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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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Sawtooth Ridge: More bark than bite?
The Sawtooth Ridge has long been whispered about in New Zealand tramping circles as the “Broken Axe Pinnacles on steroids”—a jagged, formidable spine in the Ruahine Range that demands both respect and steady nerves. Eager to see if the reality matched the intimidating reputation, Anne and I set off on a weekend mission that began…
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Protecting Whio | The Fight for Survival in the Ruahine Range
Protecting Whio | The Fight for Survival in the Ruahine Range A 3-day hike in the Ruahine Range rebaiting predator traps protecting the threatened whio (Blue Duck). The story describes the tireless efforts of dedicated conservationists to protect the birds, and includes a route guide and photos. If you want to save a species, it’s a…
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Top Gorge Hut – Ruahine Range
Top Gorge Hut – Ruahine Range A two-day hike to the seldom visited Top Gorge Hut in the Ruahine Range, including a route map. Top Gorge Hut is right in the middle of the Ruahine Range and doesn’t get many visitors because it’s not really on the route to anywhere in particular. Anne was very…
