2576 - Round The Mountain Ruapehu, Easter 3-6 April 2015

Bundling into the cars in Hamilton our mixed group included 5 going Round-the-Mountain, and Selwyn, Dianne and Geoff heading up to The Lodge for a bit of painting and general maintenance. Georgia, Stephen, Sophie, Lesley T and David formed the intrepid band of trampers.  Arrival at Scoria flat saw the trampers don headlights and boots for the 90 minute walk into Whakapapaiti Hut, the nights’ lodging, and our first of the journey. Travelling by the light of the moon settled us into the trip.  A good nights’ sleep saw us back on the track and heading across the lava flows that define the bluffs and ridges facing west. The overcast sky hid the Taranaki, a treat for a future journey. The undulating traverse towards Mangaturuturu Hut passed by a glistening Lake Surprise, visible only when you swept true west over the penultimate ridge. The descent sweeping through islands of tussock shrubland. Crossing the Mangaturuturu river delivered us into the cosy setting of the Mangaturuturu Hut, resplendent with new veranda (at least since my last visit).

New acquaintances from the previous night and an adventurous family of 8 its erstwhile inhabitants. As we stoked the fire and managed the overly hot top bunkers’ complaints, the later arrivals streamed, in necessitating the relocation of furniture and provision of mattresses for those who'd arrived unprepared.

As the setting sun painted the western slopes we luxuriated in the solar powered LEDs. What's the world coming to!

Not much relief in the Saturday outlook and the grey sky clouded Mt Doom as we marched along the boardwalk towards Cascade falls. The sharp climb in dry blustery conditions provided sweeping backwards views. Lake "no" Surprise the oasis on the plateau above our nights’ abode.

Observing the steady flow of well and surprisingly poorly-clad (gym pants and light jackets) adventurers descending from the Ohakune road, we grabbed a quick snack break and pushed forward.

Waitonga falls marked our lunch spot and from there past Blyth Hut to our nights’ accommodation at Mangaehuehu Hut. Overflowing with variety, we shuffled around to get many accommodated, the last 2 arriving at dusk, having come from Waihohonu in one day. Far too much like hard work on a long weekend. The blood moon/lunar eclipse we hoped for obscured by a cloudy blanket.

Exiting the beech the next morning it was back on the lava, David trekking forward whilst the rest of us scrambled across the dwindling tundra. Georgia and Sophie candidates for National Geographic internships. Lesley providing useful tidbits on the surrounding fauna.

The Wahianoa gorge is always a great first time sight. Wasn't too bad on its’ second viewing either. Despite the 120m descent and subsequent ascent the party made good time, a lunch stop prior to the newly reinstalled bridge (stormy winter casualty is the rumour) popular. Swinging eastward, Lake Moawhango and the SH1 pylon stacks bisect the viewline. Nothing to detract from the panoramic vistas though. Reaching Rangipo Hut, cheekily tucked behind a lava terrace, we settled in. The now familiar co-circumnavigators augmented by a family group of 8 ranging from 3 to mature. Next morning's sunrise a spectacle the bulk of the hut scrambled to observe. Some, who'd midnight dragged mattresses deckwards, from the comfort of a warm sleeping bag.

Through the desert crafted slopes and Mangatotoanui stream, we observed the warnings of a lahar danger sign posted at the valley dip. We crossed the wire bridge and snacked above the gently flowing river.

Crossing Tukino road dropped us into a classic tussock valley which morphed into an alpine bonsai garden as we approached Ohinepango springs. Bravely everyone took up the challenge. A side trip to historic Waihohonu Hut revealed it also as an iconic ski resort, prior to the emergence of Whakapapa. A quick visit to the palatial, and current, Waihohonu Hut before we headed down the sedate path back towards SH1 and our transport home.

Scribe and Trip Leader Stephen