of various types plus abundant bird-calls.  The walk is in forest all the way so not too many views but those that are offered of the lake are most picturesque.

 

Okataina Walkway West 260- U16 Rotorua                   

Topo50 Map: BE37 Rotorua & BE38 Lake Rotoma

Nov 2012

August 2015

A long tramp of 22km requiring 6 – 7 hours with three noticeable uphill sections where an overall ascent of nearly 900m  faces you.  Distance-wise this is a moderate + walk but there are no tricky or technical bits and the whole way is on a well formed, wide track that must have been a road in the past and is now a MTB cycleway. Take someone along to talk to as there are no views as such, apart from ferns and trees, though there is a glimpse of Lake Okataina at one point. Variations can be as short as 16km, read the PDF description!

 

Old Coach Road, Ohakune 260-S20 Ohakune             

Topo50 Map: BJ34 Mnt Ruapehu

June 2009

A very easy short stroll up the recently refurbished grass surfaced old coach road to pass the old rail tunnel and wander over the historic Hapuawhenua viaduct. A good walk for children as there are many good information boards but near the railway and on the viaduct great care and control would be required.

 

Onaia Gorge 260 Series Map: Ngongotaha U15            

Topo50 Maps:  BH37 Rotorua

Guided walk so contact owner

October 2013 This is a fairly hard guided tramp which starts on Winston’s farm then gets down into the Onaia Valley and Gorge and follows this, basically to the NE, for five kilometres.  There is no track but lots of stream-bed walking – luckily there is little flow in dry periods – plus some hefty bush-bashing to get round tricky spots.  The vegetation is lush, scenery is amazing with very high bluffs on either side and it is quite testing in places.  There is only one grunty ascent when the bluff is ascended at the top of the Gorge to get back up on top. Winston is a very good guide and really knows the area as the farm was set up by his father back in 1935.

 

Opureke Track upper Matakuhia           

260 Series:V18  Whirinaki

Topo50: BH38 Te Haroto & BG38 Wairapuka

The Opureke Track commences 10 minutes up the vehicle track from the Waipunga Road accessed from SH5. The track climbs to the ridge, then sidles most of the high points before descending into the Matakuhia Valley. Turning north on to the Matakuhia Valley Track one traverses slips and log jams before arriving at the Upper Matakuhia Hut. From there the track is well defined up to the end at the Matakuhia Saddle.

 

Otanewainuku & Whataroa Falls Topo50 BD37 Tauranga & BE37 Rotorua      GPX

 Photos via the photo links page

May 2016

A fairly tasking little walk on good track, which needs careful watching as there are a few turns which are not too obvious though there are plenty of orange track markers – however in places there are even more pink markers as pest eradication and hunters seem pretty active in the area.  In places there is fair birdlife – robin seen several times – and the track is soft as it passes through the lush forest but some sections are a bit root infested.

 

Otawa Ridge Topo50 BD37 Tauranga     

Photos via the photo links page

Aug 2016

A good 10km walk firstly on wide farm track through grazing land then in fairly dense forest where most of the track is clear and in a good state. The first half is basically uphill with only minor grunts whilst the exit is on much steeper slopes and some care is required. There are a couple of “tricky” little junctions marked with orange DoC track markers near the start where the track turns back on the mapped track heading for Whareotetarakeho Trig which is on private land.

 

Pihanga                     

Permission required

260 Series: T19 Tongariro

Topo50 Map: BH35 Turangi

Photos via the photo links page

Dec 2013 A short walk (6.5km) which could be considered moderate due to the relentless uphill (666m overall ascent), through fairly dense forest on track which is quite heavily overgrown in places. There are no views whilst in the forest, there is a cable to follow if the track signs are lost and there are a fair number of birds – robin clearly seen and heard. At the top views are very good from Tauhara to Ruapehu and allows a close-up of Lake Rotopounamu.

 

Pillars of Hercules and Tree Trunk Gorge Topo50 map BH35 Turangi          

260 Series map T19 Tongariro

Sep 2010

June 2015

Feb 2017

A very pleasant little stroll on first rate track through mature broadleaf forest from the bridge over the gorge at Pillars of Hercules to the road bridge on Tree Trunk Road over the gorge.  There are a couple of stream crossings so wet feet are possible and during wet weather the second crossing is not advisable as the stream is quite deep and can be swift flowing. This can be an out and back or a one way trip if a driver is used to move the transport

 

Pinnacles Hut, Pinnacles and Billy Goat Track           

Topo50 map BB35 Hikuai

260-T12 Thames

Mar 2013

Starting early enough plus a high level of fitness would allow this tramp to be completed as a day walk. Mortals are better off walking in to the Pinnacles Hut and after lunch going for a walk or run up to the actual Pinnacles  then overnighting in the hut. Next day is a relaxing walk out via the Billy Goat Track which does have the odd steep section  when a part of the old incliner railway is traversed.  This area is full of history and artifacts including Dancing Camp Dam, Hydro Camp and Billy Goat Landing with an overall altitude gain of over 1000 metres over around 17 kilometres.

 

Pinnacles and Whakapapa  Ridges               

260 S20 Ohakune and T20 Ruapehu

Top050 Map: BJ34 Mt Ruapehu

April 2011

A strenuous walk in the fit category lasting four to six hours including breaks. It starts at the Chateau in Whakapapa with the aim of exiting near the ski chairlift up above the top of Bruce Road. Mountain goat walking, scary sidles and impossible gullies.

 

Pirongia 260 Series Maps: S15 Te Awamutu           

Topo 50 BE33 Pirongia

Oct 2010

A tough tramp that covers next to no distance at all but requires a high level of fitness, a lot of tramping skill and nerves of steel at times. Comment of the day on the way in was “Pirongia defends herself well” – endless, steep rough ascents and re-ascents whilst on the way out it was “She does not let her visitors go easily”  (vicious descents and re-ascents).  However the feelings of satisfaction are high, the views – when they come –are worth it and it is a tramp that can be undertaken in pretty wild weather though if it was overly wet the mud sections would be a bit trying. At a rough estimate some 1,600 metres were ascended over the entire tramp with an overall gain in reaching the summit of 800 metres. This is an overnighter as only the super fit / fast could do it in a day.

 

Poronui to Oamaru Hut                      

Permission required for vehicle

260- U19 Kaimanawa

Topo50 Map: BH37 Rangitaiki

Aug 2007 A long (13.2km one way), in-and-out day tramp, better done as an over-nighter, from the end of the public access section of Taharua Road through Poronui Station on a poled track to the Oamaru Hut. The tramp involves two river crossings and these are not recommended if rivers are high, the first one over the Mohaka can be waist deep and does have strong flow.  If you get trapped at the Hut due to water level then it is possible to get out via the Oamaru Track to Te Iringa – quite a long way and a bit of a grunt.  Most of the walk through Poronui is on farm road or wide smooth gravel or grass tracks – all a bit too manicured for the hardened tramper but with scenery that is well worth seeing.

 

Pukahanui To OkahuRd 260 Series Map: Whirinaki, 1:50,000 V18            

Topo50 Maps: BH38 Te Haroto, BG38 Wairapukao, BG39 Ruatahuna

A moderate+ three day tramp through very thick, mature native forest on back-country track – a bit of a challenge in places but with some fantastic giant trees to admire. There are several rather neat huts for over-night stops and refreshment breaks.

 

Pukekaikiore Circuit 260-T19 Tongariro             

Topo50 Map: BH34 Raurimu & BH35 Turangi

Dec 2007 A fairly strenuous walk of 5-6 hours covering about 12km which can be stretched to almost 15km in 7 hours or so, in some of the wildest terrain in the Tongariro National Park. Starts on the tourist track from Mangatepopo car park towards the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and branches off before reaching the Mangatepopo Hut on a clockwise loop around Pukekaikiore (1692metres) on a rough, back-country track which is basically unmarked whilst it clambers over scoria mounds filling river valleys. The return means bush bashing to join the track from Whakapapa to Mangatepopo.

 

Pukekaikiore to Tama            

260 T19 Tongariro

Topo50 BH34 Raurimu & BH35 Turangi

Photos via the  photo links page

Jan 2014

Feb 2011

A hard walk of 20 odd km with another 3km for altitude taking about 7 hours. Starts on Alpine crossing track then passes between Ngauruhoe and Pukekaikiore as it heads for the Tama Lakes. Return from Tama on the Northern Circuit track coming from Waihohonu.

 

Pukekaikiore to Waihohonu 260 - T19 Tongariro           

Topo50 Series Maps: BH34 Raurimi & BH35 Turangi

Oct 2011 A fairly strenuous walk of about 7 hours covering about 20km, with easily another 3km added for altitude gain and loss, in some of the wildest terrain in the Tongariro National Park. Starts on the tourist track from Mangatepopo car park towards the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and branches off clockwise before reaching the Mangatepopo Hut passing between Ngauruhoe and Pukekaikiore (1692metres) on a rough, back-country track which is basically unmarked whilst it clambers over scoria mounds filling river valleys. At the high point there is then some serious cross-country tramping to get up past the Tama Lakes before heading towards Waihohonu on or below the Tama Ridge to meet the Northern Circuit track coming from Whakapapa going to Waihohonu.

 

Punchy's Road                        

260 Series - U19 Kaimanawa

Topo50 BH37 Rangitaiki

Oct 2012

NOT TO BE TRIED WITHOUT SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN BEFORE: moderate, adventurous outing in  this mainly uncharted tramp to slowly build up a long walk passing through Merrilie's Clearing for the future. The only real ascent and descent is over the hill with the quarry at the top right at the start of the outing – and this is only about 150 metres ascent. The walking is tricky since it is mostly on uncharted, hunters’ tracks or where efforts were being made to establish tracks via bush-whacking - but it is nice soft going.  The first part is on old, heavily overgrown logging road  and the latter part is on Punchy’s road  which is an old, disused gravel road.  Total walking time, which included all the trail finding , was just less than 7 hours 30 minutes.  In Oct 2012 a new section of track was found and used but ended up with some bush-bashing to get back on course.

 

Pureora & Bog Inn Hut 260 - T17 Whakamaru              

NB The old track used on this tramp has been pretty well obliterated by new MTB tracks and the early part of the tramp now goes via the Red Shed - refer below.

Aug 2005

An easy to moderate,  muddy, slightly tricky tramp of 5 hours using the Link Track which passes between Titiraupenga and Pureora then down to Bog Inn Hut in Kakaho Forest Park north west of Lake Taupo. The tramp executed here was from the forestry access road  up over Pureora and down to the Bog Inn Hut then out to another branch of the access road – hence your transport has to meet you at the exit car park. This is not a walk on pumice deposits hence the soils are heavier and the drainage is poor leaving the track very muddy in parts, very eroded due to run off and a lot of nimble footwork is required over the eroded areas plus the extensive surface-root system of the trees. It should be noted that this is a very active logging forest and care must be taken and roads are often closed due to felling activity, plus landmarks do vanish when clear felling has been carried out and new roads constructed for re-planting operations.  Hence it is well worth using a GPS unit in conjunction with your map and the data in the report.

 

Pureora via Red Shed to Link Road 260 Series - T17 Whakamaru,                  

Topo50 Map: BF34 Benneydale, BF35 Whakamaru & BG35 Tihoi

Photos via the photo links page

Oct 2013 The Timber Trail starts from near the DoC Centre in the Pureora Forest Park and heads south eastwards to meet up with the Toitoi Track ascending Mt Pureora. This tramp linked the Timber Trail with the Toitoi Track to get up Pureora then descend via the Link Track to Link Road.

 

Pureora on Timber Tail via Red Shed, Mt Pureora & Bog Inn 260 Series - T17 Whakamaru,             

Topo50 Map: BF34 Benneydale, BF35 Whakamaru & BG35 Tihoi

Photos via the photo links page

May 2014 A long 22km walk on the Timber Trail bike track but going up and over Mt Pureora then down to Bog Inn - however there are a further 3km (40min) once the Bog Inn car park reached due to culvert collapse on the road. One day DoC might re-build the bridge.

 

Rabbit Patch Topo50 Map:BH36 Motutere                 

Photos via the photo links page

Nov 2015 A very pleasant, easy walk in varying forest to pass through a grassy meadow called the Rabbit Patch - no rabbits seen however

 

Rainbow Mountain 260 Series - U16 Rotorua          

Topo50 Map: BF37 Waiotapu

Photos via the photo links page

July 2015 July 2014 Aug 2013

A fairly “easy” tramp that the ancients or the very young can do if you are lumbered with either grand-parents or grand-children.  The mountain itself  is a bit steep going in places but generally the track is good, unless it is wet and then the red clays can be slippery.  Well worth the short extensions to have a look at Kerosene Creek and the link through to Lake Okara.

Rangiwahia Hertitage Lodge Topo50 Map:  BL36 Norsewood         

Oct Nov 2015 Overnighter in rather hilly country passing through Rangiwahia, Triangle and Iron Gate Huts to Heritage Lodge. Overnighting in Rangiwahia and then Iron Gates Huts.

 

Rangiwahia Hut and Deadman's Track 260 Series: U22               

Topo50: BL36 Norsewood

Sep 2014

Feb 2013

A fairly easy overnighter in the Rangi (Rangiwahia) Hut with Day 1 having a grunty ascent, which is over within the first hour, up above a landslip on recently constructed track. Views, sunsets and sunrises from the hut can be magic. Day 2 involves a long slow ascent through tussock to the high point of Mangahuia then it is virtually all downhill back to the car park. Total distance of 13km with ascent of just over 900m requires total walking time of just less than 6 hours.

 

Rangipo Hut 260- T20 Ruapehu                          

Topo50 Map: BJ34 Ruapehu & BJ35 Waiouru

Photos via the photo links page

Nov 2014

Oct 2011

Sept 2007

A moderate out-and-back tramp covering 12km in 4-5 hours including refreshment breaks that takes you to the Rangipo Hut passing over the swing bridge taken out by previous Lahar flows. There are a few areas where care has to be exercised since in the summer the ground is rough with ankle turning opportunities and, in wintertime, some of the slopes could be icy. There is an overall altitude gain of over 1,000m so plenty of exercise.

 

Rangipo Hut Loop 260-T20 Ruapehu                   

Topo50 Map: BJ34 Ruapehu & BJ35 Waiouru

Photos via the photo links page

Sept 2007

June 2016

A moderate A to B tramp covering 14km in 4-5 hours including refreshment breaks that takes you to the Rangipo Hut then cross-country back to near the Desert Highway passing through the area of the Lahar flow of early 2007. There are a few areas where care has to be exercised since in the summer the ground is rough with ankle turning opportunities and, in wintertime, some of the slopes could be icy. There is a height gain of about 200 metres to reach the hut and a loss of about 400m on the way back down to the road. A few climbs are a bit steep and tricky, especially on the return leg. This tramp can be done in either anticlockwise or clockwise directions Anticlockwise

 

Rapurapu Kauri              

260-T15 Putaruru Jun 2005

This was first attempt at a new easy walk and, due to circumstances, little detail is available.  In fact the track was officially closed (June 2005) due to DOC work on some structures.  The notice board at the start of the track gives approximate times to reach the Kauri – the walk will be attempted again in the summer time and after checking with DOC if the track is open.   It should be noted that the track is not actually marked, beyond the first few hundred metres, on the 1:50,000 topographic map

 

Red Crater in winter                    

260- T19 Tongariro & T20 Ruapehu

Topo50 Series Maps: BH34 Raurimu, BH35 Turangi & BJ35 Waiouru

Sep 2011 A walk which is hard enough in summer time and which can be a real challenge in winter conditions. The first day is virtually the Tongariro Alpine Crossing but going to Oturere Hut instead of via the Ketetahi Hut. Day 2 comprises a relatively easy walk out via Waihohonu to the Desert Road.  Careful preparation has to be made for this tramp and a very close study made of the weather forecast. Equipment required does include extra layers, heavyweight gloves, crampons and ice axe.  Inexperienced walkers should consider long and hard before setting out as conditions can be vicious, but once there with clear skies the views are spectacular.

 

Redwoods Rotorua 260-U18 Rotorua          

Topo50 Map: BE37 Rotorua

June 2009

This is a moderate walk based on distance alone since almost 22 kilometres are covered. Depending on whether there is active logging happening this tramp can be an out-and-back as described or an A-to-B walk exiting on SH5 for Taupo after including the Green Lake as well as the Blue. The walk starts in the magnificent Redwoods and passes through very varied forest after that, including some very regimented looking newer plantations of pine, to reach the Blue Lake which offers toilets and other facilities as a lunch stop.  Much of the walking is on well graded forest roads  - which can be boring and a bit of a route-march – whilst other sections are on good, almost back-country track.

 

Reefton Deep Creek                 

Topo50 Map: BS21 Reefton and BT21 Waiuta April 2014

Starting point is in Reefton with the walk on SH7 some 11km north of the town. Says picnic site but only if you like sandflies.  A fairly hard outing with quite a misleading sign as shown below. Most would assume following a water race might be level walking. The easy part starts when the end of the race is reached.

 

Round the Mountain 260-T20 Ruapehu and S20 Ohakune               

Topo50 Map: BH34 Raurimu, BH35 Turangi, BJ34 Mnt Ruapehu, BJ35 Waiouru

Feb 2008 A walk and a half covering over 80km of some of the most rugged terrain in the North Island round Mount Ruapehu in four to five days.  The first day is virtually the Tongariro Alpine crossing but going to Oturere Hut instead of via the Ketetahi Hut. Day 2 comprises over 21km down past the Waihohonu Hut, crossing the Tukino Alpine access road, passing the course of the “Lahar” flow and on to Rangipo Hut – the highest hut on the walk.  Day 3 is huge effort of over 24km passing the Mangaehuehu Hut and the track to the Blyth Hut to emerge on Ohakune Mountain road then continue down the “Cascades” to the Mangaturuturu Hut. Day 4 is shorter at just over 12km if Scoria Flats is the target and over 15km if Whakapapa is the aim and, apart from Lake Surprise plus a few magnificent mountain views, there are few other features to note on Day 4. GPX

 

Routeburn Track  260 Series: South Island D40, D41 and E40               

Topo50 Maps: CB09 Hollyford

Mar 2008 A moderate 2 nights and 3 days tramp which, though best done in good weather, can be tackled when Fiordland throws all the water it can at you.  Day one comprises 11km of steady climb of 530metres  through beech forest on a good track passing the Routeburn Flats Hut then up to the Routeburn Falls Hut .  Overall on Day 2 the 5 hour  / 11.6km  walk leads to an overall loss of about 90metres with about 600metres of climbing to reach a high point of 1307metres over the Harris Saddle where there is a shelter hut  which proves most welcome during inclement weather. The final few kilometres down to the Mackenzie Hut seems to take for ever. Day 3 does have some good scenery but all that was on show for the TTC were waterfalls – and they were magnificent, though it did mean getting wet. Overall this 11+ km day takes 4 hours with altitude dropping from just over 1000 to 544 metres at the Divide car park at the end.  The Earland Falls in particular were spectacular to scary in volume and noise.

 

Ruapehu Crater Lake              

260-T20 Ruapehu

Topo50 Map: BJ34-Mnt Ruapehu

Jan 2008 A fairly stiff tramp as there is an ascent of over 1000metres from the Ski car parking area to the Dome Shelter overlooking the Crater Lake on Mount Ruapehu.  A huge range of surfaces to traverse from solid rock, boulder fields to loose, unstable scoria slopes plus snow in season.  There are sections of poled track and in places there are small cairns but sometimes it is free navigation upwards (this is not recommended when visibility is poor).  Time to the top is between 3 – 4 hours.  The effort can be reduced by using the ski lifts as they operate even in summertime GPX

 

Ruapehu Te Heuheu                 

260 Series Map: Ohakune, S20

Topo50 Map:BJ34 Mnt Ruapehu

Photos via the photo links page

Mar 2014 A fairly stiff tramp as there is an ascent of close to 900 metres from the Ski Lift at Knoll Ridge Café (WP22009masl). Parking is usually available overlooking Happy Valley. The chairlift is used to get up the first, frustrating few hundred metres as this is all pretty rough walking. The real ascent then starts 30 minutes up the Skyline Trail in line with the top of a ski tow. There is a whole range of terrain to cross from a rough track, loose sandy gravel, boulders and scoria, solid rock which can be fairly hard scrambling at times.

 

Ruapehu: Te Heuheu and Dome Equipment Shed 260-S20 Ohakune           

Topo50 BJ34 Mt Ruapehu

Photos via the photo links page

Feb 2015  fit tramp that calls for physical fitness and a good level of Alpine Tramping skills taking in Te Heuheu Peak then round the crater rim to the GNS Dome Equipment Shed overlooking Crater Lake.  However some pain avoided by using the ski lift up and down to Knoll Ridge Cafe

 

Ruapehu Te Kohatu 260-S20 Ohakune              

Topo50 Map: BJ34 Mt Ruapehu

May 2013 In the past this tramp has been done as a day outing but, to make it easier, it is possible to overnight in the Whakapapaiti Hut then get a really early start on what is a “Fit” category tramp. From the hut it is back up to and out a bit on the Round the Mountain (RMT) track then heading off-track up to and on to the bluffs below Mt Ruapehu. Te Kohatu is the high point on these bluffs.  In several places the route is “bluffed-out” and several work-arounds are required though there is no technical climbing involved – however it would not be suggested as suitable for the faint hearted.

 

Saddle Cone 260 Series Map: Ohakune S20 & Ruapehu T20                  

Topo 50 Map: BJ34 Mt Ruapehu

July 2012 A fairly strenuous walk in the moderate to fit category lasting four to six hours including breaks. It starts at the Chateau in Whakapapa, goes up the Whakapapa Ridge to the SE on to the Pinnacles Ridge then descends to the NE to cross the Wairere Stream and re-ascends on to the next ridge. From this ridge Saddle Cone can be seen off to the SE below Ruapehu and starts with a steep descent – which has to be re-ascended on the return. The route home is then via the Wairere Stream and the Tama Lakes track.

 

Scoria Flats to Whakapapa 260 - T20 Okahune                  

Topo50 Map: BJ34-Mnt Ruapehu

Photos via the photo links page

Dec 2014

April 2014

Aug 2005

An easy to moderate A to B walk of 4 to 5 hours using part of the round the mountain track and passing by the Whakapapaiti Hut. Some of the slopes soon after the start can be very slippery due to ice and snow and care is needed when the walk is done in winter time. There are two or three river / stream crossings but these are OK on stepping stones at the right time of year, but take care with the Whakapapaiti in wet conditions..  Come back into Whakapapa to the car park opposite the Chateau. There are a few steady climbs in places but, overall, the altitude gain and loss is less than 400 metres.  With good weather fantastic views of Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe can be obtained

 

Shine Falls 260 Series Map:  Te Haroto, V19           

Topo50 Map: BH39 Putorino

June 2012 A long time is spent travelling to the start of this short walk but is in wonderful forest with very informative notice boards and three “weta” houses or hotels are easily seen. As this is overall a downhill tramp it does prove very popular with hill-haters but there is a DoC warning that only experienced trampers should attempt this walk

 

Sigley Falls Topo50 - BJ34 Mt Ruapehu                       

Photos via the photo links page

Jan 2016 A walk in the woods that Bill Bryson might have baulked at. On the map it looks like 12km but GPS shows that 16km are covered in getting through the dense bush and over the endless windfalls. Spectacular waterfalls -not easy to get photographs - and wild river scenery with lovely bush to walk in. However not for those with no faith in GPS and compass traversing. A to B so pick-up part required

 

Silica Rapids 260-S20 Okahune                        

Topo50 Map: BJ34-Mnt Ruapehu

Jul 2005

April 2016

An easy 2 hour out and back or circular walk on a well formed track through Montane forest (beech / silver birch for the Europeans) to Silica Rapids passing Golden Rapids on the way.  Also pass the junctions to other short walks:  “The Whakakpapanui Track” and to the "Whakapapaiti Hut".  The out and back walk can be made circular by exiting to the Bruce Road from Silica Rapids – but this does mean some little distance walking on the road with traffic.

 

Silica Rapids & Whakapapaiti Hu260-S20 Okahune             

Topo50 Map: BJ34-Mnt Ruapehu

April 2007 A moderate A to B tramp of 5 to 6 hours using part of the round the mountain track passing Golden Rapids and, if desired, Silica Rapids then the Whakapapaiti Hut.

 

Skips (Whangatawhia) & Rogers (Te Wairoa) Huts 260-V18 Whirinaki                            

Topo50 Map:BG39 Ruatahuna

Photos via the photo links page

Jul 2014

Jul 2013

Either an easy short walk (14km) in and out to Skips Hut or a long hard one of 25km to get to Rogers Hut. Super bike track, good forest and birdlife - even Whio. Bird life is pretty good in addition to the Whio with fantails, warblers, woodpigeon and kaka often being seen or heard.   It is possible to average over 4km per hour on this track but be prepared for wobbly legs by the end.

 

Smugglers' Loop 260-T19 Tongariro                        

Topo50 Map: BH35 Turangi  & BH34 Raurimu

May 2013 This was a recce undertaken while the Tongariro Alpine Crossing was closed due to the Te Mari Crater eruptions. The purpose was to see if the old route used by the smugglers during prohibition days was still viable. This route was used to get to Whakapapa without being detected and avoiding the Crossing.

 

Smugglers' Route                   

Described from N to S

Permission required

260 Series: T19 Tongariro

Topo50: BH35 Turangi & BH34 Raurimu

Photos via the photo links page

Oct 2014

Nov 2015

A moderate plus walk of over 15km between Ketetahi and Mangatepopo, which can be done in either direction, and routed mainly off-track to the west of the Alpine Crossing passing behind North Crater and Mt Tongariro and incorporates Hardman's Ridge. As this tramp passes through Ketetahi Springs which is private land permission is required and the normal respect has to be shown when passing through private areas. This walk is based on following the 1500m level and it is suggested that the original route was perhaps nearer 1200m. It is quicker to walk S to N Mangatepopo to Ketetahi.

 

Splittersville Topo50: BH37 Rangataiki                 

Photos via the photo links page

June 2016 A fairly hard walk of 10-12km requiring 5-6hours on hunters' tracks and old roads in the dense Kaimanawa bush off Clements Mill Road to get to the site of an old wood "splitters" camp. Starts off grunting up on to Cherry Ridge behind Sika Lodge.

 

South Island 2008 Too many to list March 2008 Big walks on Routeburn and Kepler plus fun on Franz Josef

 

Southern Crossing 260 Series: S25 Levin, S26 Carterton                 

Topo50: BP33 Featherstone

Feb 2013

This is a monster and falls in the “Fit” category of tramp with three pretty long days and a 1,500m ascent the first day up to Kime Hut. Day 2 is all high level walking reaching over 1,500m at Mt Hector then traversing many very narrow ridges descending to Alpha Hut. The exit route was not via the normal track down Marchant Ridge but the shorter, but possibly harder, Bull Mound Track via Cone Hut to the car park at the northern end of Waiohine Gorge Road. In total some 31km were walked, ascending over 2,500m in just on twenty one and a half hours.  The scary thing is that the mountain runners do the whole thing, via Marchant Ridge, in less than 5 hours!

 

Stanton Memorial 260- S20 Ohakune                      

Topo50 Map: BJ34-Mnt Ruapehu

Photos via the photo links page

April 2014

April 2009

An 8km circular, mainly off-track challenging tramp that takes 5 – 6 hours.  The outwards route is all off-track through some very rough terrain and ascends 265 metres in the first 2 km, 440m are lost over the next 4km then a 200m ascent from kilometre 6 to 7 and finally losing a few metres on the last kilometre back to the car park.

 

Stanton Memorial Bluff Walk 260-S20 Ohakune               

Topo50 Map: BJ34 Mt Ruapehu

Nov 2012 A short, off track walk looking for a shortcut to get to the Stanton Memorial.  Rough, tough, great views but not for faint hearted

 

Stanton Memorial anticlockwise 260- S20 Ohakune                     

Topo50 Map: BJ34-Mnt Ruapeh

Photos via the photo links page

May 2015 A new route to this fairly inaccessible rock on the side of Mt Ruapehu. About 90% off-track with some easy scrambling involved. Fairly rough terrain and a fair challenge for some but only 9km with under 700m ascending.

 

Tall Chimney Biv 260 S19 Raurimu                         

Topo50 BH34 Raurimu

June 2013

May 2010

April 2016

A moderate tramp of just about 11km in around 5 hours on quite a tricky unmarked back-country track – in fact most of the track used is degraded four wheel quad bike track. If the correct road, tracks and turns are located navigation is easy.  Wet feet are guaranteed, unless rock-hopping is a talent, as the Okupata Stream (with blue duck seen) is crossed and this can be knee deep with slippery rocks.  The tramp is graded moderate as walking is not easy with many slippery sections plus exposure to lots of “cutty” grass. By 2016 the access road from the state highway was slower and potholed .

Tama Lakes Circuit 260 Series: Ruapehu, 1:50,000 T20 plus T19, S20 and S19               

Topo50 Map: BH34Raurimi & BJ34 Mnt Ruapehu

Photos via the photo links page

Sep 2009

Oct 2015

A  fairly long (19km flat map measure but 21+ by GPS), out-and-back walk in the moderate to fit category lasting five to six hours including breaks which starts and ends at the Chateau in Whakapapa. There is an overall altitude gain and loss of about 630 metres if Upper Tama Lake is reached.The first part of this is relatively easy but once past the Wairere Stream bridge the track is less good due to erosion and there is a bit of a grunt uphill from the Lower to Upper lake. If the weather is good a variation on the return can include walking down the ridge to circumnavigate the Lower Lake then later branch off to pass the Taranaki Falls.

 

Tama Lake and Taranaki Stream Loop 260-T20, Ruapehu + T19, S20 and S19                 

Topo50: BH34 Raurimu &  BJ34 Mnt Ruapehu

Mar 2010

A long 16km, circular walk in the moderate to fit category lasting about six and a half hours which starts and ends at the Chateau in Whakapapa. There is an overall altitude gain of about 240 metres up to Lower Tama Lake and the walk to this point is on good footpath with very little obvious ascending. The next part is off-track firstly heading NNW for about 2km to meet the Taranaki Stream which then flows WNW. The first part of this is relatively easy but once into the valley of the Taranaki Stream there are a few scrambles over rocks and up steep valley sides plus several stream crossings in wet weather or lots of rock hopping when the stream is dry. The latter part of the walk is on the footpath to Mangatepopo from Whakapapa – this path is not as well maintained.

 

Tama Lake Track, Saddle Cone View and Wairere Stream Loop 260 Series -T20, T19, S20 & S19                

Topo50 - BH34-Ruarimu & BJ34-Mnt Ruapehu

Mar 2012 A fairly long (15km), circular walk in the moderate category lasting five to six hours including breaks which starts and ends at the Chateau in Whakapapa, uses the track to Tama Lakes and returns via the Wairere Stream. There is an overall altitude gain and loss of about 350 metres. If a detour is made to the Tama Lakes more altitude and distance is involved. The first part of this is very easy but once past the Wairere Stream bridge on the way out the track is less good due to erosion and there is a little bit of uphill getting to the Tama Lakes turn-off.  From this turn-off some very easy bush-bashing is involved heading south to get on the ridge with a view of Saddle Cone. The return also involves off-track walking in a westerly direction then steeply downhill into the Wairere Stream  then NW down valley back out to the Tama Lakes track.

 

Tama Ridge Loop                                            

260TongariroT19&RuapehuT20

Topo50 - BJ35 Waiouru

April 2010

A relatively long but non-taxing walk of 5 - 6 hours over about 20km.  From the car park  near the desert highway into the old Waihohonu Hut  is an easy, if somewhat boring, walk taking between 1:15 and 1:30 min. The boring part is only boring if you have done it several times as the view of the mountain is great on clear days.  No difficult sections apart from a few steps in places.  From the old Waihohonu Hut there is a bit of a climb up the path towards the Oturere Hut but the slope eases once the path is left  and the NW ridge running up to Tama is followed.  No  poled path here but the footing is pretty good with the uppermost part of the ridge reached in a bit over an hour from the Hut. Near the top of the ridge  before the rocky summit the route loops off down-slope to the left / WNW – avoiding the bluffs – on to a long easy, sandy slope running to the SE and parallel to the ridge. From the high-point of the ridge to the bottom of the sandy slope (TR08) takes less than 30 minutes. An even easier route off the ridge heads into the valley and saves about 30 minutes of uphill grunt.  From the bottom of the sandy slope there is a river crossing then the “Round-the-Mountain” track is picked up and the Old (Historic) Waihohonu Hut  can be visited. After that it is basically the reverse of the start of the tramp and the 9 odd kilometres from the bottom of the sandy slope back to the car park takes plus or minus 2 hours 15 minutes.

 

Taradale Puketapu Loop Topo50 Map: BK39 Hastings                       

Photos via the photo links page

Jul 2016

This walk is all on very well formed, virtually level bike track basically covering 18km if the full loop is done. Boots are not required.  The outing can be shortened by doing an out and back on either bank – turning back when tired. Progress is quite fast with an average time of around 4 – 5 hours being adequate for most.

 

Taranaki Falls Loop                         

260-1:50,000 T20, T19, S20 and S19

Topo50 Maps: BH34 Raurimu & BJ34 Mnt Ruapehu

Photos via thphoto links page

May 2007

June 2015

A short (7km), loop or out-and-back walk that can be taken on a foul day – wind, rain plus low cloud – when it is just not possible to do much else from Whakapapa.  It is possible to do the loop in either direction and the choice might be influenced by conditions as the lower track used on the return in this write-up is more protected from the elements.  Total distance, as measured by GPS, is 7.32km with about a 300m gain / loss in altitude and it takes just over an hour to reach the falls going either way.

 

Tarawaere Dam and Billy Goat Track - Coromandel 260-T12 Thames           

Topo50 Map: BB35 Hikuai

April 2005

A moderate to fit six hour walk including coffee break and lunch stop.  Initially over a swing bridge then several minor stream crossings and latterly up a steep, rough, slippery, not-overused south facing slope with heavy vegetation.  Descent is on warmer, drier north facing slope through area of previous kauri logging.

 

Tarawera Trail 260-V16 Tarawera                                

Topo50 Map: BF37 Waiotapu & BF38 Kaingaroa Forest

Water taxi required

Jul 2013/Jul 2018 Total driving time is just over one hour to reach the start.  This is a moderate tramp with a lot of ascending and descending through native forest on the south side of Lake Tarawera from Tarawera Landing on Punaromia Beach to Hotwater Beach in Te Rata Bay. Total ascent is 548 metres and, as can be seen in the profile, the hard work is nearer the end. 

 

Tauhara 260- U18 Taupo                        

Topo50 Map: BG36-Taupo

Oct 2012 A moderately easy walk for children of 2 hours up and 1:30 minutes down on fairly good footpath which has some tricky bits where gullies have formed – there are detours. Distance covered is just over 3km in each direction and the climb is 536 metres, with the same 536 metres to descend on the way down.Quite a lot of birdlife (tuis) and many silver ferns. This walk is suitable for children but they must be supervised.

 

Tahuara Forest                           

Permission required

260 Series: U18 Taupo

Topo50 Map: BG36-Taupo

Nov 2013 Special permission required for this walk - check with Lynne King - which covers much of the course of the Tauhara off-road half marathon. Lots of forest, sufficient uphill and fairly strenuous. About 15km and 4 - 5 hours.

 

Tauranga Taupo Waterfall 260- T19  Tongariro+  U19 Kaimanawa                           

Topo50 BH36 Motutere

Photos via the photo links page

May 2013

Sept 2015

A tramp which is not too demanding physically but which does have a few sections requiring a fair amount of nerve and skill in descending and ascending rather steep, tricky slopes.  The whole walk normally takes about 5 - 6 hours with stops for lunch and morning tea.  Different routes in and out add to the variation and make up for the lack of views on this forest walk.  Inwards is through very dense forest starting on a pretty good track which meanders in and out of the valleys of this relatively dissected area. The return trip is made longer by using the quad-bike track but this has no severe slopes as most of the track is wide and pretty gentle.  The highest point on this tramp is in the car park and there is an overall loss of almost 250m getting to the Tauranga Taupo river and the waterfall whilst there are about 400m of ascent in the whole walk.

 

Te Iringa Punchy's Road 260  U19 Kaimanawa                      

Topo50 Series Map: BH37 Rangitaiki

June 2015 Another exploratory linking two tramps; Te Iringa Track and Punchie Wallace's Road. Sufficient information presented to allow the keen, GPS enabled tramper to get round this 15km, often off-track 7 hour outing.

 

Te Iringa Tikitiki Stream 260  U19 Kaimanawa                            

Topo50 Series Map: BH37 Rangitaiki

Photos via the photo links page

Aug 2012

June 2014

A hard, 21km out-and-back walk involving over 1,000m of ascent taking 5 - 7 hours which can be done on even a very wet, rainy day. Going outwards beyond 2 hours or so involves some serious downhill meaning a bit of a grunt on the return.  The path is pretty good most of the time though there are one or two slightly tricky bits due to windfalls and / or streamline crossings.  The superb forest offers good shelter and the surface of the path is clean and relatively dry – there is little or no mud!  This is a superb forest area and there are some large trees still standing plus some of the artifacts from logging days can be seen.

 

Te Iringa Tikitiki Waterfall Topo50Map: BH37 Rangitaiki                       

Photos via the photo links page

May 2015 A long hard tramp in the fit category in the Te Iringa track for several km then an off-track loop to pass close to the waterfall on the Tikitiki Stream ending up at the bottom end of the Te Iringa Track at theTikitiki Stream. Last 10km home mainly uphill and about 3 - 3:30min. Always take a torch and extra food

Te Mata Peak Topo50: BK39 Hastings

Although being only 5km long this is a delightful walk with sufficient challenge to keep most trampers happy Most of the tracks, and there are many of them, are tourist standard and well-marked. It is a bit of an uphill struggle toget to the top via the zig-zagging Red Track followed. At the time of the tramp the carpark was less than perfect as a major upgrade of all facilities at the entrance to the

park were “nearly” complete and nothing was too obvious. For up to date information visit www.tematapark.co.nz.

 

Te Tuhi and Mangamuka Hut 260 Series: T14 Morrinsville                     

Topo50: BD36 Lower Kaimai

Feb 2013 It takes almost 2 hours to drive from Taupo to the car park at the end of Te Tuhi Road.  The walk is best described as a hard grunt uphill through farmland then native forest followed by a moderately long walk in undulating terrain in places within superb broad-leafed, mainly beech trees. After about 90 minutes there is relatively easy walking but there are no features of note hence the map shows few waypoints. After the Mangamuka Hut there is some bog to get through then it is more featureless forest walking back to the North South track then retrace the entry route

 

Te Tuhi to Wairere Falls 60 Series: T14 Morrinsville                        

Topo50: BD36 Lower Kaimai

Aug 2007 It takes almost 2 hours to drive from Taupo to the car park at the end of Te Tuhi Road via Matamata to the start.  The walk is best described as a hard grunt uphill followed by a moderate undulating walk through superb broad-leafed, mainly beech, forest followed by a knee-trembling descent back down to the car park at the end of Goodwin Road .  On the way there are fantastic views from above Wairere Falls plus great views of the falls. The descent can be made “exciting” if the old Maori Trail down is followed – not recommended for the wary or unfit.

 

Ten Man Hut Topo50 Map: BH34 Raurimu                   Day Walk       Overnight      

Photos via the photo links page

May 2015 A fairly long tramp (23km) on what are now used as bike tracks which have been quite badly eroded by quad bike use. There are many tracks mapped in the area but all of them do not seem to exist so care is required – also the target hut is not located in the position shown on the current map. There are several red clay slopes to contend with and, during wet periods, endless puddles big enough to hide crocodiles so falling in is not a good idea as they can be deep. A lot of the walking is on gravel road. An overnighter is also very possible. Day walk

 

 

Three Huts -Waihohonu to Ketetahi                             

260-T19 Tongariro

& T20 Ruapehu

 

Aug 2005

This is a three day, two-night, moderate to fit tramp passing the Waihohonu Hut and sleeping at the Otutere then Ketetahi Huts.  Being an A to B tramp transport is required to drop you at the start off SH1 and collect you off SH46. The objective of undertaking this tramp was to supervise three teenagers doing their D of E Silver award and the opportunity was taken to study the route and map accuracy – hence there is more data in this report than normal. Day one consists of 1:30 minutes walk into Waihohonu Hut on first rate, virtually level track then another 3 hours on to the Otutere Hut still on good track but which is steep in places.  There is about a 100 metre altitude gain to reach the Waihohonu Hut then a further gain of about 200 metres to the Otutere Hut.  Day two is a bit more strenuous but relatively short.   The walk consists of 3:30 minutes with some rather steep slopes, which are almost a scramble in some weather conditions, up to past Red Crater (altitude gain of about 600 metres) followed by a flat section past Blue Lake and Central Crater then a zig-zagging section down (altitude loss of about 290 metres) to the Ketetahi Hut. Day three is easy though it can be tiring as it is all down hill (altitude loss of about almost 700 metres) but there are a lot of steps and some parts are quite steep.  Allow 1:30 minutes to 2 hours from the hut to the car park on the gravel road which feeds out to SH46.  The huts are all first class; sleeping space for around 24 – but more can and do squeeze in, piped water system, gas cookers and gas heaters.  But they can be busy – especially the Ketetahi! NB Ketetahi was wrecked by an eruption and is now a shelter only

 

Timber Trail MTB       Piropiro to Ongarue                      

No written description

1:250000 series Sheet 09

Photos via the photo links page

Nov 2014 Over 40km of off road with many signs and information boards to keep up the interest. Starts over a massive suspension bridge and includes the "spiral". Allow up to 6 - 7 hours. No waypoints included just the track trace.

 

Toitoi Track, Pureora Lodge 260-T17 Whakamaru                  

Topo50 Map: BF34 Benneydale, BF35 Whakamaru & BG35 Tihoi

June 2007 Reconnaissance of tracks in Pureora including the Toitoi Track from Pureora Lodge during the winter solstice 2007. Also a look at the Pureora Loop track and Forest Tower.

 

Toi Toi track, Pureora to Centre of the North Island 260-T17 Whakamaru               

Topo50 Map: BF34 Benneydale, BF35 Whakamaru & BG35 Tihoi

Aug 08 On paper not a hard walk with total distance only just over 10km but poor track conditions up and down Pureora makes this 5.8km section quite hard going. The numerous very steep descents and re-ascents on the Link Track from Link Road to the Centre of the North Island turns the walk, as estimated from the map, from an hour or so for the estimated 3km into about 2:30 minutes over 4.3km.  However, the views from Pureora on a good day are worth it and there is some really first-rate forest to be seen on the second part of the tramp.

 

Tongariro Alpine Crossing        

260- T19 Tongariro

Topo50 Map: BH34 Raurimu & BH35 Turangi

Photos via the photo links page

April 2011

Oct 2015

One of the must-do walks on the North Island which takes 6 – 7 hours of fairly strenuous effort, careful planning and attention to the weather. If really fit and brave try doing it leaving Mangatepopo hut at 3am to get the sunrise on Red Crater. The tramp starts at 1100 masl at Mangatepopo, rises to almost 1900m on Red Crater then falls to 760 at the northern car park near Lake Rotoaira Road so be prepared for some serious temperature drop as the ascent is made. If high winds or other inclement weather is forecast think twice before starting and ensure full wet-weather and cold gear is carried plus, especially in warm weather, in excess of a couple of litres of water – there is none available once you start. The path is first rate most of the way to the foot of the staircase, excellent up the new steps and stairs and can be downright treacherous on the ascent to Red Crater.  The descent from Red Crater to the Emerald Lakes is very loose and rough and caution is needed. But it is possible to avoid the worst part by looping NW the N through Central Crater. DOC has rerouted much of the track from near the Blue Lake down past the Ketetahi Hut and now avoids going near the hot springs.

 

Tongariro River Walkwa260 Series Map: Tongariro T19                

Topo50 Maps:     BH35-Turangi

Sept 2013

A very easy, pleasant walk southwards on the true right bank of the Tongariro River to cross to the true left bank on one of a couple of bridges to return to the bridge in Turangi. Views that are not normally seen are available and the 14km or so offer a fair workout without being onerous. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the round trip without hurryin

 

Trans Whirinaki 2009                         

Pukahanui to Ohaku Road

260-V18 Whirinaki

Topo50 Maps: BH38 Te Haroto, BG38 Wairapukao, BG39 Ruatahuna

June 2009

A moderate+ three day tramp through very thick, mature native forest on back-country track – a bit of a challenge in places but with some fantastic giant trees to admire. There are several rather neat huts for over-night stops and refreshment breaks. Day 1 is classified as easy to moderate and requires 4 hours or less to cover the 11km to the Upper Te Hoe Hut. Day 2 is hard work with one 250metre non-stop grunt, superb walking on a shelf track cut into the bluffs for the stout of heart and the 17 odd km require about 7 hours with over 650m of ascent and descent to reach the Mangakahika Hut. Day 3 is moderate+ on distance alone with the GPS records showing just over 20km with 500m of descent and 300 of ascent covered in about 8 hours walking.

 

Travers Sabine Circuit Topo50 BR24 Kawatiri & BS24 Mount Robert                    

Topo250 Sheet 18

March 2012 A fit 6 day tramp by a group with average age of 68 years and the oldest just on 77 years – there was a plan to visit the Blue Lake but common sense prevailed.

 

Tui Mine and Te Aroha Trig                          

260-T13 Paeroa

Topo50 Map: BC35 Paeroa

April 2009

A hard circular tramp of around 6 hours covering 13.5km with over 900 metres of ascent and descent from the Domain in Te Aroha, up past the Tui Mine then over Te Aroha Summit with its giant communications mast and back down to the Domain.

 

Tukino to Rangipo Hut 260-T20 Ruapehu                                       

Topo50 Maps: BJ34 Mount Ruapehu & BJ35 Waiouru

April 2007 An easy round-trip of 3-4 hours so easy in fact that 5 or 6 year olds can complete it with some encouragement. The aim of this tramp was to view the valley of the Whangaehu River down which the Lahar of March 2007 poured, the main target being to see the damage to the bridge over the gully.

 

Tukino Alpine Hut 260-T20 Ruapehu                              

Topo50 Maps: BJ34 Mount Ruapehu & BJ35 Waiour

Key required for road gate

Photos via the photo links page

Feb 2015

March 2010

A moderate to fit round-trip walk of 5 hours including coffee / tea stop and lunch break.  There are a few areas where scrambling is required up some of the low bluffs and rocky ridges.  The final descent into the small valley just before the hut can be a problem as some of the soft “scree” areas can freeze over and behave like the surface of slippery rock or glacier and caution must be used.  To avoid this area it is possible and  better to go higher up the final ridge and go around the top of this little valley. Return by a quicker route. Hut upgraded in March - April 2011

 

Tukino Streams 260-T20 Ruapehu                                    

Topo50 Maps: BJ34 Mount Ruapehu & BJ35 Waiouru

Permission required

Mar 2007 An easy walk of 4 hours including coffee / tea stops and lunch break. The route starts off cross-country northwest-wards heading towards Ngauruhoe then goes north on the Round-the-Mountain track to cross the bridge over the Mangatoetoenui stream. The rest of the walk is off-track traversing parallel to the stream heading ENE then ESE and finally NE to the Desert Road

 

Tukino Trot 260-T20 Ruapehu                                   

Topo50 Maps: BJ34 Mount Ruapehu & BJ35 Waiouru

Permission required

Jul 2006 A moderate round-trip of 4 hours including coffee / tea stop and lunch break.  There are a few areas where care has to be exercised since in the summer the ground is rough with many ankle turning opportunities and, in wintertime, some of the slopes can be slightly icy. There is an overall height gain of about 230 metres, a few climbs but none of these are too severe.

 

Tupapakurua Falls 260- S19 Raurimu                            

Topo50 Map: BH33 Retaruke & BH34 Raurimu

Aug 2007 A moderate out-and-back tramp of 13km total length requiring 4 – 5 hours to view a wonderful waterfall. With this target the walk is best done when it is or has been raining but this means the track will be slippery and tricky after the halfway point  to the end since only the first section of track has been upgraded.  A few sections are a bit of a grunt with an overall altitude variation of 185 metres. Good footwear is required as several of the slopes on the latter part are steep and slippery when wet.  The furthest point reached took 3 hours on the day but his did include a 30 minute lunch break.

 

Tupapakurua Falls and Retaruke 260- S19 Raurimu                 

Topo50 Map: BH33 Retaruke & BH34 Raurimu

March 2015

Oct 08

This tramp offers alternatives:

  •    the Tupapakurua Falls and return to National Park in 4 – 5 hours

  •    walk the length of Fisher Road down to Retaruke in about 4 – 5 hours

  •    Tupapakurua Falls then down the road to Retaruke in about 6 hours

 

Two Jons Camp - by GPS                      

260- U19 Kaimanawa

Topo50 Map: BH37 Rangitaiki

Oct 08

NOT RECOMMENDED WITHOUT SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN BEFORE: A moderate to easy walk of 4 – 5 hours which should not be attempted without having someone along who knows the area and tracks.  However, this walk has now been completed navigating by GPS Unit. The walk is mainly on uncharted, hunters tracks and old forestry roads through both virgin and logged forest.  The uncharted tracks are mainly hunters’ tracks and are marked by paint splashes (reddish and yellow) on the trees whilst many of the old roads are quite heavily overgrown in places.   Windfall trees can be slight hazards or inconveniences on the walk.

 

Umukarikari                             

260-T19 Tongariro

Topo50 Series Map: BH35 Turangi

Jan 2013

A long, relatively strenuous walk of 6–7 hours ascending 1038metres, covering 15km (GPS). This can be shortened to 5-6 hours if the target is the track junction for Urchin just below Sharp Cone. From this junction It takes another hour to summit Umukarikari and involves another 2–3km and 140 metres of ascent and descent.

 

Upper Matakuhia Hut                       

260-V18 Whirinaki

Topo50 Maps: BG38 Wairapukao & BH38 Te Haroto

Photos via the photo links page

May 2014

May 2013

A moderate tramp through very thick, mature native forest on a back-country track – a bit of a challenge in places but with some fantastic giant trees to admire and narrow shelves on landslips to tackle.  The track is downhill on the outwards direction losing just over 300 metres overall but the return, though uphill, is easier than might be expected with moderate slopes.  The track has not been cleared for a long time and care is needed not to trip over the invading flax which also hide erosion damage at the side of the track with large drops to the valleys below. Just on 9km in each direction which can be covered in 2 to 3 hours by competent trampers meaning that the target hut is a good lunch spot.

 

Urchin including the Waipakihi River             

260 Series Map -T19 Tongariro

Topo50 Map:BH35 Turangi

Photos via the photo links page

July 2015

August 2014

June 2014

August 2013

July 2012

A moderate + walk of 8-14km about 4–6 hours depending on whether the Trig Point of Urchin is the target, or if the walk is extended along the ridge to the junction for Waipakihi / Umukarikari. Then the choice is to descend into the Waipakihi Valley or go to the end of the Urchin ridge to the new link track to Umukarikari. The first and last options entail about 13km distance with over 1000m ascent on the Waipakihi option.  On a windy day this is a very exposed tramp and care must be taken but, if clear, the views are worth it. The track is good all the way with no “tricky” or “technical” bits and suitable for all trampers apart from the descent / re-ascent to the Waipakihi.

 

Urchin Umukarikari Link                    

Umukarikari Urchin

260-T19 Tongariro

Topo50 BH35 Turangi

Photos via the photo links page

Jan 2014

Feb 2015

Feb 2016

Several years ago Cyclone Bola obliterated the track linking Urchin and Umukarikari and the tramp described here is on the link which was reopened in 2009, the track has improved in the years since then. This is a hard day walk requiring between 7 and 10 hours and should not be undertaken by large parties or the fainthearted.  The actual “link” is  best described as a gnarly, grunty obstacle course in several places, but it is well worth doing.  The tramp can be done in either direction but as the car park at Urchin is about 120m higher than the one for Umukarikari the attraction of less altitude to overcome is worth considering. Recorded map distance is 17.5km but in fact, with altitude 1300m or so ascending, distance is nearer 19.5km.

 

Ureweras - Casino etc                          

260-V16 Tarawera

260-W16 Waimana

January 2007

A hard tramp off Galatea Road in Urewera back-country taking three days and two nights with overnights camping at or sleeping in two DOC huts or bivouacs – Casino and Waihua.  The first day is extra long due to the forest access road being deeply rutted and not accessible to normal vehicles, giving an extra 2 – 3 hours tramping.  A very descriptive quote for this tramp is “you know when you are not on steep slopes because you are knee deep in the river, getting into the river or out of the river!” Good fitness and navigational skills are essential since the track is not really too well marked much of the time, there are many tricky sections with windfalls, river walking and crossing plus steep inclines.The river and forest scenery is first rate but, being in the bottom of deep valleys much of the time getting GPS readings and tracks is not easy and the readings obtained may not be too accurate.  No track / GPS trace was able to be recorded on Day 2 though GPS waypoints were taken.

 

Vern's Camp from Minginui                             

260 - V18 Whirinaki

Sept  2005

An easy to moderate tramp of just over 5 hours with very little altitude gain or loss involved through very pleasant native forest, saved by action taken by David Bellamy amongst others.  The track is generally very good and follows a route parallel to the Whirinaki River. On the return trip a deviation via the Waterfall Loop is used.  On the trail there is a Track Log Book, located about 7 minutes into the walk, which you should sign on the way in and out.  Also several of the native trees are identified with notices – these include Miro, Matai, Tawa, Kamahi and Totara.  There are also information boards about the “Podocarp” trees and also about local ducks. At Vern’s Camp, where there used to be a hut, there is a toilet and a picnic table in the middle of the clearing so a very pleasant stop can be had – if the weather is good.

Waihaha - Echo Rock

Topo50 Map BG35 Tihoi

A fairly strenuous , longish (16km) 5–6 hour out and back trip from off SH32 down towards and parallel to Lake Taupo on relatively new MTB track which is part of the Great Lake Trail. There is a fair bit of climbing involved – some 500 metres (GPS) gain / loss – but there is nothing steep or tricky.

 

Waihaha Hut and Beyond                         

260-T18 Kuratau

Topo50 Map: BG34 Piropiro & BG35 Tihoi

Photos via the photo links page

Sep 2008

Aug 2015

July 2018

A fairly hard, long (25+km) 7–8 hour out and back trip from SH32 parallel to the Waihaha River to about 45 minutes beyond the Waihaha Hut on the Hauhungaroa track.There is next to no climbing involved – only 300 metres (GPS) gain / loss, the path is very good in most parts and passes many idyllic fishing spots in this very scenic valley. The trip in seems to take longer than the return but this is mainly due to the fact that everyone stops to check or identify the luxurious vegetation and check out the promising looking fishing spots. Less ambitious trampers can turn round at any point but most make it to the Waihaha Hut.

 

Waihaha River bike trail                            

260 Series - Kuratau T18

Topo50 BG34 Piropiro & BG35 Tihoi

Permission not required to access this trail

Photos via the photo links page

Nov 2014

Feb 2014

June 2013

A long, moderately hard tramp due to the distance involved covering 26 kilometres with 614m of ascent, if the full walk to the track end is completed. The track is superb as it is an easy grade bike track and part of the Great Lake Trail. Being an out-and-back walk the distance can be altered to suit physical ability, conditions or time available. Scenery is wonderful with great views of the Waihaha River, waterfalls, landform and geology plus the varied vegetation encountered. The link to Waihora is in hand and hopefully can be walked soon by driving in to the tarck end via Waihaha Road and the paper road - there is a car park.

 

Waihohonu Huts                                     

260 - T20 Ruapehu

Topo50 Map: BJ35 Waiouru

Aug 2005

This is an easy to moderate one-day tramp passing the new Waihohonu Hut , visiting the old historic Waihohonu Hut  then returning with a diversion to the Ohinepango Springs.  The first part consists of 1:30 to 1:45 minutes walk into Waihohonu Hut on first rate, virtually level track then having morning tea, though there is view-point after about 1 hour on the way in where a stop can be made.  Another 30 - 40 minutes takes you to the old Waihohonu Hut which now is classified as a historic building.     The next diversion is a  spur walk  to the Ohinepango Springs and it should be noted that there is one extremely steep, often slippery descent getting to and from the springs. There is, however, a rope on this slope to help get up and down.  The whole tramp can be completed in around 5 hours to 5:30 minutes and there is very little gain or loss of altitude on the walk.

 

Waihohonu Springs                        

260 Series Maps: Tongariro T19 & Ruapehu T20

Topo50 BJ35 Waiouru

Oct 2010

Oct 2017

A relatively long but non-taxing walk of 5 hours over 20km. From the car park  near the desert highway into the Waihohonu Hut  is an easy, if somewhat boring, walk taking between 1:15 and 1:30 min. The boring part is only boring if you have done it several times as the view of the mountain is great on clear days.  No difficult sections apart from a few steps in places. From the old Waihohonu Hut there is a bit of a climb up the path towards the Oturere Hut but the slope eases once the path is left and the NW ridge running up to Tama is followed.  No path here but the footing is pretty good with the walk on the turn-off point on the ridge taking one hour from the Hut. Getting off the ridge northwards into the valley takes 10 – 20 minutes, depending on one’s skill at getting down a scree slope, then it is less than another half hour to the springs. The route out can be the reverse of inwards or a bit of bush bashing, with a stream crossing, down the river then up to meet the Oturere track and back to the new Waihohonu Hut.

 

Waihora to Bog Inn                           

260 Series Map:  Kuratau, T18 and Whakamaru T17

Topo50 Map:    BG34 Piropiro & BG35 Tihoi

August 2012

A fairly strenuous 6 hour A to B day tramp which can be tackled in either direction but there are hills in either direction.  If really keen a short 2km extension can be added by going in to the Bog Inn Hut but this section of track is diabolical when the tide is in!   Walking clockwise from Waihora to Bog Inn gives just on 15km distance with an ascent of 785metres requiring just on the six hours

 

Waihora to Waihaha                                                 

260-T17 Whakamaru + T18 Kuratau

Topo50 BG34 Piropiro + BG35 Tihoi

May 2011

A very strenuous 7-9 hour A to B day tramp or a relatively relaxed overnighter stopping off at the Waihaha Hut.  Day one is hard work and the DOC quoted 6 hours are required whilst for Day two the 9km walk out from the hut to the Western Bays Road is an easy 3 hours. This tramp can be tackled in either direction but anti-clockwise is slightly easier – going anti-clockwise gives a total ascent of 694metres and a total descent of 900metres.

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