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The Tararua – a concise guide to the range’s history and nature
The Tararua Range isn’t just a mountain chain; it is the rugged soul of New Zealand’s outdoor heritage. As the birth-place of the country’s first tramping club in 1919, the peaks and valleys define a national pastime, transforming mist and mud into a celebrated pursuit of adventure. Today, the “Tararua slog” remains a rite of…
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Totara Flats via Waiohine Gorge Track: The Active Slip Warning
If you are planning a trip to Totara Flats Hut in the Tararua Range, you have likely seen the alert for the Waiohine Gorge Track. DOC notes that there is no longer access to pass above a large active slip about 1 km downstream from the flats. They claim that the only access past the…
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Welcome to the Land of Fire and Ice: Tongariro National Park
Centrally located in North Island, Tongariro National Park serves as an adventure hub for those seeking a landscape shaped by fire, ice, and ancient legend. As New Zealand’s first National Park and a UNESCO Dual World Heritage area, it offers a rare convergence of geological wonder and deep Māori spiritual heritage. A Land of Giants…
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Ngā Puna a Tama & Pukekaikiore in Tongariro National Park
When the Tongariro National Park map was updated recently, Tony noticed a new marking north of the Upper Tama Lakes track: Ngā Puna a Tama / The Springs of Tama. These springs are named after the Māori Chieftain Tamatea, captain of the Tākitimu canoe, who explored the area six centuries ago. Our goal for the…
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Climbing Paretetaitonga: A Winter Mission on Mt Ruapehu
Paretetaitonga (2,751 metres) is widely recognized as the second-highest peak on Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. It sits just below Tahurangi (2,797m). While Point 2,757 further south, known informally as Te Ātaahua, is technically higher, it is not officially recognised as one of Ruapehu’s peaks. The name Paretetaitonga translates to ‘a wall or parapet, on…
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Lake Colenso, Unknown Campsite & Elusive Ruahine Mountain Dolphins
A few years ago, I found myself trying to convince a friend that there was actually a place called “Unknown Campsite” in the Ruahine Range. “That’s not very helpful for finding it,” he replied. Much to his disbelief, I pulled out the topo map to show him that this mysterious backcountry spot does indeed exist.…
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Mangaweka & the Pegs of the Ruahine Range
An iron peg. A wooden peg. What’s next? A tent peg or a clothes peg? Sitting at 1,731m, Mangaweka is the highest peak in the Ruahine Range. Enticed by the summit and the curiously named peaks along the way, a group of friends and I planned a 3-day loop. If you are looking for a…
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Exploring the Best Waterfalls in Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is a dramatic landscape. Best known for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the park has many short walks to spectacular waterfalls. Using the Wellington Tramping & Mountaineering Club (WTMC) Lodge as a base was perfect for exploring both the well-known waterfalls and a few secret hidden gems. Iconic & Accessible Falls 1. TARANAKI fALLS…
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Climbing Te Ātaahua: Reaching the “Shark’s Tooth” on Mt Ruapehu
Identifying the Forgotten Highpoint: Point 2757 While Paretetaitonga is widely recognized as the second-highest peak on Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park, a higher point on the summit ridge often goes unnoticed. Located further south lies Point 2757, informally known as Te Ātaahua—meaning “the beauty.” To those looking up from the Turoa skifield, this sharp…
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Mt Taranaki East Ridge: A Summer Ascent Guide
The East Ridge of Mt Taranaki offers a classic summer alpine scramble starting from the Stratford Plateau. This route guide covers everything from crossing the Manganui suspension bridge to navigating the Shark’s Tooth. The perfect rock scramble for any reasonably fit and competent hiker this photo-story breaks down the ascent, essential gear, and the descent…
