Wednesday 16th Feb 24.3 km 7hrs
Off along the unmarked but clear enough Waione - Cokers track. But I followed it closely via GPS and my detailed maps, because the maps showed a lot of other tracks too - mostly quite obscure anyway. DOC uses the track for pest control / kiwi conservation and amazingly appear to take 4 wheeler bikes along it - parts of it are really rugged for anything other than walking.
Across the rushing Mangatepopo Stream just before it reaches the Whanganui River, then on through the forest. The last section was supposed to be in better condition, but that was where the real mud pools turned up. Then onto sealed roads, via SH47 and SH46 to the busy metropolis of the Ketetahi Rd carpark - for most people this is where their Tongariror Crossing ends.
After 5 days without Hazel, my faithful support crew, we both arrived at the carpark at the same time
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Into the Tongariro Forest
Tuesday 15th Feb 39.4 km 9 hrs
From the Taumarunui Holiday Park down SH4 to Owhango, then onto the second half (in reverse) of the 42nd Traverse - a popular mountain biking route that goes from one side of the Tongariro Forest to the other.The route meanders around, up and down, and through some (cycling) steep stream crossings. Eventually reached my target for the day - Waione Stream, with a good campsite nearby.
From the Taumarunui Holiday Park down SH4 to Owhango, then onto the second half (in reverse) of the 42nd Traverse - a popular mountain biking route that goes from one side of the Tongariro Forest to the other.The route meanders around, up and down, and through some (cycling) steep stream crossings. Eventually reached my target for the day - Waione Stream, with a good campsite nearby.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Taumarunui
Monday Feb 14th 36km 5.75 hrs
Road walk from end of Mangakahu Valley, through two well populated horse paddocks, then via minor roads in lovely rolling hills into the top of Taumarunui. Stop for lunch, then on to the holiday park at Manunui. Feet a bit tired - Must go slower on roads when carrying a full pack
Road walk from end of Mangakahu Valley, through two well populated horse paddocks, then via minor roads in lovely rolling hills into the top of Taumarunui. Stop for lunch, then on to the holiday park at Manunui. Feet a bit tired - Must go slower on roads when carrying a full pack
Hauhungaroas
Sun 13th Feb 6.25 hrs 14 kms
Followed the Waihaha Stream a short way, disturbing a couple of pigs nearby in the forest in the process - neither of us really keen to meet each other. Then a good climb up onto the Hauhungaroa Range , reaching the Hauhungaroa Hut earlier than expected after 3 hrs. The hut booked notes 7 TA people this year plus a resident mouse. Stopped at the old Motere trig for lunch, then a slow descent (rough and muddy track) down into the Mangakahu Valley. Explored for a campsite - success, with ripe blackberries for good measure
Followed the Waihaha Stream a short way, disturbing a couple of pigs nearby in the forest in the process - neither of us really keen to meet each other. Then a good climb up onto the Hauhungaroa Range , reaching the Hauhungaroa Hut earlier than expected after 3 hrs. The hut booked notes 7 TA people this year plus a resident mouse. Stopped at the old Motere trig for lunch, then a slow descent (rough and muddy track) down into the Mangakahu Valley. Explored for a campsite - success, with ripe blackberries for good measure
Bog Inn Hut southwards
Saturday 12th Feb 8.5 hrs 21.1 kms
Started off with some brilliant GPS and compass navigation around The Bog where the map said the track was. Then found the real track and deliberately followed it back to the hut. Just a reminder how maps and reality can differ.
Then set off again on the real track for the Weraroa high point, then on southwards to Waihaha Hut (7.25 hrs) Still mid afternoon, so continued on upstream to super camping spot near the junction with the Te Awaiti Stream. Hunters went by carrying a pig they had shot
Started off with some brilliant GPS and compass navigation around The Bog where the map said the track was. Then found the real track and deliberately followed it back to the hut. Just a reminder how maps and reality can differ.
Then set off again on the real track for the Weraroa high point, then on southwards to Waihaha Hut (7.25 hrs) Still mid afternoon, so continued on upstream to super camping spot near the junction with the Te Awaiti Stream. Hunters went by carrying a pig they had shot
Mt Pureora to Bog Inn Hut
Friday 11th Feb 4.5 hrs 13km
From the Barryville / Link Rd corner headed up Link Rd, initially too far to Quarry Rd. Backtracked and then climbed up along Toitoi track to the summit, now in light drizzle with no view - keep that for another day. The descent was initially steep and recently washed out, but soon reverted to a comfortable undulating forest path. Arrived at the little hut just as it started to rain. This year 6 other Te Araroa walkers have been in the hut already.
From the Barryville / Link Rd corner headed up Link Rd, initially too far to Quarry Rd. Backtracked and then climbed up along Toitoi track to the summit, now in light drizzle with no view - keep that for another day. The descent was initially steep and recently washed out, but soon reverted to a comfortable undulating forest path. Arrived at the little hut just as it started to rain. This year 6 other Te Araroa walkers have been in the hut already.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Plans for 2011
I am planning on resuming my Te Araroa travels on Friday February 11th, starting from the north end of the Pureora Forest where I left off last April. That day then was a clear sunny day with Mt Pureora just looking so enticing. Some serious walking ahead, but I am keen to get going.
I will be updating my blog, but because a number of sections involve several days away from computer / internet, this will be less frequent than in the past. The first update will not happen before about Monday, or possibly even Wednesday.
I will be updating my blog, but because a number of sections involve several days away from computer / internet, this will be less frequent than in the past. The first update will not happen before about Monday, or possibly even Wednesday.
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