Vivien Paterson
But that wasn’t to last.
Halfway along the road to Ohakune, we drove through rain and mist. Near the top of the Turoa Road, at 1500m, there was fresh snow on the ground. We put on every item of storm gear, fumbling with frozen fingers in the freezing wind and drizzle.
Once we were out of the wind we scrambled safely down to the waterfall.
Mangatururu Hut was only one and a half hours away across a valley and down a waterfall.
Pierre eagerly lit the fire for a cosy, warm afternoon in the hut, while three ladies chose to pitch tents and were soon relaxing in their campsites.
This comfortable hut was built by the Wanganui Tramping Club and was fitted out with solar-powered lights. A collection of books kept some of us entertained, although I had to use my imagination with mind because random pages were missing, I presume used to light fires.
The cloud cleared in the afternoon and we had a lovely view of the mountain.
We woke to sunshine and heavy frost in the morning. Five of us set off as the “first party”, while the other five took things easy and filled in the day enjoying the views.
Lake Surprise [see cover photo] had nice reflections of Ruapehu, and Mt Taranaki looked majestic in the distance.
The track sidles around the western slopes of the mountain at around 1400 metres, which probably makes the tramp seem easier than it was. We did get a bit weary of the many ups and downs, and the hut seemed to keep getting further away. Just one more hill …
It took six to nine hours to get there, depending on whether you were in the tramping or the tourist party.
The fire in Whakapapaiti Hut that night was welcoming, and only Eileen chose to pitch a tent.
We had the company of two English trampers, the only other people in the hut, which was surprising for Labour Weekend.
Heading off in the morning, one of our party, who hadn’t enjoyed the ups, started heading uphill instead of down the track. “Oh, I thought this track only goes uphill.”
Some river crossings and lots of boardwalks made this an easy and enjoyable tramp of two and half hours back to the bus at Whakapapa.
A lovely three-day tramp with wonderful company.
Annika Werner
After we arrived at one am on Saturday morning, we had a little sleep in until 7.30 am, when we checked in with DOC about the weather forecast. They weren’t too sure if the out party could make it past the first river crossing, and though the weather on the Whakapapa side of the mountain looked rather nice, the Ohakune side was still wet and a bit nippy.
So those of us in the bus party walked the out party to the first river crossing to make sure they made it safely (they did). Then we went back to the bus and enjoyed our first stunning views of Ruapehu peeking out from behind the clouds.
We wrapped up the day with a sunny walk to Silica Springs. Pete took good care of us newbie members and clarified the standards for us. (“We’re not the South Shore tramping club, we brush our teeth.”)
The next morning started with glorious views of Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. A merry tramping party grabbed a coffee on the way, and after twenties minutes on the track to the Tama lakes, and even Taranaki showed up on the horizon. We just made it to the Upper Tama Lakes for a lunch break, with a view before was Ngauruhoe covered in clouds again.
The last and final morning meant a quick trip up to the ski village, and surprise! Almost no snow left up there. Was winter really over?
A quick walk up the ridge revealed another stunning view of Ngauruhoe.
We hurried down the mountain to pick up the out party, which had already enjoyed a hot shower in the camp, and headed back to Auckland.
What a good start for the hiking season!