Trip Reports

Anzac Weekend, Tongariro Area   —   25th-28th April 2002

Written by Bruce

When planning a trip the major unknown is the weather. Occasionally the weather does not perform in any shape, or form, and this was one of those occasions. It drizzled and rained for three days out of four. It is usually possible to do something and here is what we managed to do.

Thursday

We took a morning walk around Lake Rotuponamu in dreary light rain. This circuit walk is always spectacular through the unlogged native forest. The mist on this day reminded many of us of those beautiful lakes on the South Island’s west coast. We spent the afternoon on the Tongariro Walkway in very overcast weather.

Friday

One group did a morning’s walk up the end of Kiko Road, whilst another group visited the trout hatchery. In the afternoon, the rain really began to bucket down.

Saturday

A group of nine decided that they were going to do the Tongariro Crossing and damn the weather! The afternoon provided the only partial clearence of the whole time. Seven of the group decided to call it quits and went home. Maureen, Bruce, Dennis, and Kathy spent their day in the Tree Trunk Gorge area of the Kaimanawas.

Sunday

Today’s trip was up the Waihaha River in the Pureora Forest Park. The call of the many bellbirds in this area was quite amazing. Most of the group tramped in for about ninety minutes before retracing their steps, as they wanted to be home in reasonable time. Maureen, Bruce, and Roseanne continued for a further hour to the Waihaha Hut, before retracing their steps back to the car, arriving at 3.30pm.

The consensus appeared to be that it had been a good break, in spite of the weather. From the angle of the organiser, it was disappointing not being able to carry out the proposed plan. The mountains are spectacular in nice weather. When it is “clagged in” the whole time, they are not! We shall try again.