Trip ReportsWe run many interesting trips and each trip leader asks someone on the trip to write about the trip. The different styles of writing add insight to a trip. The following trip reports are only a selection of what we have been up to.
Rangitoto / Mototapu 21-22 November 2009There were 16 of us that headed off early on Saturday morning. Since we were all well organised, we managed to leave Hamilton at exactly 7am. The early start was so that we could catch the 9:15am ferry from Auckland to Rangitoto Island. We did have to make a slight detour through Hamilton first though as Neil had ‘forgotten’ the paper work for parking the bus in Auckland. (It was later discovered in the bottom of his pack). We arrived at Queen St Wharf with about 15 minutes to spare, bought our ferry tickets and even had time for a quick coffee before boarding the ferry. After a 40 minute ferry ride we arrived on the volcanic island of Rangitoto. From the wharf we followed the coastal track for about 1.5 hours to Islington Bay and the CM mines. We were amazed at the amount of vegetation, especially all the pohutukawa trees that had somehow managed to establish themselves in such a hard, rocky environment. There was plenty of birdlife around as well. We dropped our packs at the junction to the CM mines and explored the complex. This had been set up during World War 2 as a defensive base and a minefield. Not much of it remains today except for some old rusted pieces of equipment. We then walked around the island a bit further and crossed the causeway on to the neighbouring island of Motutapu. Here we found a nice sheltered spot to sit down and have our lunch. After lunch we walked for 1.5 hours across the grassy paddocks of Motutapu Island to Home Bay camp ground. We walked pass some fantastic views of Auckland Harbour along the way. On reaching Home Bay, everyone started setting up their tents, some of us (including me) were setting up our tents for the very first time and so felt very fortunate be able to do this during daylight hours. From here most of the group decided to head off to Billy Goat Point to enjoy the views over towards Rakino and the Barrier Islands. The rest stayed behind – some opting to go for a swim by the beach. The following morning was grey and drizzling, so we decided to take the shortcut across Motutapu via the road. The summit of Rangitoto was still obscured by clouds by the time we had crossed back over the causeway but the general consensus was that most people still wanted to climb to the top. It took us another hour to reach the summit. Unfortunately it was still very drizzly once we got there and even the crater was in a haze. There were no views of Auckland to be had from the summit that day. On the way down we explored the lava caves. These were old caves that had formed as the molten lava cooled. After exploring the caves, we headed back down towards the wharf, stopping for lunch along the way. We reached Rangitoto wharf about 1:30, with plenty of time to spare to catch the 3:45 ferry back to Auckland. On arriving back at the bus, we unfortunately found that it had been broken into overnight, with a few things stolen from inside.
On the way back, we had an obligatory ice cream stop in Pokeno. We were back in Hamilton by 6:40pm. Aside from the bus break-in it we had all had a great weekend trip. We were:
Ian Fraser (Driver), Neil Rowe (Leader), Fiona Green, Anathea & Peter, Dianne & Selwyn June, Peter Phipps, Paul McLennan, Sue Kay, Michael Nightingale, Tristan Brown+ Jo Cole, John and Jean Wilson + Nathalie Moreitz (scribe).
Maungatautari 1 November 2009
Last minute arrangements and a bit if wiggling and jiggling saw a bus load and a car load of passengers leave Hamilton on time in glorious sunshine. We arrived at the entrance to the Southern enclosure on Maungatautari on time also and got ready for the day’s activities. Our aims were firstly to listen carefully to our guide Phil tell us about the birds and the plants, secondly to listen for the hihi (stitchbird), and thirdly to look for the rimu fronds which may be showing signs of fruiting. The first part was easy if you were as fit and agile as Phil, the second bit was more difficult due to all the talking and the low numbers of hihi (a single bird being heard by just 1 tramper) and the last bit was about two weeks too soon to tell. If the rimu fruit this year then there will be enough food for kokako to be introduced.
In the meantime we went walking… straight through the enclosure and out through the boundary fence on the northern side into the wilderness. A hop across a stream and upwards we went onto the ridge towards our goal of the 3rd highest peak on the mountain. Phils’ watchful eye ensured we didn’t stand on the hooded orchid in flower in the middle of the path (also known as a bait line) we were following. A short stop for morning tea and eventually a great lunch spot near the highest point of our tramp with a magnificent view as far as Mts Ruapehu and Taranaki completed the morning.
From there it was pretty much downhill. Just once in a while a little bit of uphill work was found to ease the load on the knees. It isn’t often I’m keen on doing uphill stuff! Two trampers carried on along the downhill trail while the rest of us swung through the supplejack like NZ versions of Tarzan and Jane, down to a magnificent waterfall. This is well worth a visit. From there it was very much uphill to a ridge and down along its crest to the road which we followed back to the bus. While the last trampers came slowly back to the bus, most of the others went back into the enclosure to see the viewing tower and kaka at their feeding station. One tramper thinks the tower should be higher.
Opinion of the day was unanimous in that the day was somewhat more difficult than expected. However, all agreed that they were pleased with their achievement of making it back to the bus. The trip was challenging for the body and mind, leaving the body a bit buggered but the plants and bird life were stunning. One of the party was dive bombed by a kereru – he would have become dinner if she had caught him! Just kidding. We had a great day and appreciated Phil’s guiding right up until the last person was back at the bus – even though he had to dash home for dinner and be back at the entrance at 9pm in time to lead another party on a night walk. Now there’s another idea for us – a night walk in the bush.
Our convivial companions for the day were: newcomers Simon Ware, Trish Timoko, Annette Lowe, Robyn Hirst, and Dianne Lee. Older hands Keith & Margaret Robbins, Dianne & Selwyn June (scribe/driver & trip leader respectively) along with club newbies Andrew Irwin, Debbie, Werner, Patrin & Gavin Illenberger.
Upper Waipa River Sunday 4th October 2009
As advertised if the rain was against us I would change the trip. During the week I spoke with Duncan (the farmer) who advised against the Upper Waipa due to it being full, dirty and not enjoyable. I rang the participants and explained we were going in to see the world’s largest Kahikatea via the Nikau Palm walk on Mt Pirongia. This was acceptable to most so Sunday morning seven of us drove out to meet Chris and Sue at the road end.
Sadly it was still raining and didn’t stop at any time during the trip. The nine of us headed towards the bush along a track that was new to me – there has been a lot of work opening up, replanting and redirecting the track over the last few years. Once in the bush the rain seemed to ease up but this was probably an illusion. The tracks are easy to follow and allowed us all to talk while travelling at a good pace. We did a side trip to the cave but again the rain dissuaded anyone from entering the bowels of the earth. Back on the main track we crossed new solidly constructed bridges that took even my weight without a sound. Being the leader I was aware that we were travelling fast and needed rest stops but most found that when stopped we cooled down too much and would rather just keep going. We reached the lookout for the kahikatea tree and could see it clearly across the valley but we decided that going closer wasn’t necessary on this trip. The journey back to the bus was back the same way so we put thought into where we were going to stop for lunch. Finally we just stopped on the track and stood in the rain quickly eating a small lunch then moving on again. The return trip seemed to be faster but it was different due to the amount of water that was crossing the track and the river. I do believe the rain was lighter but the temperature was colder. We got back to the bus and some got changed while others tried to dry off before heading home. With the cold and wet an ice cream was passed over in favour of getting back earlier so we returned to Hamilton soon after 2pm. I enjoyed the company and being back in the bush even with the rain but still want to do the Upper Waipa another day. Leader: Neil Rowe, Trish Timoko, Nette Lowe, Chris Kay, Sue Kay, Fiona Green, Alan Wilson, Lesley Kuggeleijn & John Suttlington.
Waitomo Valley Walks – Sunday 6th SeptemberOn Sunday I went to the Piripiri caves and the Marokopa Falls. In the caves we went down with our head torches. There was a rope which you had to climb down or if you didn’t use the rope you would most likely slip and fall. After the rope there was a board walk to walk on or you ended up walking in mud. All the rock stuff was actually acid clay that would eat holes in your boots but would not burn your skin. After that you had to duck, crawl, climb and get muddy and dirty. When we got to the end us children wanted to keep going but you couldn’t because there was just a dead end. On the way back we nearly got lost but found the sign that we remembered. We got out muddy and dirty but had so much fun. At the falls you could feel the spray of the water on your face and we saw a rainbow in the mist. I wanted to climb down to the water but Mum said no, coz the track was really wet and she said I was muddy enough already.
Written by Drew Ngapo, 10 years old At the caves, it appears the younger you were the dirtier you were. Some sat in the fabulous sunshine instead of going underground and some encountered lots of mud deciding to turn back. We are a tramping club so, of course, most of the day was spent above ground enjoying a cloudless sunshiny day. John led us off track on a “circular route” to a pa site and a couple of hikers were introduced with a firm handshake to bush lawyer. We visited the Mangapohue Natural Bridge. Many years ago (like millions) this would have been a cave until the roof collapsed leaving a 17 metre high limestone arch over the stream. It was a beautiful spot looking back down the gorge. The walk continued over a farm trail dotted with limestone rocks and a chance to view fossilized oysters. Further down the road (by bus) a 10 minute stroll took us to the spectacular Marokopa Falls. 30metres high and at this time of year there was plenty of water falling for some stunning photos. Thanks to John Davies, our trip leader, and Dianne June, our bus driver, who volunteered last minute enabling us to all travel together in a bus. Thank you - it makes the day so much more enjoyable. Other trampers and cavers – Selwyn, Chris and Sue, Margaret, Jeanette, David, Tracey, Fiona and her granddaughter, Laura, Kate, Amy, Christine, John S, Eleanor, Michelle and family, and me, Dianne Ngapo.
Waikato Hut 15-16 August 2010Parking and locking up in the London Street rendezvous, confronted with a huge pile of food to share out and squeeze into already tight packs - chickens, oats, caulies, bread, eggs, bacon etc hint at the feasting ahead. Hut-ites packs go into the trailer first, then those 'hardcore' trampers, (who end up staying in the WTC hut with the rest of us for the first night rather than the Mangatepopo as originally planned - well it was pretty marginal conditions out there in the mountain wilderness! Hats off to Graeme King for a fast, safe smooth drive. Lesley does well marshalling the dinner ditherers onto the order form for pre-prepared takeaways in Te Kuiti. An unscheduled visit to the Whakapapa Tavern is well-received although Nigel went for a skate on the poorly lit wooden steps in the rush for his first jug.! Reach the Top of the Bruce about midnight and then the laden trek to the hut (which seemed elusive to us first-timers). Choose a bunk, name onto the evac board and upstairs for a look. Wow! We were delighted with the sight and ambience of the comfortable and well set out lounge, kitchen and dining areas. Cosy as, thanks to hut custodians David and Vivienne. A warm introduction around the whole cast, by trip leader David Rogerson, was impressive and appreciated. Saturday morning continues overcast and windy. The serious trampers head off into the lower mountain wilderness, having changed their original ambitious plans due to the poor weather conditions. Boarding, skiing, hiking and loafing activities commence for the rest, but poor conditions prevented the opening of many tows. This leads to huge hour-long queues at the Rock Garden Chair, which is frustratiing for some. The snow seemed good, but visibility flat. We are happy with snow play, people watching, checking out the various snow vehicles, and then a delectable and warming Baileys coffee at Lorenzo's empowering us with the energy to walk back up to the hut (slightly less elusive this second time and in daylight). The afternoon passes delightfully with reading, chatting, table tennis and a peaceful nap. The cheese and cracker entree platter is complimented by the addition of Harvati smoked cheese and olives - thanks Rangi; and washed down with mulled wine - thanks Dave. The evening four-chook banquet is beautifully prepared and presented by the evening meal team, led by Jenny. A boisterous wine-fuelled dinner, followed by a massive industrial size self saucing chocolate pud (enough left over for the early Sunday risers!). Two minute shoulder massages for the entire team around the table transitioned into further relaxation in front of the cosy wood-burner - thanks to all the folk who have lugged the wood! Sunday dawns much clearer and calmer with most lifts running. People head off skiing, boarding and climbing. For us, a brisk hike up to Hut Flat and some great snow-sliding and people-watching. Skiing going on all over the mountain, but still marginal conditions. Down on the Rock Garden chairlift to get cash and another special coffee. The hike up to the WTC hut gets shorter each time! We are confronted by an already clean hut (almost), and a crew ready to pull out an hour early. So away we go; fond farewell to a fabulous place to stay on the mountain. Our intrepid driver has already been down and brought our bus up to the Top of the Bruce, so it's a quick pile in of gear and people and away! Of course we do stop at the head of the Mangahuia Track to collect our out-of-sight but not out-of-mind hardcore trampers (Alan, Lesley and Nigel). Then the exhausted luxury of being driven all the way home! All in all, a great experience for first-time hut users. Great people. Great time. Thank you.
Bill Sneddon and Anne Matthews
Winter Tramp 2009 15-16 AUGUST 2009Friday evening at the bus stop there was much debate over the proposed weekend tramp and justifiably so in the light of the forecast; a wet & windy weekend was predicted and stomping around Mt Tongariro in a gale wasn’t my idea of fun. We were also loosing numbers due o the weather and that was a concern however with some input from a dedicated few we determined to continue and perhaps consider a trip down the Whakapapaiti valley and out to the Mahuia campsite. So what started out to be a trip for 8 was diminishing by the hour. As we boarded the bus with the ski trip we were down to 5. Saturday morning dawned bleak and wet and bereft of a fresh cuppa in my hand to make improvements to our thoughts on the day ahead. Alan decided that a quiet morning in the hut was in order and we would head out following lunch and perhaps better weather. By departure time we were down to 3 souls and reasonable weather. Consideration was given to the longer route via the downhill ski area and Pehi Wall which is higher up the ridge to the east of the Whakapapaiti Valley but again conditions thwarted this attempt. The snow conditions were not in the least bit conducive to pleasant winter tramping being soft and with deep holes under every second or third step so we duly headed downhill passing the village to the east of us and eventually picking up the track from Scoria flat. Conditions were fairly good considering Fridays forecast and I found tramping in a good couple of woolly layers without a parka was ok even with the odd passing wet cloud. We didn’t stop for views at the ridge top and continued on down the zigs & zags towards the valley floor and arrived at the hut by around 1600 the group from the Heretaunga TC in residence and a pleasant fire drawing. So much for carrying kindling from Waikato Hut. They had opted out from a Tongariro crossing to head to lower levels as had we and we shared a pleasant evening chewing the fat with them and another small group from Auckland. The hours that followed were interesting as different meals came to the table from the fire and the odd gas burner and an intense card game developed as it inevitable does. Sunday dawned with similar conditions although the wind had swung to the south. By order of the silent minority we elected to remain in the sack as the others prepared for departure. Conditions were cloudy and cold as we departed down stream late morning, timing our arrival at the road end was an all important consideration. All too soon a crossing of the Whakapapaiti river, still in a benign state and 30 minutes later we headed out west away from the river climbing over low ridges towards Hauhungatahi and the wilderness area. This country is covered in low tussock and stumpy bush and we talked about earlier attempts on the crossing over the top to Erua. The track eventually turns NW and heads into the Mangahuia Stream which we follow out to the road.
In places we followed a pleasant track along through beach forest, in parts deep channels carved by water over years of erosion and in others slippery logs and boardwalks made for difficult travel. At one point I tripped on a slippery log and ended up doing press ups face down in a muddy pool, luckily only my arms immersed in the muddy water. This is a pleasant tramp through the sub-alpine flora and finally gave way lower down to more tussock and low bushes as we approached the road end in light drizzle. One of us made the positive thought that modern DoC loos are roomier now should we need to seek shelter from the rain. Further inspection revealed the large roof of the shelter where we rejoiced and set about making a brew and changing gear. We were early by a good hour so with gear strewn around we made ourselves at home arranged a second and third brew only to have our thoughts interrupted by the arrival of our transport home. Participants: Alan Wilson, Lesley Kuggeleijn and scribe Nigel Lancaster
Snowcraft – Mount Ruapehu 18-19 JULY 2009
The bus left at the usual time, laden with rucksacks, raingear, ice axes, crampons, food and a bunch of intrepid new comers. The old hands were calm and confident, smoothly organizing everything in a warm and welcoming manner. We collected additional members along the way and soon arrived at Te Kuiti for a warm cuppa and a snack. Back on the bus some of us were soon lulled into a doze by the shush shush of the wheels on the wet road and the gentle swaying of the bus. About 20 minutes out from Whakapapa we were instructed to don our raingear and the crampon/ice axe hire procedure was explained to us. A ripple of nervous energy ran through the newcomers. At the Château, John turned the bus around, despite a near miss with a parked car, while the rest of us collected our hire equipment. Well equipped, we then all squashed into a somewhat smaller 4-wheel drive bus for the final trip up the mountain to the Top of the Bruce car park. It was now 11.30pm, and a gentle snow shower was falling. The night was calm and the lights from the surrounding huts reflected like fairy lights on the snow. We slipped and slid our way to the hut to be greeted by a well rounded snowlady and our friendly hut custodians Vivienne and David Henderson. Fortified with a warm drink, the trip leader Nigel detailed the morning plans; allocated the morning roster and we fell into a welcome bed for the night. Morning came too soon with cries of “Tea, Coffee…” in bed, a real treat, before we dressed and hurried upstairs for breakfast. A team talk followed, where the theory was explained to us before we set off into the snow to try the practical for ourselves. The cloud was down and the snow was gently falling, with the occasional gust of wind to remind us to tie everything down or risk losing it. Our able instructors (Nigel, David, Neil & John) soon had us throwing ourselves down the mountain slopes, some more recklessly than others, to be jerked to a sudden stop by our ice axes. Feet-first, head-first, on our tummies, on our backs, roll over, lift our feet, make sure we stop in time…. Lunch was welcome! A quick theory lesson on crampons and we were off into the deteriorating weather for the afternoon. How easy to walk now. Wish we had worn crampons last night… Supper was friendly and festive, rounded off with a huge “self-saucing chocolate pudding”. The weather deteriorated further the next morning, and the planned trip to the Crater Lake was an impossibility. A warm wind howled around the hut, melting the ice and turning the snow to rain and slush. A few intrepid souls braved the weather and practiced their newly found skills by carting the rubbish to the dump at the car park. The car park was abuzz with skiers rescuing their cars after a frozen night, and the ski lifts were closed for the day. Icicles hung from the chairlift chairs and supports, reminiscent of the wicked White Witch of Narnia. The hut books and jigsaw puzzles entertained for the morning.
All too soon it was time to pack up, clean the hut, stop for the obligatory ice-cream, most delicious, home-made in the little shop, on the way home, where we arrived safely home, thanks to the careful driving of John. A great weekend and a great introduction for the new comers to the Waikato Hut, Mt Ruapehu, snowcraft and the friendly members of the Waikato Tramping club. Werner & Debbie Illenberger
Taupo Tramps and Trails 27-28 June 2009With Dianne at the wheel of the bus we headed off to Tokoroa for dinner and then on to All Seasons Holiday Park in Taupo. We established ourselves in our cabins and after a briefing about the weekend’s activities, we settled down for the night. It was an earlier start than some were wanting, but despite this and the not too promising weather, we left the camp at 8.30 am for our first destination. We were joined by Anne who with her husband had left Hamilton very early to be in Taupo by 8 am, to go tramping and fishing respectively.
Although Mt. Tauhara was nowhere to be seen, a sign directed us up a track and into the fog. We did get brief views of our surroundings – as we left the fog and headed into the cloud! A steady, enjoyable, warming climb with occasional stops to regroup saw us on the summit sooner than anticipated. Here Dianne reminisced about her first ascent but we did not linger as it was very cold with no views to be had. Perhaps we’ll get the suggested 360° panorama next time. We returned to the bus at the road end and Dianne drove us to Opepe Bush carpark. Most remained in the bus to eat lunch while the hardier amongst us picnicked outside. At this stage it had not actually rained, but continued to be overcast and cold. A short track led to a cemetery where most of the Armed Constabulary soldiers buried there had died at age 42! Strange! A circuit through large rimu, matai and totara and many native fuchsia trees was a lovely walk. Returning to the carpark, we crossed the road to explore the tracks there. We very soon came across a large log set up to demonstrate pit sawing , but further down the track the promised Armed Constabulary water trough proved to be as elusive as the views from Mt. Tauhara and was nowhere to be seen. We could however see where it had been. As we continued around the circuit we found the site of the Opepe Redoubt and township - and we also found Jeanette, who was meant to be joining us and had finally tracked us down. Again the vegetation was great and we were thrilled when John pointed out a morepork he had spotted in the trees. Back at the camping ground we had a short break before assembling to be transported to the AC Baths. What a treat the baths were! Those of us who had not been there before, or not for a long time, were very impressed and we all enjoyed ourselves in the lovely warm water of the outdoor pool. Peter’s underwater camera was a bit of a worry though! Dinner was cooked in the luxury of the camp kitchen, or purchased at the fish and chip shop. We ate in the camp dining area amid good company and lively conversation. Anne and her husband left us at this stage to return to Hamilton. We were up early again on Sunday (sorry Lesley), the motivation to be at Aratiatia dam in time to see the gates open at 10 am – and we had a 2 hour walk to get there. Although there had been no rain on Saturday, on Sunday there was steady drizzle. The walk to Aratiatia was straight forward, but not as scenic as I had expected. The rapids made up for this! Watching the water flow down, drowning out pools and filling the gorge with a surging torrent was spectacular. Dianne had driven around to pick us up and now took us to Kinloch. Here a 2 hour walk along a track to Kawakawa Bay was planned. Everyone was wet and cold by this time and Jo and Tristan decided to join Jeanette who was heading back to Hamilton, while the rest of us continued with a modified plan. No-one fancied sitting in the rain eating lunch so most decided to walk for an hour then retrace steps to have lunch in the shelter of the bus. In fact some had a hurried lunch under trees before turning back and all decided it was not worth continuing to Kawakawa Bay. We look forward to doing this another time in beautiful weather, as it is a good track with lovely views. Back at the bus, once we were warm and dry again, we headed for home. No ice-cream stops were necessary! Trampers and Trailers were:
Dianne & Selwyn, Sue & Chris, Cristina & Peter, Jo & Tristan, Jean & John, Lesley, Paul, Natalie, Michelle, Jeanette and Anne.
A great trip, accomplishing almost all that was planned despite the weather. It was interesting too, to find out about some of the history of the Taupo area. Thanks Dianne and Selwyn.
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