This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 88, no 1, February 2016
Tararua Lodge Trip
New Year 2016, 29 December – 4 January
Another very successful trip based at our lodge on Ruapehu. While the forecast was not fantastic we were able to be out tramping every day. There was a fit group, more medium trips as well as shorter trips. A group went up Ngāuruhoe and two groups summited Tongariro by a variant route up the ridge behind Mangetepopo hut. This is an excellent alternative to a full Tongariro Crossing and avoids the crowds. Another highlight trip was to climb Hauhungatahi from Erua. On our last day the whole group visited a wonderful bush reserve near Ōwhango, Ohinetonga track, majestic old trees and whio spotted in the river at lunch time. New Years Eve was celebrated in great style with lots of dancing after a wonderful meal complete with very alcoholic trifle, thanks Marilyn, Bruce, John & Cheryl.
- Party members
- Carol Kelly (Leader and scribe) Marilyn & Bruce Richards, Tim Stone, Julia Fraser, Paul Jones, Lynne Pomare, Trisha French, Peter Barber, Mary Kane, David Castle, Jane-Pyar Mautner, Wayne Perkins, John Hill, Cheryl McDonald, Howard Symmes, Keith Huntington and Glenis Chapman