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Recent Club Trip ReportsNorth Egmont Lower Mountain Walks – 24 February Forty-one trampers joined me at Brooklands Road keen to get some exercise. It was a glorious summer’s morning when we started from North Egmont after leaving some cars at the Mangaoraka car park for a shuttle after the tramp. On the Ngatoro Track, which was in excellent condition, we kicked away a few 1080 pellets as we had done on the recce. There were a couple of tricky river crossings and, as always, some of our men were there to lend a hand; thank you. A couple of stoics decided they could go it alone and ended up getting wet!! We all enjoyed the lovely, mountain native-bush, making it to the Mangaoraka car park for a leisurely lunch in the sun, after which we did the Mangaoraka Loop, and then sorted cars and trampers for the journey home. As I was a stand-in leader, and we had done a recce the previous Sunday, I believe adding the Waiwhakaiho and Rahiri tracks would have taken too long with a big group and made it a FIT EASY. I would like to thank Dorothy and Michael Finnigan, Joan Clarke and Maureen Leslie for joining me on the recce, Maureen for your help on the tramp and being tail ender, Jeff Blick my contact, and all who joined me. Four Mountains in a Day – 26 February It was nine to seven on the Friday evening when the four of us passed the Camphouse – suited a couple of the group better and also the weather. In the Khyber Pass area we met a girl coming down who was sussing out routes for a four-peaks record attempt – after work! Were on top in 2 hours 41minutes and back at the van at six to midnight. A new bridge on the road to Turoa was usable but would be blocked off by a truck and trailer until the official opening in a couple of days, to prevent ‘hoons’ from wrecking things, so decided to try from the Whakapapa side, around 12 km instead of 7 on the map. Information from the ‘70s listed four possible ascents, three difficult. Arrived to find a big sloping area of ice with a large drop into a small lake, so flagged that idea. (The easiest ascent looked to be impossible from what was visible). Climbed a steep scoria bank up to Dome Shelter, 125 metres below the summit and 150 above Egmont. Looked to be built to withstand some pretty wild weather. The track to it looked well used and also saw what a massive thing Ruapehu is with a second crater that looks bigger than the active one. Arrived back at the van after an eight hour ordeal – had wasted about an hour in the dark following poles to a hut that wasn’t on the route. Were at Mangatepopo at 1.30 pm but with another almost, just about, not quite four mountains now confirmed, it was hard to get excited about climbing another two. Karyn decided to give it a miss. The only challenge now would be going under 24 hours – would require something resembling a bit of a dash. Were on Tongariro at 3.40 and Ngauruhoe, (must have been the true summit – was loaded with sandflies), at 5.55, 23 hrs and 4 minutes after starting. Damon Dravitzki and Lee McCracken had completed Three Mountains and a Crater.
- Denis Goodwin
Nineteen of us in all walked the farm track following the Mohakatino River; it was very wet in places after heavy rain the night before, but an easy grade. After an hour's walking, it was disappointing to reach the confluence of the Mohakatino and Matapeka Rivers to find that the night's rain had raised the river level quite considerably. There was really no doubt that a river crossing was out of the question.
Public Tramp My thanks to Forward Radio Leader Hugh Alexander, whose talks on the various features were excellent, Joe & Viv Green, as Radio Tail, and Dave Stewart again for putting it all together. The rest were, Malvern Shoemark, who I used to tramp and climb with 40+ years ago, Alan Tate, Alan Chapman (MK II) who used to farm nearby on the Tariki Road, Kim Gatenby, Sandra Candy, Angela Hufton, Anne King, Jan Cygler, Raywin, Graham & Colin Markwell, Jemma Ladbrook, Steve Yeo, Kevin & Glenys Robertson, Rita & Ken Butler, Brian & Gaye Mullin, Nicholas Edmunds, Mary & Paul Eaton, Kaye Mason and Fiona Gilmour. Plus of course our most reliable contact Mr Malcolm Smart. - John Wicksteed Oakura & Environs – 10 March This day was Taranaki at its best. The sun shone, there was no wind, the sky was clear and the sea shimmered. Thirty-eight of us assembled at Corbett Park before climbing the hill behind to get a view of our route for the day. We started by walking the beach from the Oakura River to the Timaru River to see the ship-wrecked Gairloch and hear of its history. As we were walking on an out-going tide there was plenty of firm sand. A number of trampers enjoyed the opportunity to shed footwear and splash through the streams on the way. We returned to Oakura via the inland coastal path and found much needed shade in the camping ground for lunch. From there we strolled along the streets and the hidden pathways, meandered through Matekai Park, a wetland area and finally returned to Corbett Park. This was a three-and-a-half hour tramp made rewarding by the friendly, appreciative group who enjoyed exploring this unique part of Taranaki’s coastline. Thank you to Elwyn Palmer for being our contact person. Lake Dive from Dawson Falls – 13 March
It was a bit after 8.00 am when the two of us got the pedals turning, crossing the river, ascending control gates hill and heading for open country. The first part felt fairly easy; must have passed the high point of the circuit without really noticing. Turning left onto the next main highway seemed to put us directly into ‘Wacky Vehicle’ day. Lots of building-removal pilot-type cars, (spaced flasher lights etc), didn’t realize there were so many in the country, as well as fire-engines, ambulances etc, from yester-decade. Scored plenty of toots and waves along with a siren or three. Thankfully they were coming towards us. Tatangi Peak from Mangorei Road – 17 March Despite the rain and dark clouds threatening, seventeen hardy trampers joined me for the climb to Tatangi. Fortunately the track was reasonably dry but it was still a relief to reach the boardwalks that the Club has been working on with DoC. This makes the second half of the walk to Pouakai Hut much more pleasant. By the time we reached Graylings Clearing the sun was out and the wind was from the south.
As we made our way along the ridge top we could see the Mokau River winding around below us, and the coast line out over the bush. The track was very dry which made the steep downhill part of the tramp so much easier than the last time when we had to cope with very sticky, slippery mud. We managed to get down to the river by lunch time so had a very pleasant, relaxing break listening to the river as it washed against the banks. The return trip took us through a very attractive area of native bush and past an old house-site which had ‘naked ladies’ lining the fence line. The last part of the tramp over the farm continued on along the river bank with a few gentle rises to give us a bit more exercise. Then we were out on to the main road making our way back to the cars parked at the golf course. Lepperton Farm Tramp – 24 March Thirty-five typically enthusiastic trampers from various parts of North Taranaki set off on a new tramp on a day which, if one had believed the forecast, one would have spent in the comfort of home. Nothing daunting for the hearty souls that we are and to our joy the howling wind and heavy rain waited until coffee time after the completion of the tramp. We began with a walk around the long-established homestead garden which has been viewed by many during the Rhododendron festivals. Denis Lepper, the property owner, accompanied us on this somewhat gentle walk and passed on much information about innovative aspects of the 6th generation Lepper property which had been ceded to his great-grandfather after the Land Wars. A plant producing gas from farm effluent is a recent development on this progressive dairy/pig farm as are automatic gates which allow cows to head toward the shed at milking time. Much has been accomplished in contouring the land and we were able to enjoy picturesque spots for our stops. My thanks to you all for your encouraging comments on this my first tramp as leader. No incidents, no accidents - another most enjoyable day with positive fellow trampers. - Marie Brown
Well what an eventful day! First of all, after getting away promptly on a lovely fine morning, we were confronted by a manned barrier across the Egmont National Park entrance on Manaia Road. Workers were resealing sections of the access road, so we had a half-hour wait until the way was clear. No-one had bothered about posting a notice in the paper to notify the general public which we thought was pretty slack. Next, a rather embarrassed lady had to confess that she'd left her boots behind, and as a result spent a long and lonely day on her own hanging around the Visitor Centre until we returned. Rather later than planned too I might add because another lady chose to ignore advice that this particular tramp required a good level of fitness, and came along regardless. With every step we fell further behind, eventually arriving back at our vehicles nearly two hours later than we should have. Because of this, the decision was made at Lake Dive to let all but one carload go on at a faster pace, thus allowing them to get home by 6.00 pm, some 50 minutes before we tail-enders. They did however have their own problems, with two of the men falling and banging their heads, and another lady falling and badly spraining (or possibly breaking) her wrist. One of the men who hit his head also banged his arm with a resulting egg-sized bump and a graze. Aside from all that it was most enjoyable tramp, with everyone enjoying a perfect autumn day and the wonderful views from high up on the tussock lands. There is something special about sitting up there while having one's lunch.
In conclusion I wish to thank all those who came along, especially Geoff for stepping in and leading the faster party home, and to my wife Barbara at home for dealing with a flurry of phone calls from worried partners when we were late, and to Allan Jenkins for helping her and acting as my contact for the day.
North Egmont was a popular place overnight, the top car-park was full, but we met up and got sorted in the dark okay. Had no problem finding the turn-off point, had become light well before, but found getting under way a bit tricky with large, scrub-covered rocks to find a way through and over. A bit of tussock-type terrain followed before we were on the lava flow, which was quite an impressive sight. The climbing was pretty good on the sides, may have been polished a bit smooth in the centre, the top of it connecting with Crater Valley below the crater. The first five hung to the right of the crater on the loose material - sounded like it was tough going, and were on top in 5 hours and 12 minutes. Two of us crossed onto the Lizard, was pretty straight forward, for more stable footing and presumably easier climbing. Our descent was pretty uneventful, had been a cloudless day for the climbing part and a lot of people were on the mountain. The group today was Karyn Humphries, Allison Wilkins, Derek Andrews, Peter Cotterill, and Tim and Valerie Brennan. Thanks to Derek for the interesting excursion. - Denis Goodwin
The mountain forecast was for poor visibility and this was not what I wanted for a trip I had long wished to do. The gods were smiling however and when we got to the end of Mangorei Road conditions were perfect. With a party of six, all of whom were reasonably fit, we made good time up to Pouakai Hut with a short break at the Plymouth Track junction. Above that level it was great to see the track-improvement work that has been completed. After a short rest at the hut and a chat with some of the folk who were staying there over the Easter period we headed off to the plateau and around the Hump to the junction of the track to Holly Hut. The time to the hut from there is given as 1 hour 45 minutes and I am pleased to report that we beat this going in both directions. In part this was due to some sterling work which has been done in the last year or so to improve the track down the ridge to the swamp. The views from this track were superb on the day and the track is also made interesting by the residual cedar forest through which it passes. We stopped for a few photographs along the way and had another short break at the bridge over the river before forging on across the swamp. The hut was reached at about 12.30 pm and we tucked into a welcome lunch while we sat in warm sunshine on the balcony. As we lunched clouds had started to gather on the Pouakai Range so we didn’t linger long. We were back at the Pouakai Hut in just over 90 minutes and after another short break headed back to the cars and were out of the bush about 4.30 pm so it had taken us a total of 8 hours including breaks. We had a bit of drizzle on the top on our return trip but the afternoon was fine by the time we got back. My thanks to Hugh Alexander, John Depree, Kathy Penny, Antonia Baylis and Bonner Gearon for their cheerful company and to Allan Jenkins for being my contact.
Twenty-five trampers enjoyed a beautiful autumn day as we walked over Tim and Carol Scott’s property at Uruti. As we all know there are always a few hills in this area but nothing too difficult on this walk. A good easy tramp with good company. We hope you all enjoyed the day, and thanks to my co-leader; sorry I messed you up at the start. Also thanks to Grant, our back stop, and John our contact. - Velda Fabish Puniwhakau Farm Walk – 10 April One NPTC member travelled to Stratford to join the nine members of the Stratford TC for this walk around the boundaries of Ian Gedge’s farm which made a really interesting tramp with plenty of hills to climb. We had a short road-walk before starting on the farm tracks which we followed for most of the tramp. One of the Stratford members met up with an ex-school pupil from Makahu School who was doing some ‘digger’ work on the farm. They were the only two pupils in the same year all through primary school! We made our way over the paddocks to come out on the Taihore Road and then up to the Haurere Trig from where we had great views out over the surrounding countryside. Lunch at the trig unfortunately wasn’t possible because there were so many flying ants around the hill top. We dropped down from the trig following some really steep tracks beside the new deer fence. The neighbouring farm is now running deer for meat and trophies. The stags were just about at the end of the ‘roar’ but were still making quite a bit of noise and were certainly very aggressive. We followed the track above the river back to the cars which made a very pleasant easy walk to end our day.
Warwick Castle from Stratford Plateau – 14 April The weather wasn’t looking very promising when we met at Brooklands Road but after some discussion we decided to proceed with the tramp. We were so lucky, as the weather was much better on the Stratford side of the mountain. We set off from the Plateau and made good time around the gorge. The pace slowed considerably once we started to climb up the ski tow. After numerous stops to let everyone catch up we reached the old track which branches off to lead over to the col by Warwick Castle. It was blowing a gale on the ridge top so we didn’t linger around at the base of Warwick Castle. What a relief to get down into the shelter of the Organ Pipes and enjoy a relaxed lunch break in the sun. We followed the track across to Tahurangi Lodge and returned to the Plateau via the Round the Mountain Track. A nice easy walk at a leisurely pace to end a really good day’s tramping. - Isabel Walter
Te Rerepahupahu Falls, Waitaanga Forest.
Ten Stratford Tramping Club members joined twelve NPTC members to climb German Hill and explore some of the surrounding farmland. Our guides for the day were Catherine and Gary Broadmore who farm the adjacent property. Starting from the northern Hill Rd entrance we followed the track up German Hill stopping on the way to enjoy the views from this well-known landmark. Once on top we had a good look around before taking the track on the south side of the hill down to the road and onto Broadmore’s farm. Morning-tea stop was on the banks of the Kaiauai Stream on Alistair Jordan’s property. We had a gradual climb up through a number of paddocks until we reached the park boundary which we followed around until we came out on Maude Road. A short road walk brought us down to Broadmore’s new home, built to get wonderful views out to the north and east. The man-made lake we passed on our way back made a very good photo stop. There are some very attractive areas of bush on these farms which have been fenced off. We also noted a large rata tree in flower up near the park boundary. A great day for this very interesting tramp. Many thanks to Catherine and Gary for coming with us and to Alistair Jordan for letting us climb German Hill.
It seemed ages since Velda, David and I had done the recce – back in November. Fifty-six people travelled in convoy up Kent Road and parked in the paddock next to the Korito Domain – it was here the old Korito School stood. We walked right round the southern boundary of the Jane property. No sign of drought here. Some Taranaki farmers are desperate for rain - and in other parts of the country! Here the paddocks had been seeded and lush grass was well up and already grazed. We sat atop the highest part of the farm and had morning tea in the sun. Views could have been better but it was a dull, old day down in New Plymouth. Off the hill and over to the road and up to Michael Lawley’s operation. Ken welcomed us and it was a quiet, fascinated group of people listening to how old smart-drive units were built into machines and sent around the world to generate electricity. This is a unique solar-, hydro- and wind-powered property running a house, workshops and backpacker’s very efficiently! Ken is Canadian and has worked here for some years. Susan, a visitor, was happy to meet up with him again. She had walked Devon St with him in the Multi-Ethnic Festival behind the maple leaf flag! We left the property by the boardwalk through the bush around the lake – the wind turbines definitely on ‘fast spin’. Up the road and round a couple of corners – hello – half our party was missing. Ken had caught up with them at the water wheel and was giving them more information. After lunch it was downhill through the Herbert property and up a rough, steep race to the new cowshed. We had to prise a few interested folk out of there, and then it was over to the Scout Rd forest – overgrown at this time of the year with blackberries. Another break and then another short, sharp hill up Scout Rd to Kent Rd again - this is where the Post Office and store were - and then back to the cars. I’m indebted to Velda and David and the locals for making this tramp possible. Thanks to a great lot of people for coming.
We were welcomed by Kiri Elworthy our hostess. With time to spare, several of us went for a 40 minute walk over the track we were to start on the next day. At about 6.00 pm James Elworthy gave us an interesting talk about the total walk and answered questions. Each of us got a very detailed map with lots of information on it and also a route description for each day with suggestions for side tracks to high points with great vistas. At 7.00 pm we had a very tasty dinner, prepared by our hosts, enhanced by our ladies, and enjoyed by all of us. Day One on the Trek - Whakapata to the Cookhouse. Day two on the Trek. - Cookhouse to Shearers’ Quarters. Day Three on the Trek – Shearers’ Quarters to Whakapata. Many thanks to: Hugh Alexander for planning and organizing this trip, for seeing us off, and welcoming us back; and to Charles Le Breton for driving us for over 850km without a scratch. The intrepid trampers were: - Frank van Kuyk
Fourteen of us, including a visitor from Frankfurt in Germany, set out from North Egmont in ideal tramping conditions, and were soon at the point just below Tahurangi Trig for a short break to remove jerseys etc. Next stop was morning tea at Jacobs Ladder then it was up and around the mountain, pausing now and again for the views. The summit looked only an arm's length away, and we wondered if Derek was up there again on his way to another record (I found out later that he was – his 435th summit). We reached the boomerang slip at 11.00 am and carefully picked our way to the bottom, being especially careful not to dislodge any rocks and send them crashing on to those below. It's quite a long way down there but the sight of hundreds of square metres of an orange, ochre swamp oozing out of the cliff base is worth the effort. There is also a huge variety of mosses and lichens to admire, and several people commented on them. There was a cool breeze down there however and it felt as though it might rain, so it wasn't long before we began the long haul back up again, little souvenir bags of ochre safely tucked away. The rain came to naught though, and after lunch we retraced our steps to the road end in good time, and were all back in town by 2.45 pm after a most enjoyable day. Thanks once again to Malcolm for being contact, and to Adrienne, Megan, Geoff, Claire, Sue, Christine, Warren, John, two Alans, Thelma, Dave and visitor Sven Schad for coming along. - Ian Gregory
In the trips programme I had not put in a date to book in for the tramp so had to be prepared for any extra people who turned up at Brooklands Road. We left for the tramp knowing we had ten members so I took Murray Duke and Karen Griffiths in my car to Mt Messenger to walk through to Kiwi Road while Allison Wilkins carried seven others to Kiwi Road to come through to Mt Messenger. We all looked forward to the day, which was an absolutely perfect one for tramping. The bush is looking really healthy with very few signs of vermin. Because the undergrowth is springing away so much the markers were hard to find several times. After approximately 2 ½ hours we met up with Isabel Walter’s party coming the other way. With six women in this group we could hear them coming from a fair distance. We gathered around in a lovely spot for lunch, exchanged our great wealth of knowledge and enjoyed many laughs. i promised my group we would arrive at the van at 2.30 pm; we did exactly that, much to my satisfaction. We then drove back to Mt Messenger and after a short time Isabel’s group emerged from the bush. Her team had to search out the markers as well so this had delayed them 10-15 minutes. On this perfect day those trampers not mentioned already were Frank van Kuyk, Lynn Miller, Christine Feigler, Megan Woodhead and Lesley Parsons. Thanks to Allison for the use of her van and Isabel for leading her team.
Things were a bit wet underfoot as the five of us made our way up Ihaia Track but after arriving at Waiaua Gorge Hut we were able to enjoy clear views. It was down the ladder and across the stream before starting the long haul up past Brames Falls. Stopped for lunch at the base of the bluff (Mangahume?) after a steep climb out of the bush. Could hear running water at this point but couldn’t see any – may have been Brames Falls. The forecast southerly hadn’t arrived but after crossing a few gorges we had a quick switch from warm to cold with the arrival of cloud. Things remained clear after passing Lake Dive, with light snow or ice visible around the top of Fanthams Peak continuing up to the summit. Being shaded up top it looked super cold. Got safely down the steps with Derek Andrews, Carol Stewart, Anne Brough and Peter Cotterill completing a fairly cruisy tramp in a little over eight hours. - Denis Goodwin
Firstly I must thank Ian Gregory for doing the hard yards for me at Brooklands Road and returning the radios etc. There were 35 trampers at Brooklands Rd and when I met them at Inglewood with six more, the total was 41 walkers. The weather was one out of the box, and we had wonderful views as we walked around the ridge tops. Our mountain was a picture as well as Ruapehu, Mt Humphries, and the Tarata District below us. We arrived back at our cars four-and-a-half hours later, after a good workout. Thank you all for coming along, and a special thanks to my backstop Alan Chapman; I couldn’t have done it without your help with the gates and the radios. A great day’s tramping. - Velda Fabish
9.00 am. Whakapapa – coffee and toast in the cafe, then the tramp started. Who came? Nobody; 400 members and nobody. So I walked between the giants by myself. It was magic. Ruapehu on one side, Ngauruhoe on the other. It was a gloomy day with no wind, as cold as hell and just a wee bit eerie. Lunch and five hours later I reached Waihohonu Hut beside which a brand new one is being built. That’s where my $25.00 a night hut fees were going. Seven or eight others turned up for a very cold, quiet night. All went well until the drive home and then my third accident happened. First, a quad bike flip in the Mangapurua Valley, second, I fell off a roof, and third, a huge moose-like stag ran into the side of my car coming down from the Chateau. It smashed the front passenger lights, front and door panels, and the bonnet, and shattered the windscreen. The stag rolled a few times, got to his feet, shook his head and limped back into the bush. So, you missed all the fun.
About halfway I parked my car for our return to New Plymouth, before transferring to the van to go up the Tokomaru East Rd on the high country ridges west of the lower Wanganui’s right bank. We set out on this un-maintained track through the former Peat Homestead property in the Tokomaru East Conservation Reserve. Its first section was a winding vehicle track leading gradually downhill to a valley that offered clear views of the Central Plateau mountains. We then proceeded along a worn, unmarked track through re-growth scrub. This passed alongside a stream the banks of which were overgrown with rank pasture, pampas and re-growth manuka. We were able to climb up and turn away from the stream on a benched track to take a ridge track through bush and manuka scrub that eventually brought us out on to high-level pastured flats with patches of bush hilltops on this former farm property.
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